Editorial Review

Featuring more than 400 pages and over 1500 images, the LOST Encyclopedia will be a comprehensive guide to the characters, items, locations, plotlines, relationships, and mythologies from all six seasons of the landmark series aired on ABC-TV and produced by ABC Studios. Created in full collaboration with ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, this will be the first and only fully licensed and comprehensive reference to all things LOST, and it includes a foreword by executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.



LOST © 2010. ABC Studios. All Rights Reserved. ... Read more

Reviews

Great content; poor editing, October 15, 2010
First, an initial statement of possible sources of bias: I am a professional academic and an unapologetic LOST enthusiast (you may read what you like into that conjunction). I ordered the LOST Encyclopedia on May 4 and received it on October 12 following a delay from its original listed release date of August 24, so I've been anticipating its release for a while.

Second, an executive summary: as a fan of the show, I'm glad to finally have this "encyclopedia" on my bookshelf and think it an excellent resource. Nevertheless, the presentation of the book is somewhat less polished than I would have hoped, leading me to suspect that a second edition may be in the works. Any recommendation that I can give would therefore have to be a guarded one.

Like the show for which it serves as a reference guide, this book must have been a massive undertaking for everyone involved with little guarantee of pleasing everyone in its audience. I can therefore forgive the omission of some items (no entry for the Hybird, or "Hurley bird," for example) and the lack of linked entries (e.g. "The Hatch: see Swan Station," or "Jeremy Bentham: see John Locke").

My objections to the book's editing begin with the character entries, which are generally sorted alphabetically by first name. I have no problem with organizing an encyclopedia in this way, as this is hardly an academic text and there are a variety of minor characters whose last names are unknown; however, the glaring exceptions to this rule--John Locke, whose entry is filed under "L," and James Ford, whose entry is filed under "S" for "Sawyer"--happen to be among the most important entries in the volume. Finding those entries will only take an extra few seconds of the reader's time (especially since, as mentioned above, there are no linking entries), but the organization comes across as sloppy.

Also sloppy are the various textual redundancies. In the "Man in Black" entry, for example, a text blurb entitled "Jacob's Spirit" calls attention to the fact that "The spirit of a young Jacob repeatedly appeared to the Man in Black while he was acting out his end game as Locke..." One page later, immediately facing that blurb, is another blurb entitled "Haunting Reminders" which calls attention to the very same fact using the very same text, the only difference being in the capitalization of a single word. Similarly, the entry for Magnus Hanso ends with a three-sentence paragraph: the first sentence states that "Hanso's death remained a mystery to the outside world [until] DHARMA Initiative member Stuart Radzinsky documented Hanso's final resting place on the Blast Wall Map"; the second sentence states that "Details of Hanso's death remained a mystery to the outside world"; the third sentence states that (you guessed it) "DHARMA Initiative member Stuart Radzinsky documented Hanso's final resting place on the blast wall map." Again, this book constitutes a relatively massive undertaking and it's understandable that various typos would slip through (and there are a number of those), but given the two-month delay in the book's release I would have expected the editors to catch these obvious artifacts of the rewriting process.

I had initially speculated that the publication delay was a function of the writers' need to rewrite some entries in light of the final episode's controversial revelations regarding the "flash-sideways universe." That was apparently incorrect, as the only reference to the flash-sideways (that I've found, at least) comes at the tail end of Juliet's entry. Instead, all information about that "universe" is relegated to a few text-light and picture-heavy character entries that follow the encyclopedia's index. The entries seem arbitrarily organized (in order: Desmond, Hurley, Ben, Sun, Jin, Sayid, Kate, Claire, Locke, and Jack) and utterly disconnected from the rest of the encyclopedia. To the writers' credit, they call attention to some quotes from the final episode that should help confused viewers figure out where the flash-sideways universe fits into the overall story structure; however, one is left with the impression that someone involved with the book's production was embarrassed by the reception of the final episode and wanted to minimize its influence on the rest of the text. I would certainly hope that delaying publication gave the writers and editors adequate time to integrate this information--if they had wanted to do so. For better or for worse, this storyline is as much a part of LOST canon as anything else and it should have been treated as such.

Finally, there are several minor factual errors in the text--particularly with respect to the descriptions of the philosophers referenced by the show--but those are more nits to be picked than they are problems affecting the book's presentation. Nevertheless, it's an editor's job to pick those nits before publication.

