Robert Altman: Jumping Off the Cliff Review

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Robert Altman: Jumping Off the Cliff ReviewPatrick McGilligan's thoroughly detailed biography of Robert Atlman is nothing short of one of the greatest film books of all time. McGilligan's style is exhaustive, yet easy to read, covering all the bases of Altman the man, his life and his films.
Even though it is apparent that McGilligan is a huge fan of Altman's work, he never writes with a bias. His analysis is totally fair and balanced, pointing out the both the failures and successes of both Altman the person and his films. By the end of the book, you really feel you have gotten to know the great filmmaker and have been along for the ride on all of his many exploits.
The only problem with the book is that it was published in 1989, and hasn't been updated since. While Altman's first golden period (the 1970s) is obviously well covered, we are deprived on McGilligan's analysis of Altman's second golden age (1992's "The Player" up to the present). After re-reading this book recently, I was left with a nagging desire to read McGilligan's take on Altman's career in the last 15 years. His thoughts on the twin triumphs of "The Player" and "Short Cuts," or on "Pret a Porter" (which is hinted at in the last chapter), or Altman's very personal "Kansas City" (the book has a heavy emphasis on Altman's KC upbringing), or Altman's ordeal over "The Gingerbread Man," and especially "Gosford Park" are needed.
Please, Mr. McGilligan, update this fantastic book!Robert Altman: Jumping Off the Cliff Overview

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Big Screen Rome Review

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Big Screen Rome ReviewWhat's written in this work is just fine, but one can't help but feel a bit cheated that I, Claudius is missing, to say nothing of HBO's Rome, the most masterful depiction of ancient Rome in perhaps any medium (yes, the title says "big screen" but most folks these days find HBO dramas more cinematic than the vast majority of contemporary movie dreck). Some of the titles are a bit obscure, and some hardly Roman recreations (Life of Brian, for example), but all of them are nonetheless interesting and enjoyable movies, as are the detailed descriptions and analysis of them in this book.
It smacks a bit of course notes that have grown into a book, and this has had the unfortunate side effect of limiting the coverage of films, and lending an overall back to school feel to the work. Even a cursory summary or list of other relevant titles and TV works (easily accomplished by Amazon List searches and IMDB searches) would have been useful. Maybe in her revised edition?
If you're a hard core fan of Roman history and cinema, like I am, buy this book - you'll enjoy it despite my constructive criticisms. Otherwise, I'd suggest passing on this (or borrow it) and simply watch the movies instead, or read an engrossing history book (such as any published by Thames and Hudson on the subject).Big Screen Rome OverviewBig Screen Rome is the first systematic survey of the most important and popular films from the past half century that reconstruct the image of Roman antiquity.
The first systematic survey of the most important and popular recent films about Roman antiquity.
Shows how cinema explores, reinvents and celebrates the spectacle of ancient Rome.
Films discussed in depth include Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus, Ridley Scott's Gladiator and Terry Jones's Monty Python's Life of Brian.
Contributes to discussions about the ongoing relevance of the classical world.
Shows how contemporary film-makers use recreations of ancient history as commentaries on contemporary society.
Structured in a way that makes it suitable for course use, and features issues for discussion and analysis, and reference to further bibliographic resources.
Written in an energetic and engaging style.


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The Brokeback Book: From Story to Cultural Phenomenon Review

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The Brokeback Book: From Story to Cultural Phenomenon ReviewThe fact that we are still thinking, dreaming, experiencing, and critiquing BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN some six years after the award-winning motion picture was released is a testament to the kind of emotions it evoked - both positively and negatively.
Evaluating this particular rhetorical artifact within the context of contemporary mores, with strident inroads made for the LGBT community in the past couple of years, is a task begging for failure.
How can any scholar peer without prejudicial eye on a past event - much less a fictionalized one?
In my opinion, it would be a dishonest approach and what would be the point? The esteemed collection of contributors to THE BROKEBACK BOOK, to their everlasting credit, have not pretended to do so.
What they have accomplished, however, is further the discourse about why BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN resonated so soundly with the LGBT community, the "straight" community, and even its detractors. They have asked questions, provided theories, and pondered the possibilities of what is, what was, and what may come.
This is not complaining. Rather, it reminds us once again, why this elegant film broke our hearts, but not our resolve to discover new ways of talking about the human experience in all of its remarkable reflections.
Indeed, making molehills out of mountains might move us forward in our quest for a clearer view from where we sit now.The Brokeback Book: From Story to Cultural Phenomenon OverviewAn American Western made by a Taiwanese director and filmed in Canada, Brokeback Mountain was a global cultural phenomenon even before it became the highest grossing gay-themed drama in film history. Few films have inspired as much passion and debate, or produced as many contradictory responses, from online homage to late-night parody. In this wide-ranging and incisive collection, writers, journalists, scholars, and ordinary viewers explore the film and Annie Proulx s original story as well as their ongoing cultural and political significance. The contributors situate Brokeback Mountain in relation to gay civil rights, the cinematic and literary Western, the Chinese value of forbearance, male melodrama, and urban and rural working lives across generations and genders.The Brokeback Book builds on earlier debates by novelist David Leavitt, critic Daniel Mendelsohn, producer James Schamus, and film reviewer Kenneth Turan with new and noteworthy interpretations of the Brokeback phenomenon, the film, and its legacy. Also appearing in print for the first time is Michael Silverblatt s interview with Annie Proulx about the story she wrote and the film it became.

