This comprehensive guide to Italian cinema focuses on cinema as an art form, and the key role played by the director. Bondanella's (W. European studies, Indiana U.) firsthand knowledge of the Italian language and culture a level of knowledge unavailable to most American film critics/writers provides students and aficionados of Italian cinema with in-depth insights. This third edition includes a revision of the 11 chapters of the second edition, plus the addition of a new chapter, "Italian Cinema Enters the Third Millenium." The bibliography has been updated, and a brief listing of Internet sites added for searching for videocassettes and DVDs of Italian films. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)