Again, I'm glad to own the LOST encyclopedia and will readily admit that fans of the show (be they dedicated or casual ones) won't be able to find a better reference. The content is top-notch, covering both breadth and depth, as detailed in other reviews. If asked whether or not I would recommend that someone else spend $25 on it (much less the $45 cover price), however, I would only be able to answer that anyone considering doing so should take into account the very real possibility that an updated and cleaned-up new edition may be forthcoming. Of course, I also can't guarantee that any such edition will actually see the light of day. As such, I have no regrets on my part, but less risk-averse fans might think otherwise.

A good, if not definitive resource with some noticeable flaws, October 19, 2010
The LOST Encyclopedia will not bring a bevy of new insights or craved "answers" for fans of the show, but it is a solid catalog of facts and histories from the show's vast mythology. I wouldn't call it comprehensive, but it's an enjoyably casual reference for fans of the show.

The biggest negative trait of the book is the sloppy editing. Despite being delayed multiple times before its release, the articles still contain numerous typographical errors (I'd estimate one every couple of pages on average), far more than should be acceptable for a professionally published work like this. There are even entries that are OUT OF ALPHABETICAL ORDER: under "D," there are three entries ordered "Donovan," "Dogen" and "Doctors." I know it's something most people won't lose a lot of sleep over, but as an English major I found them impossible to ignore and quite distracting from the flow of the book.

More important and germane to the nature of the LOST Encyclopedia, there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to the emphasis placed on some elements of the show in contrast to others. For example, on the same two-page spread, Eddie Colburn, a minor character featured in ONE flashback episode, is given as much attention as Edward Mars, a character who appeared in multiple flashbacks and on the Island. Another example: there's a massive two-page entry dedicated to the RECORD PLAYER in the Swan station. The same amount of space is given to the blast door map, one of the pivotal set pieces of the series. If I had to guess, I'd say that such decisions were made to make the articles fit into neat two-page layouts, with the visual presentation emphasized over the relevance of information.

As mentioned in a previous review, the alphabetization of the entries is slapdash. If you want to actually look up an obscure element of the show rather than just casually browse the book, you may find yourself taking several guesses on what your query may be titled before you find it. For example, if you want to look up the glowing river alternatively called "The Source" or "The Heart of the Island," you won't find it listed under either of those two names. Instead, it is mentioned in a brief paragraph in the massive entry "The Island," as well as intermittently in other entries. Other aspects of the show that this fan thinks should have entries but do not, based on their importance in the show, include the Whispers, Time Travel, and the Donkey Wheel.

Now, to the positive. Given the existence of the much more comprehensive fan wiki "Lostpedia," the biggest appeal of The LOST Encyclopedia is not the depth or organization of its entries. Instead, it is the hundreds and hundreds of visual aids that accompany the entries, along with photos of LOST props and locales sprinkled liberally throughout the book. All of the entries on the major Dharma stations feature original diagrams. There are hundreds of close-ups of key props, such as Faraday's journal and maps used by the characters, as well as more obscure pieces like Drive Shaft promotional posters and the contents of Kate's time capsule. Most fans have never had an opportunity to see such components of LOST lore this clearly and up close.

The encyclopedia also features a number of ancillary elements that exist outside of the show, thus establishing them as canon while also exposing them to fans who may not have seen them before. The entry for Alvar Hanso contains information about Thomas Mittlewerk and Rachel Blake, characters featured only in the LOST Alternate Reality Game "The LOST Experience." The article on the Purge includes a copy of the truce between the Others and the Dharma Initiative, previously available only to those who bought the special edition of the Season Five box set. There are even translations of many of the hieroglyphics featured on sets and props from the show, engravings that would be impossible to discern from screencaps.

Ironically, the unofficial Lostpedia easily remains the definitive source of information on LOST even after the release of this book. Really, The LOST Encyclopedia functions best as a kind of coffee table attraction, a tome to peruse for the sake of curiosity as opposed to a serious study of the show's mythology. While its numerous textual errors give some entries an unpolished feel, from a strictly visual perspective the book is stunning. It's not easy to produce as many new images from a show as heavily scrutinized as LOST, but the material unique to the book, as well as the conversational tone best suited to enjoyable casual reading, make it worth the buy.

No buts-this book is canon, October 12, 2010
I still highly recommend this book to anyone who loved Lost. If you want a gift for your favorite Lost fanatic, this is the only book you should consider buying. That is because this is the only book written with the help of the Lost producers. It is fact-canon. Other books may theorize what happened in the Lost world but this is the only book that tells you what did happen.