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Write to TV: Out of Your Head and onto the Screen Review

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Write to TV: Out of Your Head and onto the Screen ReviewThis book gives you what you need in order to make it in the TV world and it's a great, easy read. I kept wanting to turn the page, just like a TV script, to get to the next section. I've read many books about writing scripts, but this one is going on the reference shelf, right next to my copy of The Elements of Style. It's that special.
What is so perfect about this book, is not only is the information well organized, but it's from someone who has been there. She worked hard to break into the TV industry and her journey resembles the one I am currently going through. It's nice to know that I'm not alone and that someone from the East Coast, with no prior contacts, can make it as a TV writer. I always trust people who actually made it over "Gurus" who teach, but can't do.
If you're serious about being a TV writer, pick this book up. It's a "TV Writing Class" in book form.Write to TV: Out of Your Head and onto the Screen Overview

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Shattered Love: A Memoir Review

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Shattered Love: A Memoir ReviewRichard Chamberlain tells in this book of his poignant struggles of growing up in an alcoholic home, dealing with fame (and when it deals with him), as well as his spiritual search to live an authentic and truthful life.
Many, I imagine will pick up this book with an eye for sensationalism and gossip over the revelation of his sexual preference. Yet they will be sorely disappointed that there is neither sensational and illicit tales, nor gossip to titillate. No, what the reader will find here is a book about a very thoughtful and spiritual man, who happened to act for a living, trying to navigate his way toward love and finding his true and openhearted self.
Though, given the sometimes glossed over and fast-forwarded events in his life that take place in the book, one can't help but wonder if there is another book in the offing or if much was edited out of this one. Yet the spiritual and philosophical ponderings were delightful to read and filled the heart. I am glad that Mr. Chamberlain wrote it and allowed himself to be so vulnerable and open.
On a personal note, I applaud Mr. Chamberlain's courage to write the truths revealed in the book but also wish to add that it makes no difference to me one way or another and it shouldn't to anyone who reads this book. He simply is what he is and approval is not required when reading. Acceptance however, is a bridge to understanding.
You could learn a lot about not only Richard Chamberlain in this book, but yourself as well.
Cheers to the years together, Martin and Richard!Shattered Love: A Memoir Overview One of the most beloved actors of our time shares the New York Times bestselling story of how he learned to live with an open heart. Early in his career, shortly after rising to fame as television's Dr. James Kildare, Richard Chamberlain took on the role of Hamlet on the English stage. The play contained a lesson the actor has remembered throughout his life: "To thine own self be true." But for Chamberlain these were not always easy words to live by. Even as he won the adoration of millions of fans, this handsome, charming, debonair leading man seriously questioned his own self–worth, living a life haunted by personal insecurity despite decades of immense popular success in memorable roles in Dr. Kildare, The Thorn Birds, Shogun, and other television dramas. Finally, with the help of friends and guidance from spiritual teachers, including Krishnamurti, Chamberlain began the sometimes painful but deeply rewarding process of reconciling his deepest self with his public persona. Now, in Shattered Love, he poignantly recounts his lifelong struggle to find happiness. Tracing a fascinating path through his meteoric rise to success, he chronicles his struggle to come to terms with his own imperfections, his growing desire to be honest about his sexual orientation, and his yearning to live with an open heart. And along the way he imparts the lessons he has learned about overcoming our own self–imposed obstacles to happiness: the importance of listening to our own instincts instead of listening only to others, not demanding the impossible of ourselves, and allowing ourselves to explore negative feelings in order to move forward.

