Think sequels are just lazy cash grabs? Think again. This groundbreaking book transforms your understanding of film sequels, revealing them as sophisticated narrative tools that have evolved from cinematic afterthoughts to complex storytelling vehicles that shape how we experience cinema across cultures and time.
Far from being mere corporate exercises in profit-making, sequels have emerged as a central dynamic of Hollywood cinema and are increasingly finding their way into world cinemas and independent film festivals. This comprehensive volume traces the sequel's journey from early cinema to the twenty-first century, showing how these films serve as vehicles for cross-cultural dialogue and structures through which memories and cultural narratives can be circulated across geographical and historical boundaries.
What makes this work truly unique is its examination of sequels beyond the typical Hollywood blockbuster. The author explores how the sequel phenomenon operates across different cultural contexts, examining non-Hollywood sequels, art-house and 'indie' follow-ups, and the fascinating interplay between the domestic market and sequel production. You'll discover how video game industry practices have influenced Hollywood's approach to sequels, creating a complex web of creative and commercial motivations.
Perfect for film students, critics, and scholars, this book provides the first comprehensive study of film sequels in world cinemas and independent filmmaking. It situates the sequel within its industrial, cultural, theoretical, and global contexts, offering fresh insights that will change how you think about cinematic storytelling. Whether you're analyzing franchise blockbusters or examining how international cinema approaches narrative continuation, this volume offers essential perspectives on one of cinema's most misunderstood yet fascinating storytelling forms.
