This is an indispensable work for the film lover, student, teacher and professional. The moving picture has changed the way we learn, the way we think about the world, about ourselves, and most profoundly perhaps the way we think. "The Essential List..." distills tens of thousands of motion picture titles into a core from which the greatest achievements of cinema are readily available. Supported by numerous rare and even unique stills, "The Essential List..." reminds us of the finest performances, direction, cinematography, writing, editing, design and film technology the medium is capable of producing. It can open the door to a lifetime of study and enjoyment.