"No great depth" said the previous review! I was amazed at all the depth and details. Just a few examples: Jacob appreciated Widmore's loyalty and allowed him to rise to leadership with Eloise. Jacob had Alpert strip Widmore of his position and banish him. Danielle arrived on the island after the Purge. Ben planned to fool Juliet into releasing the gas from the Tempest killing herself, the 815 survivors and the freighter crew. Plus it confirms things we suspected like Widmore being the one to execute the Purge of the Dharma Initiative via gas from the Tempest and the one who told his goons to slaughter the Ajira 316 survivors.

There is very little on the flash-forwards. The 14 or so pages (text is limited to brief recaps) are tacked on the end of the book after the index like an afterthought. Given this is an encyclopedia there isn't much for the writers to say about them anyway but the placement is very odd.

Know what else is odd? Apparently the editors didn't show up for work! I found too many instances of misplaced and repeated text including this gem in a series of bullets about Shannon; "Loudly whined about Marshal Mars dying too callously." LOL! It is sooo annoying when someone dies callously! That probably should have been "Callously whined about Marshal Mars dying too loudly."

I also found overall that the text lacked clarity. Many paragraphs were poorly worded and clumsy. In places grammatical errors left the text unnecessarily ambiguous. It's obvious that neither the publisher nor the writers were up to the task of producing this book properly which is sad. Or perhaps the producers are at fault for not choosing writers who could produce clean text under a tight deadline.

I'm still giving it five stars because the book looks great (all 400 pages), it contains a mountain of information that is all canon (which no other Lost book can claim) and it is relatively cheap for all it contains. For all its faults, it still makes the best gift you can buy for any kind of Lost fan from the causal fan all the way up to the Lost fanatic.

Coffee Table Book, NOT Encyclopedia, November 27, 2010
First off, let me explain that this is a coffee table book, plain and simple. It is hardly encyclopedic and exhaustive like I had expected. Every page is crammed full of large photos and the text is squeezed in the left over space as an afterthought. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with pictures, but why do they have to dominate the entire thing? I wanted an encyclopedia with lots of information and painfully detailed entries. Instead, they delivered an excersize in photoshop. When I actually saw this thing, I was really surprised how tall and thin it was. I was expecting something squat and fat, more along the lines of a dictionary. The proportions further emphasize the coffe-table-bookedness of this thing.

If you already own this book and enjoy it, then I do not mean to take away from your enjoyment. I simply would like to warn those who haven't purchased this and who are on the edge to NOT buy it. At the very least, go to Barnes and Noble (like I did) and check it out first. If it's what you want and you are pleased, then I am happy for you. But I will be sticking with my guides by Nikki Stafford, which I can't say enough about. I really hope some day someone will come along and give us the thousand-page treatment this material deserves.

Overall nice, if not a complete presentattion, November 20, 2010
Now I will readily admit that I do not actually own the book yet (I'm planning on ordering it ASAP), but I have read some of it at local bookstores and so far I do think it will be worth the purchase, and a nice complementary book to the LOST series. I did notice that some entries were oddly ordered, and although I haven't read much, I did notice an error in Alex's entry -- in reference to the episode "Stranger in a Strange Land" from season three, it stated that Alex opened the door of Jack's cell in the Hydra station so that he could stop Juliet's trial, which was not true -- in the episode "I Do," she unlocked Jack's cell door in the Hydra station which led to him seeing Kate and Sawyer on the monitor, but in the episode about Juliet's trial, Alex actually broke Jack out of one of the cages OUTSIDE of the Hydra station, when Jack asked to see Ben (so that he could save Juliet). I know this may be a minor mistake, and I may not have a right to gripe since I don't actually own this book yet, but as a rabid LOST/Jack fan, mistakes like that rub at me the wrong way. I also don't understand why some minor characters (like the undercover cop in one of Locke's flash back episodes), had a picture in his entry, but other characters (like Ben's childhood sweetheart, Annie) did not. Was it a space issue, or could they not get permission to use them? It was more likely the first, but still, that doesn't seem right to me. Especially since this is an offical encyclopedia.

