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As we eagerly await the Godzilla launch, we are reminded of just how exciting movies past, present and future are to American history and our lives, and of course, the people that make them that way. Random House has updated their illustrious New Biographical Dictionary of Film just in time for the summer big screen season, and it makes a great gift for you, the movie lover, and everyone you know of the same ilk. How many times have you had to hit "stop" when watching a movie to look something up when a face or a phrase seems familiar or when you experience deja vu when watching? This is a smashing coffee table companion for all of those times. We love how they take a classic, first conceived in 1971, and update it. They also use a classic for the cover in their choice of Marilyn Monroe, featured in a brilliant HBO documentary previously here. The world adores actors and actresses, and this professional guide is indispensable. As we review movies, we expect this to be handy and helpful as time goes by.
Right on the cover it says, “ The best book on the movies ever written in English,” a quote from The New Republic. Having said that, think of anyone, anyone at all in films, and go to their page. Not only is the coverage extensive, but it’s chatty, well-written, and fascinating with references you may not have known. You’ll certainly be able to have a great educated conversation with Robert Osborne should you run into him at a cocktail party. Interesting reading: page 238, where Benedict Cumberbatch is immediately followed by Alan Cumming. Two of our hottest current names on stage and screen, with, as you’ll notice, tracking of their carriers, a brief biographical outline and commentary. Maria Ouspenskaya fans will be thrilled to see her listing. If you don’t know who she is/was, now is the time to track her down. You may find that online searches do not give the gratification and scope that this book provides. The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, Sixth Edition by David Thomson, published by Knopf. It’s a treasure. A gem. And will light up the eyes and hearts of any film fan in your circle who requires a gift just to let them know you appreciate their company at the late night showing of the latest cult release.
Film buffs rejoice! The New Biographical Dictionary of Film is everything you could want and more. Obviously, it’s comprehensive. But who would expect a reference manual to be so opinionated and funny, so surprising and concise, so thoughtful and cutting? I couldn’t help but feel that the author, David Thomson, actually knows (or has at least met) many of his subjects. On Michael Eisner, Hollywood power player: “It’s not Mr. Eisner’s fault that he looks like a thug and speaks in a way that makes you want to get out of the room.” The book is just full of extraordinary zingers! On J.J. Abrams: “…the real interest of Abrams is in being so powerful and important and so dull.” Ha! Finally, I appreciate the book’s honesty. No one could actually see every single film, and when Thomson hasn’t seen them, he tells you as much.
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With more than 100 new entries, from Amy Adams, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Cary Joji Fukunaga to Joaquin Phoenix, Mia Wasikowska, and Robin Wright, and completely updated, here from David Thomson—“The greatest living writer on the movies” (John Banville, New Statesman); “Our most argumentative and trustworthy historian of the screen” (Michael Ondaatje)—is the latest edition of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, which topped Sight & Sound’s poll of international critics and writers as THE BEST FILM BOOK EVER WRITTEN.
