Cinema is a powerful cultural medium, both reflecting and influencing society. The role of British cinema has been controversial--sometimes derided, but also vigorously celebrated, especially for specific films and film-makers. In this Very Short Introduction, Charles Barr considers cinema in Britain against the backdrop of changing artistic, socio-political, and industrial climates up to the present day. He traces how British cinema has developed its own unique path, and has been admired for its innovative approaches and distinctive artistic language--back cover.