The Haunted Cinema of Pedro Costa

Revealing the legacy of a visionary pioneer, the work delves into how Joseph Boggs Beale's 2,000 magic lantern slides once captivated millions, pioneering narrative techniques later seen on American screens. Archival treasures and over 500 vibrant images revive a pre-film era of storytelling. For over three decades, Portuguese director Pedro Costa has been widely admired for his unusual and innovative body of work, which has earned accolades and wide acclaim. The Haunted Cinema of Pedro Costa is the most complete treatment of his work, exploring Costa's feature films from Blood to Vitalina Varela, and from the documentaries to the short films, museum exhibitions, and the forthcoming Daughters of Fire. Authors James Naremore and Darlene J. Sadlier situate Costa within the history and culture of Portugal, at the same time providing insightful close readings and stylistic analysis of the films. Their work explores the unusual features of his artistry and illuminates his unique contribution to cinema. An accessible portrait of an important artist, The Haunted Cinema of Pedro Costa is an indispensable companion for scholars, students, and cinephiles everywhere.