Revised, updated, and expanded, here is the indispensable reference for passionate filmgoers. Each of the 1,000 entries on leading international actors, directors, and producers is a carefully considered, perceptive, often provocative essay. As a result, the book is a major work of film criticism of the most informative and entertaining kind.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
The latest edition of Thomson's guide contains 1000 entries on leading international directors, actors, and producers, living and dead, including 200 entries added since the publication of the second edition in 1981. A critic for Film Comment and Movieline, among other venues, Thomson balances often acidic critiques with brief biographical data, giving the reader an opportunity to pause for reflection. Coverage is relatively broad, ranging from Federico Fellini to James Coburn, thus giving the casual browser a feel for the breadth of cinema. A few significant personalities (e.g., James Spader) could have replaced others (e.g., Molly Ringwald) of lesser merit, but that is a quibble. Unique in size and scope, Thomson's work is a fitting companion to Halliwell's Filmgoer's and Video Viewer's Companion (HarperPerennial, 1993. 10th ed.). An excellent, highly recommended compact sourcebook for all film collections.
Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Inside Flap
Revised, updated, and expanded, here is the indispensable reference for passionate filmgoers. Each of the 1,000 entries on leading international actors, directors, and producers is a carefully considered, perceptive, often provocative essay. As a result, the book is a major work of film criticism of the most informative and entertaining kind.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An eccentric, beautifully written and fun book.,
This review is from: A Biographical Dictionary Of Film: Third Edition (Hardcover)
This book is not encyclopedic; personal favs like Donald Pleasence and John Carradine are omitted despite hundreds of credits. Thomson apparently wrote about just those who interested him. He expresses himself beautifully. He has a real gift for finding just the right words to convey his ideas. As always with critics, one remembers the opinions that seem loopy because he differs with everyone else. The revered directors like Kubrick he hates. The veteran actors I like he dismisses. His weird essays on comedians in which he treats being funny as of secondary importance. But he is always entertaining, and I found his attacks on some of my favorite actors (George Raft, Anthony Quinn) hilarious. Highly recommended.
16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best book ever written on film,
By Simon Morgan (Bridgend, Wales Wales) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Biographical Dictionary Of Film: Third Edition (Hardcover)
The author seems to me the greatest writer on film (and just about anything else that interests him). What makes Thomson so good is the style in which he writes is so succinct that even if (like me) at first you disagree, given time you soon come round to his opinion. Why? Because you realise he is a master - hes tough, independant, superbly knowledgable and educates you on what is GOOD and what isnt, based on admirable opinions of art and expression. More than anything this book is a wonderful education.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Maddening and Essential,
By
This review is from: Biographical Dictionary of Film (Paperback)
Thomson's gifts seem to elude many... No, this is not the foundation for a film library; it's a wholly biased supplement...)Thomson is first and foremost the densest writer about film out there; his economy is unparalleled, and it often takes two or three readings just to figure out how much he's saying in a single sentence. Most people won't agree with Thomson often, but that's the point: He's provocative, contrary, and dogmatic, the latter characteristics redeemed by his incisiveness. The challenge is to read him openly, consider his analyses fully, and form an opinion only then. It's easy to fault Thomson for his selectivity, and the lapses between editions of his Biographical Dictionary of Film. But that's akin to criticizing your favorite author for not writing enough books. Thomson should be treasured for what he does offer; the world of film criticism would be a far poorer place without him.
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