Cinema Nation: The Best Writing on Film from the Nation 1913-2000

Rating:
Summary: An alternate history of Hollywood
Review: Like I said in my review of The Best Of The Nation, I'm not your typical Nation reader. I'm fiscally a right winger, and I share right wing views on many social issues as well. But censorship is not one of them. Needless to say, I don't care if they're right wing censors or left wing censors, this is an issue that I feel strongly about. It was very intesting to read this book since it gave light to many of the issues of the day involving film and film censorship. As the editor called it a "You are there" look from 1913 to the present. Not only that, but reviews for film classics written as they came out can be both hilarious and insightful. You might not agree with the reviewer's outlook on the film, but you can't help but be entertained by it. The only reson I didn't give this book a five stars was too much emphasis on Union activites in Hollywood. I would agree that the strikes and what not are of major importance to a leftist magazine like The Nation, but I'm the outsider here, so it's probably more a problem with me. (I can't say I'm too pro-union, at least not in the 21st Century). No matter what your outlook on politics, movies or religion, this is definitely an interesting book to have if you're a film buff, or you're intresting in the history of motion pictures in the USA. You might not always agree with what the writer says, but it's written well enough that it is not an issue.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful collection of the best writing on film
Review: Mr. Bromley and his colleagues have done a beautiful job of collecting what is certainly the best examples of film review and comment of the 20th Century. With The Nation's unique and insightful bent towards all that's good in the world, the book reads with a consistency and fluidity unmatched in other collections. I highly recommend this book for movie fans!