Customer Reviews:
Wine Journal Review.......2007-07-30
Great book for amateurs to keep track of recent wine experiences. I love it !!!
Wine Journal review.......2007-03-25
Good size to carry; sturdy pages and book covers; basic and to the point guidelines outlined for evaluating wines being tasted; provides 140 "tasting notes" pages. Definitely recommend it.
Handy Little Journal.......2007-02-22
This one is good for carrying with you as you explore new wines in different locales.
great book.......2007-01-17
it's great, not a scratch or a dent. it's been fun to fill out.
Great way to keep track of wines........2006-12-21
I bought this journal during a wine course I was studying recently. It's small enough to fit in a purse or pocket, but big enough to read your own writing. I think it's a great way to keep a log of wines and varietals you like, as well as remember what to order next time around.
Book Description
FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD...All the excitement of the world's most beloved film unfolds in three-dimensional splendor as you join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion---and Toto, too---on their journey to Oz. Over 50 photos from the classic movie are engineered into unforgettable scenes like the Twister, Munchkinland, the Haunted Forest and Emerald City. And the CD includes favorite songs from the original soundtrack, so you can click your heels to the beat while getting swept up in the amazing detail of this collectible book!
Customer Reviews:
A glorious look at the wonderful movie of "The Wizard of Oz".......2005-08-14
Since this is "The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History" of the beloved 1939 film, it is not surprising that John Fricke, Jay Scarfone, and William Stillman have put together the book that tops the "must have" list for fans of the film (after, of course, L. Frank Baum's original novel, which just had its centennial edition come out in 1903. After an introduction by Jack Haley, Jr., the volume's prologue, "The Marvelous Land of Oz," begins with the story of how Baum came up with the name for Oz and looks at the history of his stories prior to the movie. Also included in this prologue are stills from some of the vaudeville and silent movie versions (the 1925 film had Oliver Hardy as the Tin Woodman), the original book covers for the 42 Oz stories, and Technicolor test shots of the movie cast, which includes Judy Garland wearing a blond wig as Dorothy. By the time you finish this prologue you will know that this book is going to be everything that you would want as the table of contents indicates:
Part One - The Oz Diary: Creating a Classic: (1) Acquisition and Casting contrasts the signing of the cast with W.W. Denslow's first pictures of the characters; (2) Scripts, Songs, and Staff focuses on early drafts of the scripts and ideas for song more so than what actually ended up in the movie; (3) Wardrobe and Markup details the evolution of the look of each character with corresponding photographs; (4) The Thorpe "Era" is about Richard Thorpe's short tenure as the film's director, when Gale Sondergaard is the Wicked Witch and Dorothy is a blond; (5) There'll Be Some Changes Made is short but sweet and is about the changes George Cukor made as a stop gap under Victor Fleming was signed to direct the film; (6) "The Wizard" Comes to Life is a lengthy chapter covering the making of the film with its various legendary stories; and (7) Post-Production and Previews, which details what was cut (including "Over the Rainbow" at one point), when and why.
Part Two - The Oz Diary Continued: Promotion and Reception: (8) The Oz Campaign contains everything from Judy Garland telling Frank Morgan "Anybody can be a wizard at Jelly-Making" for a newspaper ad for Certo (never heard of it either)to a two-page full-color spread in "Life" and a special "Wizard of Oz" ad for the Sunday comics; (9) Hollywood Party is about the movie's gala premier; (10) "Capitol" Times in Manhattan is about the show at Loew's Capitol Theater In New York City that showed the movie along with a life performances by Garland and Mickey Rooney. This chapter also shows some of the first product tie-ins for the movie; and (11) From Coast to Coast is a brief look at promotion of the film across the nation and includes what might be the first editorial cartoon that used the Oz characters to comment on a real situation (Hitler is the Wicked Witch of the West and Mussolini is a winged monkey, while Dorothy is European civilization, the Scarecrow is Poland, the Lion is Britain, and the Tin Woodman is France).
Part Three - Raves and Accolades looks at (12) The Reviews, which includes a look at foreign books and domestic record versions; and (13) The Twelfth Annual Academy Awards, where the film won Best Song for "Over the Rainbow," Best Original Score for Herbert Stothart's underscoring and adaptation of the Arlen/Harburg songs, and Garland for best performance of a juvenile during the past year.
Part Four - Oz and Ends, includes brief looks at (14) Original Ozzy Merchandising; (15) Oz Abroad; and (16) Theatrical Reissue.
