Customer Reviews

The Film Encyclopedia 6e: The Complete Guide to Film and the Film Industry

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a dream come true. I had in my possession for many years, the previous Film Encyclopedia, and enjoyed using it as my reference book so much that it was practically falling apart. Now, this updated version is up-to-date, lighter weight, because it is not a hardcover, and loaded with information about the people who contributed to film from the beginning up to the present. It is easy to carry around and use, and I just love it as my number one reference book. You will, too. It is a must for any film buff.
R.L.Delmonico, Corona del Mar, CA

The Film Encyclopedia has been the gold standard of reference works for brief biographies of persons prominent in the movie film industry, including listings of their credits. But the 2008 edition is not a full update of the 2005 edition. While credits have been updated for persons listed in the previous edition, and death dates for those who have died, the encyclopedia does not seem to have added biographies for young actors who have gained prominence in recent years. Among those not listed in the 2008 edition are Javier Bardem, Ellen Page, Jennifer Hudson, Marion Cotillard, Patrick Wilson, and Beyonce Knowles. This is a disappointment for those of us who would like to know something of their background and film performances.

I have bought every edition of this excellent film encylopaedia and have never found it wanting. It is the most thorough and excellent reference on everything to do with the movie world.

Everyone knows the Film Encyclopedia is the Bible about films, directors, actors etc. I have a much-thumbed copy that I believe is the 2007 Edition. I resent the fact that, unlike listings in years past, this one does not clearly specify the publication date. I want to buy the update when it is available, but I don't think this is it??

Keit Martin

I am trying to have each of next edition. For those who seriously interested in movies this book is necessary.

This is a great research tool. If your family watch old films, often there are questions.
This book is the ultimate source. We use ours often. It is a great value for the money.
C. K.

I keep this by the chair that I sit in most to watch TV. When I am watching an old movie and the players come up, I look up the ones that I don't know anything about. It's neat to learn about some of their experiences, and sometimes surprised at some of the tragic ends. Some were trained professionals, some just starting out needing a job or doing a friend a favor. Some started out as producers/directors in the silent era, then changed to acting in the talkies. I wish they had an even more updated version.

The only thing that I do not like about this is that some actors that I have seen are not listed; these people are seen time and time again in films.

My husband teaches an Introduction to Film class at a state University. He refers to this book often. It works for him!

The Film Encyclopedia, first compiled by the late Ephraim Katz and now revised by Ronald Dean Nolan, is simply the best available resource for the film industry worldwide. From directors, screenwriters and actors to specific topics about filmmaking, this is "The Source."

It is such a laborious effort to find stuff, like there are no category headings, like director, writer, producer, awards and other annotations