Film: The Critics' Choice

Rating:
Summary: A Fine Overview
Review: I liked this anthology of brief synopses and interpretations of cinema. It covers films from every part of the world, from every era. Due to the scope required to cover such a topic as world cinema from its inception, the articles are rather brief at around 500 words. But each article is quite pithy thanks to the talent of the writers involved in contributing to this book. The writing talent is strong throughout, with various esteemed critics handling a chapter of their own that covers a specific topic (ie. the Silent Era by David Bordwell). In fact, one of my favourite American writers on film tackles one of my favourite topographical cinemas; Jonathan Rosenbaum on European New Waves. So this books strenghth is that its more of a brief overview of film highlights. It doesn't get too in depth with any one thing in particular and gives one a good persoective on a plethora of issues concerning a great number of directors, styles, eras, and national cinemas. And it is beautifully illustrated throughout with stills, or frames, from each film discussed.