Also, I wish that the book had a section devoted to the Flash-sideways - not like the one in the back of the book, but a special one that explains characters only in that world (i.e, Sayid's brother, and David Shephard), and the events that took place. I wasn't expecting answers to be explained that weren't in the show (Lindelof and Cuse are determined to be cagey about those), but a whole season was devoted to the Flash-sideways, and although those stories may have confused/pissed off people, I liked the majority of them, and would've liked them included. To have them omitted feels to me like they weren't a part of LOST - like the writers had "buyer's remorse" a little too late. But it WAS LOST, and they should be in the book! It makes me sad that they weren't.

And to the reviewer who mentioned the ordering of the characters listed in the Flashsideways - I think it begins with Desmond and ends with Jack because they were the two most important people in the FS. At least, that's what I think...?

Overall, though, I will gladly get this book in a few weeks if I can. It's a nice looking book, and the LOSTIE in me demands it. =)

Great book, but with painful grammatical and other editing errors, October 19, 2010
This is a great book for any die-hard LOST fan. It includes a number of details and clarifications that have not been offered anyplace else, which makes it indispensable. At the same time, many valuable features that one can find on Lostpedia.com (unofficial Lost encyclopedia online) are missing. Things like full lists of episode titles and summaries of each season, and, especially, timelines, character and mystery statuses. The book is also missing an index, which is quite odd for a publication of this nature, and makes it impossible to cross reference. This would lead me to believe there was not enough room to include all these features, which makes it somewhat curious that Sawyer's reading list, for example, is including twice in the book. Indeed, a number of facts and pictures are duplicated, while others are left out entirely.

My biggest complaint though is the number of grammatical errors. Someone who wrote or edited the book has a lot of trouble identifying the subject of a sentence. For instance, one sentence reads "Before his father went on the Kahana mission, Michael tried to make contact with Walt." What this sentence means is that Michael's father went on the Kahana mission, but this is incorrect--it was Walt's father, Michael, who went on the mission. This type of incongruent-subject error is very frequent in the book. I've only read about 1/10 of it so far and have found similar mistakes five times already, as well as a number of typos.

Most books have some mistakes, partly because our eyes tend to see what we know to be correct, so even astute editors miss some of these things. But there's a reasonable limit on just how many mistakes there should be, especially when this book is published by DK, known for its reference and educational books.

I'm glad I bought the book now, but I'm also hoping for a second, improved edition, at which time I'll sell the current one on Ebay and cut my losses.

Fantastic Informative Book for the LOST fanatic, October 15, 2010
I just received my copy of the LOST Encyclopedia last night and while I have only read about 20 entries so far, in no particular order, I can tell I will be very pleased with this purchase. From what I've read so far I am very happy with some of the information I have got from it. It seems there is an entry for every single character that ever had a speaking role on LOST, whether it was a main character or someone who just appeared on the show once and said only 3 words. Almost every location has a detailed entry as well. Another great aspect of the book is that it seems to tie up some small loose ends on the show. While you aren't getting answers for all major mysteries I have noticed loose ends such as why Libby was in the mental institution and if she recognized Hurley was answered to my surprise. I'm excited to read more of the book and I believe it's a must have for any serious LOST fan.

Overall pleased, October 20, 2010
As a fanatic of the show who followed all things CANON, I enjoyed the book overall. It's a great overall resource if you want to look something quick for reference. Whenever I thought something was omitted, it would pop up as information under a different entry.

There are some small errors here and there. But I think they can be taken with a "grain of salt."

Overall it's a great resource for the show. It doesn't offer "answers", but I felt the clarifications on things can be considered as new information. Such as how Ethan joined the others, that Widmore ordered the purge an JAcob suggested to Richard that he be removed from power, etc. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Any Star Wars fan can mimic Darth Vader's voice or Chewbacca's roar with ease. But how many of them would be able to identify the lion's roar used in the sound of the Millenium Falcon's engine? In this aurally astonishing and visually engaging book, New York Times best-selling author J. W. Rinzler reveals the illuminating history of the sounds that make the Star Wars universe so believable, as recounted by their creator, legendary sound designer Ben Burtt. An attached sound module with an exterior speaker and headphone jack lets readers listen to more than 250 unique sound effects, and more than 300 photographs illustrate the epic's many memorable scenes. From the first films to the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, The Sounds of Star Wars is Star Wars as you've never heard it before. ... Read more

Reviews

Video Review, December 8, 2010
An amazing book. A must read (listen!) for any Star Wars fan. A great gift book-