Part Five - Television Perennial covers how most of us first saw the movie, including (17) Guest Hosts on CBS (I always liked Dick Van Dyke); and (18) NBC Interlude/CBS Comeback.
Part Six - The Legend is another set of brief chapters on (19) Reunions and Reminiscences; (20) Merchandising; and (21) Icon, which ends the book on a perfect grade note with editorial cartoons on the death of Garland in 1959, Jack Haley in 1979, Margaret Hamilton in 1985, and Ray Bolger in 1987.
This volume includes more than 400 illustrations, half in color and many never before published, including over seventy makeup and costume portraits, behind-the-scenes and production photos, and not only stills but script pages from the musical numbers and segments that were filmed but cut from the release print (including "The Jitterbug," Bolger's extended solo dance to "If I Only Had a Brain," and the "triumphal return" sequence). The photographs of all the movie posters, toys, and other items associated with "The Wizard of Oz" can be found throughout the book instead of being collected all at the end of the book corresponding with when the movie came out. The last three parts could essentially be individual chapters to avoid the sense that you are racing through the end of the volume, but that is a minor complaint all things considered.
Oz-some book!.......2005-07-21
If you only buy 1 Oz book for your collection, make it this one! In Oz circles, this book is known as "The Green Book" and it is a virtual encyclopedia of Oz information. The research and work that went into the writing of this book is truly astounding!
The rare photographs will amaze you (including Judy Garland in her blond wig and Buddy Ebsen as the Tin Man).
This book is full of little-known trivia. After reading this book, you can wow your friends with your new-found Oz knowledge!
A Look Back At a Movie Classic!.......2003-03-18
There have been a few books that have given us all a look into the making of MGM's movie version of "The Wizard Of Oz!"? But The John Fricke,Jay Scarfone manuscript surpasses all of the other books.Because it's filled with wonderful photos and info that takes us beyound the making of the film and gives us a look into the continuing popularity of the Oz characters.Using rare photos,extensive research and interviews from the people.Who were involved with the project.Messers Scarfone And Fricke.Show us the early stages of the making of the film.From the many drafts of the script..to the problems with the changes in cast,storylines,music,mishaps with props and special effects.To the promotions of the film on radio(NBC Radio's "MaxwellHouse Coffeetime")and at stage shows to the many other interpretations of the story that appeared on tv,in the movies,on radio, in the theater and at parades and theme parks.The book even gives some more biographical info about the cast and crew and some more insight into the man.Who created this legendary tale:Mr.Lyman Frank Baum.For the fans of this classic story.Who want to know the full extent of it's geniss? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.
A Look Back At a Movie Classic!.......2003-03-18
There have been a few books that have given us all a look into the making of MGM's movie version of "The Wizard Of Oz!"? But The Jay Scarfone,John Fricke manuscript surpasses all of the other books.Because it's filled with wonderful photos and info that takes us beyound the making of the film and gives us a look into the continuing popularity of the Oz characters.Using rare photos,extensive research and interviews from the people.Who were involved with the project.Messers Scarfone And Fricke.Show us the early stages of the making of the film.From the many drafts of the script..to the problems with the changes in cast,storylines,music,mishaps with props and special effects.To the promotions of the film on radio(NBC Radio's "MaxwellHouse Coffeetime")and at stage shows to the many other interpretations of the story that appeared on tv,in the movies,on radio, in the theater and at parades and theme parks.The book even gives some more biographical info about the cast and crew and some more insight into the man.Who created this legendary tale:Mr.Lyman Frank Baum.For the fans of this classic story.Who want to know the full extent of it's geniss? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.
Pictorial History That Still Works For The 63rd Anniversary.......2002-12-06
There are many, many books out there about the making of everyone's favorite film, "The Wizard of Oz". There aren't any I've seen that I wouldn't recommend, but if you are looking for pictures, pictures, and more pictures, this beautiful coffee table size book is a great place to start. Pictures, both in color and black and white, of every aspect of the making of the movie fill this attractive volume from cover to cover, and the text, by Oz authority John Fricke is all-encompassing. Although released for the 50th Anniversary of the film's 1939 release, it is still relevant 13 years later, and a great book for the collector or casual researcher. It has yet to be topped.
