Monte Hellman: His Life and Films [Paperback]

Brad Stevens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2003

"I just did it, and I probably made more mistakes than the average person who makes a first film. I didn’t really have any help, and I wouldn’t take any help. I had to do it on my own. Once I made my first film I considered myself a film-maker. I lost all interest in the theater and never went back"—Monte Hellman

In 1970, an LA Times headline described Monte Hellman as "Hollywood’s best kept secret". More than thirty years later, Hellman and his work are still secrets, his genius recognized only by a small but passionate group of admirers. This book is both a biography of Hellman and a critical study of his films, which include The Shooting, Two-Lane Blacktop and Ride in the Whirlwind. It also covers films to which Hellman has contributed as an editor, actor and producer, as well as those on which he has worked, in various capacities, without onscreen credit, such as Shatter and Robocop. Attention is focused on the hallmarks of Hellman’s work, including his dominant themes and obsessive characters, and all the films are subjected to close stylistic analysis.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brad Stevens has contributed to many film magazines, and is the author of Abel Ferrara: The Moral Vision. He lives in England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (March 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786414340
• ISBN-13: 978-0786414345
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,053,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Vital Book, August 13, 2004

By 

Franck Moore (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Monte Hellman: His Life and Films (Paperback)

Monte Hellman has made some of the most elegant and deep films of the history of American Cinema, like the overwhelming "Two-Lane Blacktop". Brad Stevens 's book pays the vital homage this under-evaluated body of work truly deserves. A pioneer book, well-informed, cristal-clear, as fascinating and sensitive as its object.