XOXO

Absolutely Amazing, September 28, 2010
Being a fan of sound effects myself, though nowhere near to that of Ben Burtt, this book is great. I've always wondered what was done to make a specific creature voice or laser blast or spaceship engine sound, etc. in the various Star Wars films. This fascinating book covers them all, with the actual sounds to hear along with the information. My only complain would be that the sound unit on the side is a bit big. I can tell that 50% of the interior is probably air. Being that memory chips and electronics can be quite small these days, there was no need to make the unit so large, or as heavy. As for the book itself, it is a massive treasure trove of background information on all of the Star Wars movies to date. Any sound effect used in them is covered in detail with various pictures either from the films or behind-the-scenes shots pertaining to the sound. If you are a Star Wars or even just interested in sound effects in general, this is a must-have book.

The Sounds Of Star Wars is a another good book by J.W. Rinzler., September 23, 2010
This book is amazing and to think of it no one has actually done a book on the making of sound design in film. Matt Wood , David Acord and Ben Burrt are good Sound Designers and this book is great as well. This book has amazing stories on sound design work in all 6 star wars films as well as the clone wars tv series. J.W. Rinzler has again written another winner here.

Only one thing keeps me from giving it five stars..., November 28, 2010
This is a great book for Star Wars fans, film students, sound engineers. To read how the various sounds were created and to listen to the result have wrought pure joy. However, the one thing that keeps me from giving this book five stars is that you can only access the sound by pressing the forward or backward buttons. It would have been great if one could enter the files number to hear the sounds. I am starting to worry that I will break the sound module from overuse.

Did you ever wonder how they made the rancor roar?, September 30, 2010
I saw a preview of this book at Celebration 5 in Florida. Ben Burtt was there, telling stories on how the sounds came to be. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in sound effects and how they can influence a movie. I have had more fun reading the book and playing the sounds. You do not have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy this book.

Rinzler's Star Wars -- He Gets It, September 23, 2010
Rinzler's book on the sound of the STAR WARS films is really wonderful; incisive and fun (the digital component with the sound box is not gimmicky -- it makes you read further). The STAR WARS movies are so rich in detail that I find it is pretty great some attention can be paid to the soundtrack and the book explains how those tracks were created without being too technical (and it is a hi-tech field). But how about a Rinzler book on John Williams' scores?

I eagerly look forward to the EMPIRE book and hope there's a making of JEDI in the future (even if it's production is less dramatic than those of the original STAR WARS and EMPIRE).

Amazing, September 28, 2010
Great book. The hidden story behing all those amazing sounds. Great to play with the sounds. My kids loved it too. ... Read more

Editorial Review

'How I survived beauty pageants, Elvis, sex, Bruce Willis, lies, marriage, motherhood, Hollywood, and the irrepressible urge to say what you think.'

From wholesome beauty queen to saucy cover girl, from heartbreaking movie star (THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, TAXI DRIVER) to one of television's most loved comediennes (MOONLIGHTING, CYBILL), Cybill Shepherd is renowned as sassy, shocking and sexy. In CYBILL DISOBEDIENCE, she opens her heart with the wit and honesty of a star who's seen and knows it all. ... Read more

Reviews

A Genuine Cybill Fan
I have to say that I truly loved this book. I laughed out loud many times. I really enjoyed Cybill's frankness and honesty about her past experiences. I have been a fan of Cybill Shepherd since her Moonlighting days. Even back then, there was always something that I admired about her. I couldn't put my finger on it until I read this book. Cybill reveals many secrets about her life over the years, especially her various sexual encounters. She also writes about her many experiences in movies and TV. I am a young woman and could very much relate to her tales of love, lust and betrayal. Cybill states clearly that she always did what pleased her and what pleased her was sex. Only a woman like Cybill could make a comment like that. She is so candid and such a real person. Some of us feel might feel this way but don't have the guts to say so. It's very hard to take an honest look at yourself and then reveal your soul to everyone. You can see how she has grown and realized the mistakes that she has made along the way but more importantly how she has learned from them. I admire her courage and strength for that. So, Kudos to Cybill for such an honest and humerous look at her very interesting life. I am an even bigger fan now than I was before.