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Some Like It Wilder: The Life and Controversial Films of Billy Wilder (Screen Classics) Review

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Some Like It Wilder: The Life and Controversial Films of Billy Wilder (Screen Classics) ReviewIt is a definitive look at the career of Billy Wilder. Each film has interesting stories connected to it. Very insightful and entertaining, especially for a movie buff.Some Like It Wilder: The Life and Controversial Films of Billy Wilder (Screen Classics) OverviewOne of the most accomplished writers and directors of classic Hollywood, Billy Wilder (1906--2002) directed numerous acclaimed films, including Sunset Boulevard (1950), Sabrina (1954), The Seven Year Itch (1955), Witness for the Prosecution (1957), and Some Like It Hot (1959). Featuring Gene D. Phillips's unique, in-depth critical approach, Some Like It Wilder: The Life and Controversial Films of Billy Wilder provides a groundbreaking overview of a filmmaking icon. Wilder began his career as a screenwriter in Berlin but, because of his Jewish heritage, sought refuge in America when Germany came under Nazi control. Making fast connections in Hollywood, Wilder immediately made the jump from screenwriter to director. His classic films Five Graves to Cairo (1943), Double Indemnity (1945), and The Lost Weekend (1945) earned Academy Awards for best picture, director, and screenplay. During the 1960s, Wilder continued to direct and produce controversial comedies, including Kiss Me, Stupid (1964) and The Apartment (1960), which won Oscars for best picture and director. This definitive biography reveals that Wilder was, and remains, one of the most influential directors in filmmaking.

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Steve McQueen: The Life and Legend of a Hollywood Icon Review

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Steve McQueen: The Life and Legend of a Hollywood Icon ReviewThis will not be a lengthy review because I think the work should speak for itself. As a lifelong, die hard, Steve McQueen fan I think I can state without fear of contradiction this is THE best researched and written biography I have ever read on Steve McQueen -- and I've read them all! I've read Terrill's previous work on McQueen and he has outdone himself and any other previous attempts to chronicle the man's life. Why? Minus the sordid nonsense of Darwin Porter or the flagrantly incorrect data of Penina Speigel, William Nolan, Michael Munn, etc, Terrill sets the record straight, backs up his facts, and unearths some truly amazing revelations about the man's ancestry, life and work. I'd love to state what those revelations are but the best way to find out is the way I did...buy and savor the book!Steve McQueen: The Life and Legend of a Hollywood Icon Overview

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U-571 Review

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U-571 ReviewThis is a superb story about submarine warfare in the Atlantic in WWII. The plot contains one of the most imaginative twists that makes this story so unique. We follow the American crew as they are trapped by fate. The action is excellent and the characters bring the story to life.U-571 Overview Hell is Under WaterTheir mission was a audacious and daring as it was dangerous. A crew of American sailors in a disguised submarine would rendezvous with U-571--a crippled German U-boat in enemy waters--storm aboard, and capture one of the Nazis' coveted Enigma encryption machines, a device that would allow the Allies to decode secret German transmissions. The planning was meticulous. The secrecy was airtight. Every eventuality was prepared for. Except one. Now, with their own sub lying in pieces on the Atlantic floor, an unseasoned young U.S. naval officer and a handful of his men are trapped in a limping enemy boat trying to make its way across a thousand square-mile killing zone. Suddenly they are the hunted prey of the Reich's killer ships, and the target of Allied bombers. They have a prize in their possession that can turn the tide of the savage global conflict once and for all. And they have nowhere to run.While on a secret mission targeting the Nazi "Enigma" encryption device, a team of American sailors and marines poses as the German rescue team for a crippled submarine.But before they can grab the device and escape, the real rescue unit arrives and destroys their American vessel.Now they are forced to secretly navigate the malfunctioning submarine through enemy lines.This Dino De Laurentiis production is written and directed by Jonathan Mostow (Breakdown), and stars Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi.While on a secret mission targeting the Nazi "Enigma" encryption device, a team of American sailors and marines poses as the German rescue team for a crippled submarine.But before they can grab the device and escape, the real rescue unit arrives and destroys their American vessel.Now they are forced to secretly navigate the malfunctioning submarine through enemy lines.This Dino De Laurentiis production is written and directed by Jonathan Mostow (Breakdown), and stars Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi.

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