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Loading... "Have You Seen . . . ?": A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films (edition 2010)by David Thomson
Work InformationHave You Seen . . . ?: A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films by David Thomson
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. This was one of a small collection, used at least partly as a reference for crossword puzzle solving. ( ) This is not intended to be a book about the best 1,000 films; it’s Thomson’s thoughts on films that are worth seeing for a variety of reasons. All the write-ups are one page or less. Like Pauline Kael, Thomson has his own unique perspective on films -- the “Personal” in the title should be taken seriously – so I often don’t enjoy films I’ve watched on his recommendation but his observations are worth reading. This is not intended to be a book about the best 1,000 films; it’s Thomson’s thoughts on films that are worth seeing for a variety of reasons. All the write-ups are one page or less. Like Pauline Kael, Thomson has his own unique perspective on films -- the “Personal” in the title should be taken seriously – so I often don’t enjoy films I’ve watched on his recommendation but his observations are worth reading. no reviews | add a review
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This is possibly the most entertaining, surprising and enjoyable film book ever written. Thomson set himself the near-foolhardy task of writing one page each on 1000 of the films that he has particularly liked - or in some cases, abhorred. Some half-million words of funny, vigorous, wayward prose later, we are all the happy beneficiaries of his deranged labour. Always unexpected, never repetitive, 'Have You Seen . . . ?'can be read consecutively - from Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein to Zabriskie Point - or dipped into over many years, and it is a masterclass in how to write about films and how to love them. Sometimes Thomson will be interested in the director, sometimes in the culture that made such a film possible at such a time, sometimes in the stars (always in the stars, to be honest), and sometimes even in the outrageous cynicism and corruption of most financial backers. 'Have You Seen . . . ?'is crammed with great love stories, westerns, musicals, war stories, comedies, and dramas. It is as in awe of film noir as of silent farce, and adores Hollywood but also favours British, Japanese and European cinema- camp disasters, kitsch and pretention hold no fears. If Thomson has a bottom line it is his incredulity that so much that is so enjoyable and moving and worthwhile was ever made at all - and that thanks to DVD we can now watch it forever. 'Have You Seen . . . ?'will redirect how you spend your evenings for the rest of your life - for the better. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)791.4375The arts Recreational and performing arts Public performances Film, Radio, and Television Film Films, screenplays Multiple films, collections of film reviewsLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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