Average customer rating:
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Hollywood gothic: The tangled web of Dracula from novel to stage to screen
David J Skal
Manufacturer: Norton
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ASIN: 0393029042 |
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- Great blow-by-blow account of movie making
- No better book to describe how a movie is produced
- Students of the Industry Only
- Excellent Read for Hollywood Biz buffs
- Great read if you're curious about the movie business
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The Devil's Candy: The Anatomy of a Hollywood Fiasco
Manufacturer: Da Capo
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ASIN: 0306811235
Release Date: 2002-05-28 |
Book Description
When Brian De Palma agreed to allow Julie Salamon unlimited access to the film production of Tom Wolfe's best-selling book The Bonfire of the Vanities, both director and journalist must have felt like they were on to something big. How could it lose? But instead Salamon got a front-row seat at the Hollywood disaster of the decade. She shadowed the film from its early stages through the last of the eviscerating reviews, and met everyone from the actors to the technicians to the studio executives. They'd all signed on for a blockbuster, but there was a sense of impending doom from the start-heart-of-gold characters replaced Wolfe's satiric creations; affable Tom Hanks was cast as the patrician heel; Melanie Griffith appeared mid-shoot with new, bigger breasts. This riveting insider's portrait provides a timeless account of an industry where art, talent, ego, and money combine and clash on a monumental scale.
Customer Reviews:
Great blow-by-blow account of movie making.......2007-01-16
First rate account of the making of Brian De Palma's Bonfire of the Vanities. Salamon, at the time a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, received what appears to have been total access to director De Palma, the actors, costume designers, cameramen, and practically everyone else involved in the making of the movie. The level of detail may be too much for someone looking for a quick account of what went wrong in the making of this film, but I found it all fascinating. The only other book I know of that provides a comparably detailed inside look at the making of a movie is Lillian Ross's Picture, which was an account of the making of John Huston's Red Badge of Courage in 1951. A fair amount has changed in movie making since this book was written. For instance, Salamon devotes considerable time to following the second unit director as he attempts to set up some difficult shots, one involving the landing of a Concorde jet at sunset. These days, I imagine most movie goers would assume such a shot was actually cgi. I read the Da Capo Press 2002 reprint. (Interesingly, the subtitle of the book changed from "The Bonfire of the Vanities Goes to Hollywood" to "The Anatomy of a Hollywood Fiasco." Probably an indication that this film had been largely forgotten by 2002.) The reprint edition has an afterword that briefly discusses the reception of the book -- Bruce Willis was livid -- and the impact of the film on the careers of De Palma and the other people who are the focus of the book. Unfortunately, the photos from the first edition are not reproduced and the quality of the printing is a little off. Whatever reproduction technique was used imparted a bit of waviness to many of the lines of text.
No better book to describe how a movie is produced.......2006-07-22
The Devil's Candy is the story of the making of The Bonfire of the Vanities. It is the best (and possible only) book in recent times to describe how a movie is made, in depth, from inception to casting to production to editing to screenings and focus groups through release and box office.
The subtitle, "The Anatomy of a Hollywood Fiasco" is misleading. This is not a book that analyses why a movie production went wrong. It is a journalistic look at how a movie is made, any movie, and this book uses the example of the Bonfire of the Vanities because that happened to be the production Julie Salamon was invited to observe from beginning to end. Tellingly, the original version of the book was subtitled instead "Bonfire of the Vanities Goes to Hollywood" and the new subtitle was obviously added for the paperback version to try to pump up sales.
Most of the other reviews have said this book is for industry insiders, but it isn't. For insiders, there is nothing new here. This book is for people on the outside who want to know how the movie industry works. And what we learn is that for all the glamour, movie production is mostly meetings and sitting around sets doing endless takes of scenes that eventually get cut.
Assuming you're interested in learning how Hollywood works, from the endless scouting of locations to who is responsible for carrying the director's thermos of coffee, you will be educated. This book, at more than 400 pages, goes into gory detail, from just about everyone's point of view, from the director to costume manager. It's written as you would expect from a journalist on the banking desk at the Wall Street Journal (before she became the movie critic) - straightforward, inclusive, and accurate, not the breathless style with plenty of italics and exclamation points characteristic of showbiz books. But it is also the weakness of the book. There is too much detail that isn't important, too much describing the color of every carpet in every room visited, what kind of shoes everyone wears, and who is holding De Palma's coffee thermos at at every moment, too many people's points of view to keep the narrative flowing.
Overall, if you're looking for a juicy, fast flowing story about Hollywood disaster, you will be entirely disappointed. However, if you want a textbook on how a movie gets made, want to learn how Hollywood really works, this is *the* book.