Moonlighting with Cybill
Yes, Cybill jumps in and out of bed with quite a few men, but the world used to be more carefree back in the seventies and eighties. At least she wasn't a drug addict or alcoholic. Being a blue-eyed blonde myself, I identified with some of the catty things she went through with other women. I was intriqued reading the parts about her shows Moonlighting and Cybill. She had a rough time of it, but hung in there and I am sure she is stronger for it. Christine Baranski, I was surprised to read, was a little stinker! I couldn't put the book down and I am more of a fan of hers now than I was before I read the book. She has raised three gorgeous children and done a heck of a job of it. She has nothing to be ashamed of. All you ladies need to read this! A great story and inspiration for single moms with kids to raise alone. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A perfect trashy review
This is a classic memoir of some ridiculously funny random sexual experiences, coupled with rampant alcohol and drug overindulgence. Chelsea's is a rare breed; a talented comic and contagious writer. Each chapter is an outlandish collection of the painful things that go wrong in her sexual conquests and latent promiscuity. The midget sex story was my favorite. Oh my!

Some great one-liners and insults in every other sentence.

Very embarrassing and hilarious stories, right from the first chapter. Chelsea is the ultimate tomboy, and can be outrageously funny. What makes this book so great is the shock value. Not just the content. Heavy drinking, drugs, and numerous sex partners are just not what you expect to read from an accomplished woman. It's just so very rare a girl is so open about her excess indulgence and spontaneous sex life like this.
She has a real talent at storytelling as well, which comes from her stand up comic days.

For fans of this genre, I'd also highly recommend the male version of this book for out of control laughs. Ripping comedy - outrageous penthouse letter stories.

High Heels and Dirty Deals - Globetrotting Tales of Debauchery from a Binge-drinking Nymphomaniac
... Read more

Editorial Review

“I didn’t decide to become anorexic. It snuck up on me disguised as a healthy diet, a professional attitude. Being as thin as possible was a way to make the job of being an actress easier . . .”

Portia de Rossi weighed only 82 pounds when she collapsed on the set of the Hollywood film in which she was playing her first leading role. This should have been the culmination of all her years of hard work—first as a child model in Australia, then as a cast member of one of the hottest shows on American television. On the outside she was thin and blond, glamorous and successful. On the inside, she was literally dying.

In this searing, unflinchingly honest book, Portia de Rossi captures the complex emotional truth of what it is like when food, weight, and body image take priority over every other human impulse or action. She recounts the elaborate rituals around eating that came to dominate hours of every day, from keeping her daily calorie intake below 300 to eating precisely measured amounts of food out of specific bowls and only with certain utensils. When this wasn’t enough, she resorted to purging and compulsive physical exercise, driving her body and spirit to the breaking point.

Even as she rose to fame as a cast member of the hit television shows Ally McBeal and Arrested Development, Portia alternately starved herself and binged, all the while terrified that the truth of her sexuality would be exposed in the tabloids. She reveals the heartache and fear that accompany a life lived in the closet, a sense of isolation that was only magnified by her unrelenting desire to be ever thinner. With the storytelling skills of a great novelist and the eye for detail of a poet, Portia makes transparent as never before the behaviors and emotions of someone living with an eating disorder.

From her lowest point, Portia began the painful climb back to a life of health and honesty, falling in love with and eventually marrying Ellen DeGeneres, and emerging as an outspoken and articulate advocate for gay rights and women’s health issues.

In this remarkable and beautifully written work, Portia shines a bright light on a dark subject. A crucial book for all those who might sometimes feel at war with themselves or their bodies, Unbearable Lightness is a story that inspires hope and nourishes the spirit. ... Read more

Reviews

honest and moving
As the previous reviewer has pretty much summarised the entire book (!) I'll just say that this is an honest, moving and well written account of a dark time in Portia's life. It was hard to read how she brought herself close to death, keeping herself on a tiny allowance of calories and strenuous exercise (in high heels at times). I know Hollywood expects women to be thin, but I was saddened to read her accounts of costume fittings - where she was humiliated for being anything other than 'stick thin'.

I loved the story about meeting Ellen in 2001 at a concert, when Ellen invited her over to her house along with other guests. Portia thought she was just being polite, but it turned out that Ellen had only invited the other people over so she would have the excuse of a party to invite Portia. So Ellen was stuck with having to entertain all those people that night!

I think coming out as a lesbian in Hollywood is still a risky move (how many others are there? not many) and Portia is an inspiration to other women who are coming to terms with their sexuality and trying to live their life honestly. Well done Portia, from a fellow Aussie :)

What Did You Eat Last Night?
Portia DeGeneres has had several names in her lifetime. Born as Amanda Rogers in Australia, she changed her name when she moved to Hollywood. Portia de Rossi, a lovely sophisticated name that fit the woman she was to become. 'Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain' is a spectacular title for her book, and it encompasses more than a story of anorexia and a life of acceptance of self.

