The Cinema of Robert Zemeckis (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Kagan unlocks the mind behind the making of these diverse and groundbreaking hits--appraising each work's appeal while placing it in the context of Zemeckis's career.

About the Author

Norman Kagan, author of The Cinema of Oliver Stone, lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (May 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878332936
• ISBN-13: 978-0878332939
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #993,802 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Robert Zemeckis-Best Director vs. Norman Kagan-Worst Book, May 29, 2004

By	***moviemaker*** - See all my reviews

The cinema of Robert Zemeckis is simply AMAZING! People may knock him for making films that are both technically astute and successfully commercial but that is a subjective point of view. One thing no one can knock is that Robert Zemeckis can tell a great story!

As for the book by Norman Kagan, it is TERRBILE! I suspect Norman Kagan used the name Robert Zemeckis to sell more copies of the book. For when you actually read the book, like I did, Kagan spends more time telling us why Kagan thinks Zemeckis is a hack director and his films shallow. It just baffles the mind that someone would write a book only to try to discredit any talent the director might possess. Any insight we get into the technical aspects of Zemeckis's films are very superficial and actually have been taken from other sources. Kagan is more interested in Zemeckis's personal life and actually tries to psychoanalyze why Kagan thinks Zemeckis made the decision he did regarding each film. If this is serious research and critcal film studies, than it surely proves that some (not all) critics like Kagan, are fat, acne-ridden child-men who envy the seemingly easy success of others while they are condemned to write about it rather than make films themselves.

If you truly study Zemeckis you will realize that he had many commercial failures early in his career but more importantly he never gave up. Before Romancing the Stone, Zemeckis couldn't get arrested in Hollywood, afterwards, he was able to make Back to The Future. A film that you may say is dated, but is great example of the perfectly crafted script. The rest, as they say is history.

Seriously, if you want the best source of information on any Zemeckis film, watch the DVDs with Robert Zemeckis Director's Commentary ON. Zemeckis and his colleagues tell you exactly how they accomplished not only the technical aspects of his films, but how Zemeckis finds the truth to every story. You will discover the motivation behind his decisions and then see the result, right there in the film. I would even go so far as to say it's better than going to film school.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Publishers Weekly Review is Dead On!, September 30, 2003

By	Avilos (WI United States) - See all my reviews

Clearly the author of this book has contempt for the films of Robert Zemeckis. Then why the hell did he write the book! I am sure there are many others who would have at least written an an unbiased look at Zemeckis's films. Also there is alot inaccurate information and quotes from the particular films. It seems like the author was incorrectly remembering the films after seeing them many years before. He feels that because Bob is such a genius at the tech. of film making, then his films must be shallow and have no real meaning. I don't agree with this all. The signatures of Bob's films are that they are full of real heart and overflowing with ideas that make you think. If you are a fan of Robert Zemeckis or would like a fair look at his work, don't waste your money on this.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Part biography, part film study, June 13, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The Cinema Of Robert Zemeckis by Hollywood cinema historian and expert Norman Kagan, is an informed and informative survey and analysis of award-winning filmmaker Roger Zemeckis' life and his dazzling, memorable, and often pioneering works of cinematic excellence, including "Back to the Future", "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?", "Forrest Gump", and more. Part biography, part film study, The Cinema Of Robert Zemeckis is a truly fascinating work and especially recommended for fans of Zemeckis' cinema who want to learn more about the ideas and the man that crafted such enduring silver screen favorites.