Students of the Industry Only.......2004-06-18
This is an exceptional documentary analysis of what goes on in the making of a film. The author, Julie Salamon, was given the opportunity to follow Brian De Palma for the total duration of a very difficult film project, Bonfire of the Vanities, the remake of the famous Tom Wolfe novel. It is an exceptional replay of everything that happened from original purchase of the rights to the novel, to the publicity and reviews of the famous movie, to the ultimate collapse at the box office. One only wonders how this book would have read had the movie been a success.
While I really enjoyed this book, I would not recommend this book to anyone that does not have an intense interest in Hollywood and the making of movies. Excessive time is spent poring over the roles of line producers, second unit directors and production assistants. The book gives you a great understanding not just of the stars but also what it takes to break into the business and what the career path can be. Particularly as it relates to De Palma's assistant looking for an assistant producer credit and the second unit director looking to break out and become a director of his own films. In addition, it does touch on the stars, both actors and director, and how their idiosyncrasies shape the movie and its making.
This is not a short book. So if you are looking for an exciting page turner, this is not for you. You will spend many pages following the tale of obtaining rights to shoot at certain locations, tales of screen tests of local judges, and boycotts and publicity by Bronx politicians.
Overall, this controversial book detailing separation of the haves and have-nots of the 80s becomes an even more controversial movie with screw-ups in producing of the movie and casting of the roles. But if you want to know what Hollywood is really like and not what just is on the screen, this is the book. You will learn why making movies is so personality driven. For the movie fans, Tom Hanks comes off as the incredible good guy he appears to be. Melanie Griffith and Bruce Willis are not so lucky. But maybe the most interesting personal portrayal is of De Palma. A creature of the 70's decade of the auteur, his portrayal is of a troubled genius that struggles with communication skills.
I strongly recommend this book if you have a detailed interest in the business of film. If not, take a pass as it will be too detailed.
Excellent Read for Hollywood Biz buffs.......2003-01-10
If you are like me and you like books on the business of Hollywood you will love this one. I do not like books by Hollywood "insiders". They tend to write the books for nothing more than to pump themselves up and trash actors/studios, however books by journalists tend to be more even handed. Hit and Run is probably the best book on Hollywood ever written, The Devil's Cany is now second. What makes this book great is that it explains what the jobs of certain people are. For instance I didn't know what a second unit director was till I read this. Not to mention that the story about the adaptation of Bonfire of the Vanities makes for a great tale.
Great read if you're curious about the movie business.......2002-04-18
Julie Salamon was lucky enough to get in at the beginning of what was anticipated to be a great film, and turned out to be one of the biggest critical and financial failures for Warner Bros. The book Bonfire of the Vanities was so popular and written in such a style that taking on the task of adapting it to film was a true challenge and doomed to fail. And fail it did. Salamon also gives a background of the steps it takes to get a picture made from buying the rights of the book to marketing the finished picture. She details the different roles of the movie set, answering the age-old question, "What does a grip do?". You gather a great understanding of how difficult it is to make a picture by studio standards and how the hierarchy on the set works. Fascinating insight from an outsider let into the circus of making a major motion picture. Brian De Palma must curse the day he agreed to let her chronicle the journey.
Also, I have to recommend reading Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities. You can understand why he wanted no part of making the film adaptaton of his infamous book.
Book Description
The first book in the Newmarket Shooting Script Series reissued with new material to coincide with the Warner Bros. theatrical re-release and special 10th anniversary DVD launch of this modern classic.
This expanded edition draws from the many new extras that are being created for the DVD, including 90 minutes of commentary by Darabont, documentary material on the making of the film, and a tribute parody of the film.
Nominated for 7 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay, The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is an extraordinary tale of hope and survival inside a maximum security prison. Based on a Stephen King novella, Frank Darabont's screenplay follows the complex twenty-year relationship between two convicts who have little in common—except friendship.
Darabont personally wrote and/or assembled all of the content in The Shawshank Redemption: The Shooting Script, as follows:
- Introductions by King and Darabont on the movie's genesis
- The shooting script in its original form ("the one I wrote, the one Castle Rock decided to make, the one my cast and crew dealt with every day")
- Detailed analysis of script-to-screen changes (26 pages) showing why and how scenes were cut, and how some scenes were handled technically
- Two storyboard sequences, with commentary
- Stills section (35 photos)
- Afterword by Darabont about his experience in Hollywood ("It took me nine years of saving, struggling, and honing my craft before I started making my living as a writer.")
