Customer Reviews

A Splurch in the Kisser: The Movies of Blake Edwards (Wesleyan Film)

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

 

 

Of all the filmmaker studies I've read (and I've read my fair share) very few come close to A Splurch in the Kisser's complete understanding of its subject. Wasson is a great critic. He takes a hard look at Blake Edwards from all sides - technical, personal, cultural, historical, and even metaphysical - and in so doing sheds new light on a filmmaker that Wasson argues (and I agree) hasn't gotten his due.

Wasson's emphasis is at times more analytical than I would have liked (his descriptions of shots and scenes can go on a little too long), but his prose is never dull, nor is it impersonal or jargony - sometimes it's even funny, which is rare for a book of this kind.

Overall this is a smart, surprisingly fun look at an astoundingly long and dynamic Hollywood career. Splurch is as charming as it is insightful.

i tip my hat to Sam Wasson, who has written a comprehensive, copiously researched rich encyclopedia for film historians while deftly weaving his reservoir of facts and faces which is also so appealing for film buffs. Wasson uncovers unknown stories that describe the little known stories behind each movie. We learn about the historical significance of blake edwards and his brand of comedy while getting to know the intimate inside stories of the men and women in front and behind the camera. We learn why we love the movies from A-Z while we learn the same about the players. Mr. Wasson's original and generous style of storytelling and teaching is formidable and fun. Splurch in the Kisser would be quite a feat for a seasoned author, let alone a first time author. I have pre-ordered his second book, Fifth Avenue, 5AM and cant wait.

This book is so well written and entertaining. Anyone who loves movies will love this book. Blake Edwards is such an interesting character and had such an interesting career. I highly recommend this engaging book.

This is an interesting book of the movies of Blake Edwards. A huge fan it is interesting the details that emerge from this book, not of his life but his work. I am still in the middle of reading it and find it very interesting indeed. Btw this book arrived in perfect condition.

Wasson is truly an unmatched film expert and critic however unless you want an academic look at a complciated film maker you might find this a little tedious. Mr Wasson is at his best in 5TH AVE analyzing not only the history of a single movie (BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S) but all the side bar ramifications of the film on film production and societal habits and expectations. Best of all go to one of Mr Wasson's talks. His passion for film creation and production is palatable .. and fun.