The first comprehensive collection of empirical research devoted to the social science of cinemaTop scholars from psychology, economics, sociology, business, and communications tackle key questions about the film experienceFrom a movie’s creation to the audience’s reaction to its eventual reception by critics and the box office, this book offers insights about all aspects of the movies based on cutting-edge researchEssays explore such topics as the specific factors that influence whether movies make money, win awards, or flop; how our personality impacts on our viewing preferences; issues of gender inequity on screen; the relationship between visual perception and the way movies are edited; and many more