- 35 b/w photos, plus storyboards
Customer Reviews:
Shawshank Shooting Script-KC review.......2007-02-11
Wonderful! Very insightful and informative. A great addition to anyone's bookshelf. I highly recommend it.
Excellent study guide of Shawshank Redemption.......2006-03-04
This is an excellent book to aid in the understanding of Shawshank Redemption, whether studying english or mass media.
I found the book to contain additional details on story boards and amended scenes, which indicate the way the script writer, Frank Darabont, adapted the story to film.
Thoroughly enjoyed the script, especially as I can read it in places I can't view the film, i.e. work.
Great in depth exploration.......2004-10-27
As a rule, don't buy shooting scripts if you want to write a screenplay. Shooting scripts are finished products.
That said, screenwriters can learn from this exploration of the classic movie (yes, folks, it is a classic, it's been shown a billion times on TNT), by reading the deleted scenes (my personal favorite is one about the publicity of Warden Norton's prison-to-work scheme, in which Heywood, played in the movie by William Sadler, gets his best and sharpest lines for someone who's supposed to be the dunce of the movie), the storyboards, the explanations of which scenes were kept, etc.
And for people who just love the movie, it's a must-own.
A great buy for any film student or "Shawshank..." lover.......2001-08-30
As Frank Darabont says in the introduction of the book, who else would buy the screenplay unless they really want to know more about the film? Sticking to that idea, Darabont has given the film student/buff, and those who simply love the movie, a real treat with this book. Not only does it contain the screenplay, it's the screenplay (I emphasize) AS IT WAS WRITTEN BEFORE FILMING. He's published it exactly as he wrote it when he adapted it from King's novella. I point this out because, as Darabont himself points out in the intro, so many screenplays that are thrown out by merchandise wizards are nothing but the finished movie transcribed. And really, what good is that to someone who wants a deeper knowledge of the film?
Not only does he give us the original screenplay, he gives us a scene-by-scene comparison of the screenplay vs. the finished film, and why things got changed/added/left out. This, in particular, says a lot about Darabont to me. This is a man who wants to use his work not only to be what it is (a GREAT film), but to educate as well. This book inspires. He includes storyboards, as well (including a storyboard for a deleted scene- oh, goody, goody!) and introductions by both himself and Stephen King, and a summarizing bit of advice to budding filmmakers and screenwriters. I devoured this book in short time (one night), lol, and found myself going back to the film to compare and analyze- if you don't do the same after reading it, I'll eat my foot.. okay, maybe not. But something drastic, I warrant you. If you are at all inclined to learn about filmmaking, writing, or even if you just love "The Shawshank Redemption" (which is what lead me to the book in the first place), this is a real must-have. It's worth the price alone just to read what he had to say about filming Freeman's scene walking through the field after discovering Andy's message. Trust me. By the way, fellow "Shawshank..." lovers are welcome to ...discuss it. Enjoy this book, everyone. It's a real find. And I'm SO glad I chose to buy it. The ONLY reason I give it four stars as opposed to five is because, personally, I would have liked to have seen more storyboards.
It just doesn't get any closer than this..........2001-06-28
This is a truly fantastic piece of work!!! If you really enjoyed the movie, and is fascinated by the art of filmaking, this book is for you. More than just the script of the film, the analysis by Frank Darabont takes to a totally different level and perspective. It actually makes you think like a Director. Other than this, just being in the production yourself... This is a true making-of The Shawshank Redemption, that is totally worth the price.
Average customer rating:
- Dracula rocks
- Good Book, Atrocious Editor
- Great critical edition
- Simply the Best
- Still the best
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Dracula (Norton Critical Editions)
Bram Stoker
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
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The Penguin Book of Vampire Stories
ASIN: 0393970124 |
Amazon.com
Dracula is one of the few horror books to be honored by inclusion in the Norton Critical Edition series. (The others are Frankenstein, The Turn of the Screw, Heart of Darkness, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Metamorphosis.) This 100th-anniversary edition includes not only the complete authoritative text of the novel with illuminating footnotes, but also four contextual essays, five reviews from the time of publication, five articles on dramatic and film variations, and seven selections from literary and academic criticism. Nina Auerbach of the University of Pennsylvania (author of Our Vampires, Ourselves) and horror scholar David J. Skal (author of Hollywood Gothic, The Monster Show, and Screams of Reason) are the editors of the volume. Especially fascinating are excerpts from materials that Bram Stoker consulted in his research for the book, and his working papers over the several years he was composing it. The selection of criticism includes essays on how Dracula deals with female sexuality, gender inversion, homoerotic elements, and Victorian fears of "reverse colonization" by politically turbulent Transylvania.