Portia grew up in Melbourne in a middle class family. Her father died when she was young, and Portia never really got over his death. She lived with her mother and her brother, Michael. At an early age, Portia decided she wanted to be a model, and at the age of twelve she entered a contest and won. This set the stage for a lifetime of dieting, gorging and vomiting, laxatives and 300 calories a day. You can never be too thin, is what is said, and our culture has taken that to an all time extreme. When Portia landed the role of Nelle Porter on 'Ally McBeal', she realized she was not thin enough to compete with the other stars. She had always had a voice in her head, 'the drill sergeant', who told her she was too fat, she was no good and she would never measure up. Her life revolved around her food, the 300 calories a day. She would exercise for hours on a treadmill or do Pilate's in between the days at 'Ally McBeal'. The daily pressures of a successful Hollywood career, on top of hiding her sexuality became too much. It was not until Portia moved on to a new role in 'Arrested Development' that she came out to the directors and producers of the show. She was in a relationship at the time and she just felt the time was right. Her weight kept plummeting, and she went home to Melbourne for Christmas at a weight of 82 pounds. At one point her brother broke down and started crying. He told her his fear was that she would die.

During much of this time, she was under the care of a nutritionist who taught her what a healthy diet would encompass. It is important to understand that an anorexic does not see themselves as we do. They see fat, when we see skin and bones. During a film that Portia was making, she blacked out. Her physician did a battery of tests, and what he found was frightening. Portia realized her life must change. It was very difficult, but in one month she gained twenty pounds, and at that time she started therapy for the anorexia and bulimia. As Portia states in her book, she "ballooned" up to 168 pounds before she finally understood how she should eat. At this point in her life, Portia met Ellen, and they fell in love. Within a few years they moved in together and in 2008, they were married. Her family and friends were present. Portia tells us that Ellen saves her life everyday, she loves her for what is inside not just for her physical looks.

Portia has given us a remarkably well written book with an intelligent look at the life of someone with anorexia and bulimia, plus someone with the struggle with sexuality in a town where looks are all that matters. We see a lonely girl, the child of a single mother, the cumulative effects of her doubts about her appearance, and her struggle with being Gay. Her inner voice, "the drill sergeant," would constantly snarl at her over everything she ate. A constant voice that would say, "What did you eat last night?" The voice is no longer there, and Portia may have exorcised her demons. But there are many young women and men out there who are facing this struggle, and this book is one of the best. It is about a woman who has lived the life and felt the emotions, and has given us the true story of her struggle. Portia DeGeneres knows who she is, and understands her worth.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 11-01-10

Beautiful Insanity
This brutally honest account of Portia de Rossi's life is shocking, emotional, and completely spellbinding. Portia bravely takes us to her darkest hour of insecurity and self hate as this memoir impetuously weaves in and out of her childhood, her days on the set of Ally McBeal, and falling in love with her wife, Ellen DeGeneres.

Born Amanda Rogers, this over achieving preteen strives to be anything but ordinary. Mediocre is clearly not her thing and she proves that early on by not only beginning a modeling career at twelve, but also by changing her name to Portia de Rossi by the time she reached age fifteen. Shortly following being criticized about her adolescent body does her long and unhealthy journey with crash dieting, binging, purging, excessive exercising, and starving herself begin. Through years of modeling Portia picked up weight loss strategies such as eating only three hundred calories a day and taking laxatives. She routinely dropped weight rapidly this way before a modeling gig, but was thrust into a whole new realm of unexpected self perception when she joined the cast of hit show, Ally McBeal. She instantly felt pressure to be more stylish, prettier, and of course, thinner. Her level is self discipline skyrocketed as she would fallaciously feel unworthy and unprofessional when she would show up to a fitting and be bigger than a size four.

Being controlled by food wasn't Portia's only dilemma, hiding her sexuality ranked pretty highly as well. Portia was constantly worried about her secret being revealed and even had anxiety over the possibility of the paparazzi and tabloids getting wind of the information she was desperately trying to keep under wraps. Only after her ex-husband leaves her and runs off with her brother's wife, does Portia come out to her mother and brother. Her mother seems very supportive and expresses that she loves her daughter no matter what; however, in the same breath, her mother goes on to suggest that she keep her sexual preference a secret. Not only a secret from their extended family, but Hollywood as well claiming that is simply isn't their business. Surely that felt like a slap in the face. Voyeuristically we witness bits and pieces of Portia's female love interests, whether the women feel the same way or not. We spectate her path to self-discovery and more importantly, self-acceptance.

