John Carpenter (Pocket Essential series) (Paperback)

by Michelle Le Blanc (Author), Colin Odell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Pocket Essentials is a dynamic series of books that are concise, lively, and easy to read. Packed with facts as well as expert opinions, each book has all the key information you need to know about such popular topics as film, television, cult fiction, history, and more. John Carpenter has been setting trends and exciting audiences for a quarter of a century. His first two features were a double-whammy virtually unparalleled in modern cinema—the urban re-working of Rio Bravo, Assault on Precinct 13, followed by the first and defining slasher movie, Halloween. Since then Carpenter has worked with low and big budgets, directed stars and unknowns, and enjoyed commercial success and suffered critical failure. But he has consistently produced a stream of entertaining, unpretentious movies some of which—particularly Escape from New York and The Thing—are now regarded as modern classics. In their Pocket Essential to John Carpenter, Michelle le Blanc and Colin Odell examine and analyze every film by this prolific director.

From the Publisher
Pocket Essentials is a dynamic series of books that are short, snappy, and easy to read. Packed with facts as well as opinions, each book has all the key information you need to know about such popular topics as film, television, cult fiction, politics, and more. In addition to an introduction to the subject, each topic is individually analyzed and reviewed, examining its impact on popular culture or history. There¹s also a reference section that lists related web sites and weightier (and more expensive) books on the subject. For media buffs and students, these are great entry-level books that build into an essential library.

Product Details

• Paperback: 78 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Essentials (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903047374
• ISBN-13: 978-1903047378
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,520,888 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine pocket-sized Carpenter reference...and it's fun, January 28, 2002

By	Wes Saylors Jr. (Boone, North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There is precious little out there between two covers about John Carpenter. This edition (from the pocket essentials series) is a concise and enthusiastic overall reference for the Carpenter fan or the would-be fan. My one caveat would be that perhaps the authors are a little blind when it comes to some of the movies where Carpenter had less than absolute control (the big studio productions). It really isn't enough to say that Memoirs of an Invisible Man was better than most Hollywood fare (because it wasn't), or to forgive Prince of Darkness by calling it a noble attempt at cerebral horror (because it isn't). But these are informed opinions and they provide food for thought. And that is really the best thing about this book -- it's smart and enthusiastic and it talks about my favorite director. And it made me think.

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid look at a great genre talent., December 6, 2003

By	Chadwick H. Saxelid "Bookworm" (Concord, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This Pocket Essentials entry looks at the career of John Carpenter, following him from his impressive debut with Dark Star all the way to Ghosts of Mars (which is only mentioned as a nearly finished production). With very little written about the man out there, this book should be considered essential for any Carpenter fan. The autuer argument is solidly made and hard to disagree with. The pluses/minuses criticism of each film is mostly fair, although a tad overboard in the enthusiasm department - but who can blame them. This is Carpenter they are talking about! As far as I am concerned, the man can still deliver a solid retro b-movie. Recommended, but it might leave you wishing for an even more in depth and photo illustrated Carpenter film study to read.