Customer Reviews:
Dracula rocks .......2007-08-26
Bram Stocker is still a classic read. It was very scary from time to time.
Good Book, Atrocious Editor.......2007-06-20
I love Norton Critical Editions, but the footnotes in this volume are maddening. I'm puzzled that no one seems to have mentioned this. Example, a passage where Dracula appears in disguise and Bram Stoker obviously doesn't mean for the reader to have this bit of information yet. The footnote? "Here we see Dracula in disguise speaking wonderful German." I'm exaggerating, but you get the point. Another example: a passage describing Dracula's map of England (footnote: Here we see that Dracula has circled the city of X, where later in the story he will....and....and....until later....). Finally, there are even footnotes that engage the reader in conversation. Something like: "What do you think Dracula meant by that, curious comment, don't you think?" As with all Norton editions, there are some wonderful footnotes, commentary, etc. included, but still I would choose a different version.
Great critical edition.......2006-11-17
If you want lots of in-depth footnotes and many critical essays, than this is your book.
Simply the Best.......2006-07-10
I've listened to Dracula from Audible.com. I downloaded it last month. It's the best of all the Dracula books I've read. Definitely worth the investment of time. It's incredibly suspenseful, full of well-drawn, unbelievably real characters. I wish the movies could capture the characters as well as the book.
I was surprised at the narrative style, which has no actual "scenes", because it's a collection of journals, letters, newspaper articles, etc. But Bram Stoker does an amazing job of pulling all of it together into one very scary, very exciting read. Don't miss this one.
Still the best.......2005-12-30
This is still the best vamp book around, bar none. I was always upset with Coppola's movie because he used Stoker's name, and made the count into this loving anti-hero. THIS is Dracula. Pure evil.
Book Description
“Bond. James Bond.” Since Sean Connery first uttered that iconic phrase in Dr. No, more than one quarter of the world’s population has seen a 007 film. Witty and urbane, Bond seduces and kills with equal ease — often, it seems, with equal enthusiasm. This enthusiasm, coupled with his freedom to do what is forbidden to everyone else, evokes fascinating philosophical questions. Here, 15 witty, thought-provoking essays discuss hidden issues in Bond’s world, from his carnal pleasures to his license to kill. Among the lively topics explored are Bond’s relation to existentialism, including his graduation “beyond good and evil”; his objectification of women; the paradox of breaking the law in order to ultimately uphold it like any “stupid policeman”; the personality of 007 in terms of Plato’s moral psychology; and the Hegelian quest for recognition evinced by Bond villains. A reference guide to all the Bond movies rounds out the book’s many pleasures.
Customer Reviews:
"Oh, Grow Up, 007!".......2007-05-15
As a big fan of both James Bond and Open Court's Popular Culture and Philosophy series, I might be somewhat biased in this review. I read "James Bond and Philosophy: Questions are Forever" with some relish, and came away very impressed.
Fifteen philsophers, (not 17), have a go at bringing their philosophical meanderings to the phenomenon and cultural icon of Bond. No mean feat, especially in a book only 227 pages long, (not including the bits at the back). These people cover everything from epistemology, phenomenology, existentialism, morality and ethics and healthy doses of Nietzsche. The fifteen essays are divided into five broad sections: "Bond, Existentialism and Death", "The Man Behind the Number", "Bond, Politics and Law", "Knowledge and Technology", and "Multiculturalism, Women and a More Sensitive Bond".
It should be noted that the book makes extensive use of the novels. While those who have only seen the movies will not be greatly disadvantaged, it would be useful to have read some of the books.
Also, this is perhaps the most difficult book of the series that I have read. While not completely odious, there were parts that I found tough to digest. This was more noticeable than in other volumes in the series.
Overall, this is an excellent book, and will leave you with much food for thought. I enjoyed the look into the deeper side of James Bond, (including his dietary choices!), and found myself absorbed. A great volume in a great series!
Mel Brooks Had It Right.......2007-02-13
In the film "History of the World Part Two" there is a scene with Mel Brooks in ancient Rome applying for a job. The clerk asks him for his profession. He replies that he is a "standup philosopher." The clerk replies, "Oh a B S artist". There is certainly a lot of that in this book. It is a collection of essays by people who are reputedly at the top of their field and who attempt to define the character of James Bond, 007.
