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Summary: Conversation With Filmmakers
Review: This is an incredible book that contains Bogdanovich's various interviews with some of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers. These are not detailed biographies however, they are an in-depth conversation about the filmmaker's films and his own feelings about them. While some go into the individual's past it is just so you can get an idea of the personality of the filmmaker. This is a must-have book. A good way to look at it is to read it through once and become familiar with all of the directors, some of whom may be new to you. Then as you view their films go back and read what they have to say. Though sometimes their comments are very brief, it's one of the few sources you'll find where the film-maker makes direct reference back to a film. And I don't know what it is about Bogdanovich but he always brings out gems of truth from those he interviews.
Rating:
Summary: enjoyable... why is peter bogdanovich such a hollow shell?
Review: very, very enjoyable... the only irritation is that peter bogdanovich comes across so much like a critic rather than a filmmaker... meaning his opinions seem studied rather than felt... like he has read a lot of film criticism and has come upon his own "opinions" by averaging those of other critics... there is a huge difference between this book and truffaut's interview with hitchcock, for example... bogdanovich's opinions almost seem like guesses... none of them seem to come from the heart... you get the idea that he has led a sheltered and very, very easy life... nonetheless, this is vastly entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: The Devil is in the Details
Review: You can spend years going to film school, or you can read this book! Bogdanovich does a great job with this collection of interviews of great film directors. Not only does the book give you a good inside view of the craft of cinema, but it also acts as a history book of the film industry. This book would be good for the serious indie director who has bet his/her credit cards on their dream or even the special person in your life who stays up until 4am watching the Turner Classic Movie channel. There is something here for everyone as there is a wide range of directors who work in a wide range of styles. There isn't a genre that isn't touched in this book - from Hitchcock on Horror to Chuck Jones on cartoons. What's great is that Bogdanovich captures insight into directors that are no longer with us (like Fritz Lang who directed Metropolis). Since the directors tell their own stories, you don't get the Hollywood hype filter. If you had to buy one book on film this year, this would be it!
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