Introducing Film Stars, an exciting new series from BFI Publishing

Stars of the screen: their careers, triumphs, disasters and lasting legacy

Our obsession with celebrity shows no sign of slowing down. For decades, screen icons have captured the
public imagination, fascinating us with their beauty, glamour, lavish lifestyles, scandals and successes –
and, of course, their unforgettable performances.

Elizabeth Taylor and Nicole Kidman are the first titles in the brand new Film Stars series from BFI
Publishing. Each title shines a spotlight on an international screen legend, exploring their life, career,
methods, and cultural legacy. This unique series offers diverse perspectives, bringing together historical
and contemporary views with a study of modern celebrity.

Elizabeth Taylor was undeniably one of the 20th century’s greatest film stars. In a career spanning six
decades, she made more than fifty films, won numerous awards, and collaborated with greats including
Marlon Brando, Spencer Tracy, and Vincente Minnelli. She left an indelible mark on global cinema, from
her child-star beginnings to her ‘screen siren’ status and many memorable performances; yet these
achievements have often been overshadowed by media storms surrounding her tumultuous personal life.
In this book, Susan Smith takes an in-depth look at Taylor’s life and career, considering her distinctive
performance style, the roles that made her name, her changing image, creative collaborations, the
complex interplay of her on- and off-screen personae, and the legacy she left behind.

Nicole Kidman is more than a star; she is a global celebrity whose fame spans film, TV, theatre, music,
fashion, luxury brands, newspapers, magazines, biographies and the internet. Her thirty-year career is
studded with hits and acclaim, including To Die For (1995), Moulin Rouge! (2003), The Others (2001), The
Hours (2002) and Cold Mountain (2006), but also controversial film choices. This new book by Pam Cook
explores Kidman’s ‘personal brand’, image, story and lasting contribution to modern culture, as well as
tensions between her Australian roots and international superstar status. A chronological approach
outlines her career trajectory and examines key films and performances in context to evaluate her lasting
contribution to modern culture.

Star Studies: A Critical Guide is both a fascinating introduction to the study of cinema’s greats and an
ideal companion to the other Film Stars titles. Its critical overview of important contributions by leading
scholars tracks the evolution of this important field and establishes new directions for its future.
Publishing in 2013 are books on Brigitte Bardot, Carmen Miranda, Sabu and
Mickey Rourke.