Of course I may be prejudiced as a Bond fan since the fifties and one who has seen all the films and has shelves of books on Ian Fleming, the Bond films and of course all the Bond novels and short stories. I have even used the Bond films in the classroom. My expectations may have been too high as the writers in this book have good credentials. I will admit they know philosophy and they cover every philosopher from Plato to Nietzsche to prove their points. Actually more time is spent by some of the writers on examining the philosophers than Bond. I'm sure that as professionals and Bond fans (I would hope) they had fun writing this. More fun than the reader will have.
Some of the authors do a good job in what they are supposed to be selling while others just natter on in a most boring fashion. They would have done better to have followed the lead of the excellent "James Bond Dossier" by Kingsley Amis and so many other authors in following decades who have attempted to analyze Ian Fleming and James Bond.
The problem is that you cannot pin down James Bond from the various author descriptions by Ian Fleming, Kingsley Amis, the brilliant John Gardner and Raymond Benson married to the twenty one Bond films and portrayals by all the Bond stars, from Connery to Craig, as scripted and directed in the films. There are differences.
You cannot make an analysis of the books and films together or separately without looking at Ian Fleming himself. The James Bond of Ian Fleming originally was based in looks on "a young Hoagy Carmichael" and in personality on Fleming himself. The book Bond was not originally the lady killer that Sean Connery portrayed.
The book is interesting only as an exercise in thoughts and I do appreciate the attempt of each writer in this collection to tie their interpretation of Bond in with their own philosophic beliefs. However I must say that from my view the book does not add anything to understanding the James Bond phenomena and how it relates to our world today.
This is no light read, however.......2007-02-06
'Questions are Forever' in James Bond and Philosophy, another addition to Open Court's popular 'pop philosophy' series linking popular culture with philosophical ideas and insights. This is no light read, however: seventeen philosopher scholars examine the underlying philosophical issues in the Bond universe, providing weighty connections, reflections, and insights relating Bond to Nietzsche and others. College-level courses in philosophy seeking such connections between the genre and modern life will find this sparks classroom interest and debate.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
"The name's Blair. Tony Blair.".......2006-11-12
The Open Court Press series Popular Culture and Philosophy has reached twenty-five volumes and this book is one of the most interesting.
There are a slew of Bond books out now to coincide with the appearance of the "new Bond," Daniel Craig. (I've seen good and bad reviews of the film Casino Royale, so if I see it in the theater before it comes out on DVD it will be to watch Judi Dench as M. Her M is more intelligent - - and more vicious - - than any master criminal 007 ever went up against.)
Like other books in this series, it uses it's popular culture subject to illuminate philosophical ideas, not the other way around. (It's Heidegger's views on why technology makes us human that matter, not how Q always knows exactly what kind of gadget 007 will need.)
The most important essays to me were the ones blending political and moral issues that are pertinent today. Just what kind of "democratic oversight" is necessary before you give an agent a "license to kill" (or torture, or waterboard)?
It's fascinating that M's real-life counterpart in MI5 just announced that the so-called war on terror would last at least a generation. The implication is, "You need us." Of course lately the terrorist suspects MI5 has shot and/or killed have been completely innocent. Like the man shot and killed by a US sky marshall for running off the plane while the victim's wife (who was with him on the plane) told everyone he was on medication.
Blair's in trouble for selling honors in exchange for political contributions and may soon be getting a visit from the police himself. But for now the police (at least the secret departments) and Blair's government are propping each other up.
It reminds me of what someone supposedly said when he saw Napoleon's foreign minister on the arm of the secret police chief. "Vice supported by crime."
But I suspect several of the authors in this book would disagree with me about current politics. What I took from the book may not be what you will.
Most of the philosophers find something in the Bond stories (if not in Bond himself) to defend. But not all of them. I especially liked Dean Kowalski's essay looking at Bond from the viewpoint of Eastern philosophy. I also like the fact that the Philosophy and Popular Culture series seems to try to include as many women and other varied perspectives as they can.
There are so many interesting ideas in the world, it is enough after all.
Book Description
This book of essays looks at the multitude of texts and influences which converge in Ridley Scott’s film Blade Runner, especially the film’s relationship to its source novel, Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Essays consider political, moral and technological issues raised by the film, as well as literary, filmic, technical and aesthetic questions. Contributors discuss the film’s psychological and mythic patterns, importance political issues and the roots of the film in Paradise Lost, Frankenstein, detective fiction, and previous science fiction cinema.
