The Films of John Carpenter [Hardcover]

John Kenneth Muir (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786407255 | ISBN-13: 978-0786407255 | Publication Date: October 2001

The films of John Carpenter cover a tremendous range and yet all bear his clear personal stamp. From the horrifying (Halloween) to the touching (Starman) to the controversial (The Thing) to the comic (Big Trouble in Little China), his films reflect a unique approach to filmmaking and singular views of humanity and American culture.
This analysis of Carpenter's films includes a historical overview of his career, and in-depth entries on each of his films, from 1975's Dark Star to 1998's Vampires. Complete cast and production information is provided for each. The book also covers those films written and produced by Carpenter, such as Halloween II and Black Moon Rising, as well as Carpenter's work for television. Appendices are included on films Carpenter was offered but turned down, the slasher films that followed in the wake of the highly-successful Halloween, the actors and characters who make repeated appearances in Carpenter's films, and ratings for Carpenter's work. Notes, bibliography, and index are included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent...get this most enjoyable book" -- Hitch

"Informative and entertaining" -- ARBA

"Recommended" -- Choice --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Amateur filmmaker John Kenneth Muir is the author of Wes Craven: The Art of Horror (1998, $45) and Terror Television: American Series, 1970-1999 (2000, $75). He has also written several science fiction reference guides, including Exploring "Space: 1999" (1997, $36.50), An Analytical Guide to Television's "Battlestar Galactica" (1999, $39.95), A History and Critical Analysis of "Blake's 7" (2000, $38.50), and A Critical History of "Doctor Who" on Television (1999, $65). He lives in Monroe, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 275 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786407255
• ISBN-13: 978-0786407255
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,242,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Kenneth Muir is the award-winning author of over 20 books in the fields of film & television, with an accent on horror & sci-fi. John has been described as one of the horror genre's "most widely read critics" by Rue Morgue Magazine, and as an "accomplished film journalist" by Comic Buyer's Guide. His director books include profiles of John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Christopher Guest, Tobe Hooper, Mira Nair, Sam Raimi, and Kevin Smith. John has twice won a Booklist Editor's Choice citation (for Horror Films of the 1970s and Terror Television). John is also the creator of the award-nominated web series, The House Between, and in 2009 John's blog, Reflections on Film/TV was named one of the "top 1000" film study blogs on the Net. In 2010, John appears in the documentary Nightmares in Red, White and Blue.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, An Analysis of John Carpenter (And Worth the Wait!), June 1, 2000

By 

William Latham (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Films of John Carpenter (Hardcover)

It's been a long wait for an in-depth study of filmmaker John Carpenter, and John Kenneth Muir delivers and then some with this classy, extremely thought-provoking analysis of an unsung hero in modern filmmaking. Muir's description of Carpenter as auteur, a modern-day successor to Howard Hawks, provides a wholly satisfying perspective that opens up Carpenter's career to a much needed reevaluation. With in-depth and genuinely interesting commentary on all of Carpenter's films (including those films Carpenter has produced, written, and executive produced), Muir really shines in putting each film into the perspective of Carpenter's entire body of work. His analysis of Halloween is probably the finest thing you'll ever read about a film that has been analyzed for a generation by anyone writing about modern horror.

Strongly recommended not just for Carpenter buffs but for anyone really wanting to understand what it means to be an auteur and not just a director. While many film critiques take the reader through familiar paces on films to which he or she is already familiar, Muir adds much to his subject, adding luster to Carpenter's films (and all but compelling the reader to grab some popcorn and take a fresh ride through Carpenter's world).

As a John Carpenter fan for nearly a generation, John Muir's book only made this reader appreciate Carpenter more -- there's an accomplishment. A fine job, worthy of real estate in any film buff's book case, and not likely to be surpassed.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate John Carpenter Guide, June 20, 2001

By 

Shawn Hunt (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Films of John Carpenter (Hardcover)

Perhaps the greatest research and analysis of any filmmaker (let alone of Carpenter himself) I've had ever the joy of reading. Muir certainly gave me a completely different perspective of Carpenter's films. I actually found myself going back and re-watching scenes of his films I've watched a million times in a new light (After learning of Carpenter's motivations for "Escape From L.A." in this book, I went from seeing it as a so-so sequel, to terrific remake!). I can't reccomend it enough to anyone who, like myself, would call Carpenter their favorite director. His reviews and insights are both honest and insightful (his critique of the Carpenter produced "Halloween III", a guilty pleasure of mine, had me roaring with laughter). Don't balk at the price, it's absolutley worth it as it is packed full of fascinating information. If you-re a die hard Carpenter fan, you'll be missing out if you pass this up.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Erudite, engaging and enjoyable, June 15, 2000

By 

Eglasstik (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Films of John Carpenter (Hardcover)

Muir's comprehensive analysis of the works of John Carpenter moves even the dilettante to review them with a more appreciative perspective. Muir reveals interesting sociological and psychological themes within Carpenter's works that compel the reader to truly re-evaluate Carpenter's talent.

The book was obviously written by an author who "knows his stuff" and appreciates the full value of the subject matter. This is what makes reading this work enjoyable and entertaining. I recommend this book to any fan or critic of the works of John Carpenter.