Customer Reviews

The Films of John Carpenter

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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.

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.

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.

I ordered this book after buying and enjoying three others by this author and found this one to be another excellent addition to my library. This book contains detailed information on each of Mr. Carpenter's films including a synopsis,list of cast and crew,critical reception for each film and a section with the author's commentary. This book is extremely well written and a very enjoyable read. I find myself looking through it often and it has led me to pick up some of John Carpenter's movies to add to my collection.

For anyone who is a John Carpenter fan or a horror fan this is one book they should not be without and for the casual movie fan they would enjoy adding this book to their library.

The other books I have by John Kenneth Muir are: Horror films of the 1970's, Wes Craven: the Art of Horror and Eaten Alive at a Chainsaw Massacre: the films of Tobe Hooper. These are all excellent books and I highly recommend them to horror fans and movie fans alike. I am currently awaiting the release of his next book: The Unseen Force: the Films of Sam Raimi as I know it will be another excellent addition to my library.

I was rather dissappointed reading this book.Altough It provides interesting insight to the historical aspects of Carpenter's work it lacks indepth analysis when attempting to comment on the films.I understand there's a well meaning effort here to address the average viewer and that is done successfuly,giving Carpenter the status he deserves,but to me Carpenter's movies are a lot more than that and some suggestions regarding some screenplay details seem to loose the point completely.

this is one of the worst books i've ever bought. if you have ever read Fangoria magazine you would have gotten better pictures and more information on mr. carpenter. how can a book like this not go into detail about carpenters famous movie scores! the book is not complete for they don't even mention the made for tv movie ELVIS he made with kurt russell.better information could be obtained from dvd production notes.somebody please write a fitting tribute to a great director.