Customer Reviews:
Essays that , like, prove it's amazing and stuff.......2005-05-26
For the ignorant fools who didn't know what they were watching the first 168 times around, this book has essays with subtexts and subconcious imagary that will blow your mind.
A box office failure shined to gold by looking-back critics and an army of fans, Blade Runner is now the requisite sci-fi inspiration film. It's still a stylish but bleak, cold film and has rightfully earned its supercult status. A lot of people responded to it in their own way.
The book has plenty of food for thought, but it gets to be much after a while. Authors compare the various themes in Blade Runner and use this as a springboard for ruminations on Frankenstein, feminism, film noir, you name it, Blade Runner has it. Slave narrative, horror film, it's in there. And there's room for an updated version as plenty of published material has appeared since this book did in the early 90s. Recommended for the obsessed Blade Runner fan--and there is no other kind.
Fascinating and Exhaustive.......2001-08-30
I thought my 10 year career as Blade Runner appreciator would have overturned all the 'stones' of interest - and yet this book yields countless articles many of which containing subtleties and revelations totally new to me. Of course, if you're not a major blade runner fan you'll want to become one first.
Oxygen for any Blade Runner fan.......2001-08-21
A must have for any die hard BR fan. Well crafted essays and opinions covering every angle a fan could ever hope for. Reads similar to a textbook. If only Scott could release a DVD version of BR this detailed.
A difintive analysis of 'Blade Runner'........2001-06-18
This book is a must-have for Blade Runner fans. Wonderfully written essays. Desser's article comparing the film to John Milton's poem/novel Paradise Lost and Frankenstein is a writing at its mind-bending best.
One of the finest books about this amazing film.......2000-07-17
If you are looking for info about the making of BLADE RUNNER you'd best look elsewhere, but if like me you want to read intelligent analysis of this amazing film then this book is one of the finest you'll find. The range of the essays is wide, looking at every facet of the film; the script, music, symbolism and much more. I've read many books on the subject of BLADE RUNNER and this one was one of the most enlightening and informative. There is more to BLADE RUNNER than you might think - and this book will show you in considerable detail. Highly recommended for fans of the film.
Book Description
What happens when Jane Austen's Emma becomes the big screen's Clueless? How does Batman the comic book translate into a cartoon, television show, and film? With contributions from some of the finest film scholars in the world, Adaptations looks at what happens to popular texts when they are transformed into an entirely different medium, including novel and comic book to screen and an innovative look at screen to novel. Wide-ranging and innovative in its approach, Adaptations is a trenchant look at how a story changes--successfully or not--in all its mediums: novel, film, comic book, cartoon, and television.
Contributors: Julian North, Esther Sonnet, Roger Bromley, Pat Kirkham, Sally Warren, Nicholas Zurbrugg, Mark Rawlinson, Derek Paget, Sharon Ouditt, Ken Gelder, Ina Rae Hark, Will Brooker, Paul Wells.
Book Description
Written by a leading figure in film and literary studies, this accessible textbook offers a first-rate analysis of the process and the art of literature-to-film adaptations.Provides a lively, rigorous, and clearly written account of key moments in the history of the novel from Don Quixote and Robinson Crusoe up to Lolita and One Hundred Years of SolitudeEmphasizes both the literary texts themselves and their varied transtextual film adaptationsExamines numerous literary trends - from the self-conscious novel to magic realism - before exploring the cinematic impact of the movementReinvigorates the field of adaptation studies by examining it through the grid of contemporary theoryBrings novels and film adaptations into the age of multiculturalism, postcoloniality, and the Internet by reflecting on their contemporary relevanceThe book contains a wealth of insights for those who care about literature, film, and theory, offering the ideal introduction to this multifaceted subject. Together with its two companion volumes, it will doubtless change the field.
Books:
- The Little Book of Bleeps: Excerpts from the Award-Winning Movie What the (#$%&) Bleep Do We Know
- The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook
- The Martini: An Illustrated History of an American Classic
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
- The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, and Related Tales (Oxford World's Classics)
- The Natural Vision Improvement Kit
- The Nature of Consciousness : The Structure of Reality: Theory of Everything Equation Revealed : Scientific Verification and Proof of Logic God Is
- The Neddiad: How Neddie Took the Train, Went to Hollywood, and Saved Civilization
- The New Media Reader
- The People and Process of Film and Video Production: From Low Budget to High Budget
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