For years no matter how well Portia did she never believed she is good enough. No matter how beautiful she looked, she still felt self-conscious. If simple words like "normal", or "womanly" were used to describe her, it would set off an episode of harmful ways to be thinner, eventually landing her at only eighty two pounds. This memoir does not shy away from graphic or intimate moments. It is straight forward, rough, and in your face, but in the best and most descriptive ways possible. These pages come directly from the brain of an eating disorder survivor, and shed light on issues from a completely new perspective. Refreshingly, Portia is clearly not afraid to show us exactly how, self proclaimed "insane" and "crazy" she was at certain points in her life. For example, she comprehensibly explains how she would eat Cheetos so the orange color would be a marker of where she was in the process when she proceeded to throw up after binge eating. She vividly describes how she would secretly stuff her face in her car, jab her fingers down her throat, accidentally cutting her gag reflect with her nails, and throw up in the street. She would then take off the shirt under her sweater to wipe her face and hands and head in the house where her brother is like nothing happened. I definitely commend her for this vulnerable writing. I cannot imagine the strength it took to reveal this information, including her flaws, her sick repetitious behavior, and also the way she would belittle herself aloud. I'm sure it felt great airing some of these things and getting them off her chest for good and if this memoir helps but one person then I'm sure it will all be worth it. This tale is a bit disturbing at times but it turns out to be extremely uplifting, and inspiring as well as intellectually written without being pretentious. Portia was absolutely correct when saying this book is for anyone who has ever been on a diet, that alone will make this chronicle relatable.

Fascinating Journey
I have to admit that I don't read a lot of books. And, I have no particular interest in the topic of eating disorders. But after stumbling across the Portia/Oprah interview while web-surfing, I decided to give this book a try. Good decision! It was such a page-turner that I read it in 2 days.

Unbearable Lightness takes you on a fascinating journey into one woman's battle with a severe eating disorder, delving into both the mechanical and emotional aspects of the experience. It is a riveting, distressing trek from which it is impossible to look away once you get started.

Portia wisely avoids a strictly sequential telling of events. Instead, she holds to a fairly ordered time line about the physical progression of her illness, while interlacing that with the emotional challenges from her early life that ultimately shaped her destiny.

One reviewer stated that they found it a bit tedious reading a litany of various encounters with tight-fitting clothes, portion-size anxiety, and exercise routines gone wild. However, I had a completely different reaction to the telling of those events. In fact, the true brilliance of the book was recounting (what sometimes amounted to) the same event, but enveloping it in a new emotional context. So, for example, Portia describes several instances when she becomes distressed after blowing her diet at a restaurant. However, each time this happens, you realize that the depth of her distress -- and ensuing reaction -- has mutated from the last encounter. You realize you are witnessing a slow descent into eating disorder hell, knowing that the next, inevitable trigger point will lure Portia down another step.

Ultimately, this cause/effect dynamic is typical of many emotional disorders: the trigger stays somewhat the same, but the reaction to the trigger changes. The book succeeds precisely because of this nuanced emotional context, particularly around the issues of low self-esteem. Anyone who has ever struggled with self esteem -- regardless of the cause or how that struggle ultimately manifested itself -- will likely relate to Portia's journey.

Portia's self esteem, of course, was tested on two fronts: 1) fitting into the Hollywood body-image ideal and 2)accepting her Lesbian identity while feeling she had to hide it. She addresses both without making the book a Hollywood tell-all or a treatise about the (very real) toll of gay oppression. That Portia has succeeded in conquering both of these challenges - retaining her career and living very openly as a Lesbian -- makes her victory over anorexia and bulimia that much more inspiring.

Accept me
I was vaguely familiar with actress Portia De Rossi from her roles on Ally McBeal and Arrested Development as well as her marriage to Ellen DeGeneres. I didn't pay her much attention until I watched her recent interview with Oprah. I was so moved by her story that I made an ugly cry that would make even Oprah herself give me the side eye. I went out and bought Unbearable Lightness the next day.

The thing I liked the most about the book is how honest Portia is. Heartwrenchingly honest to the point that I almost felt like I was eavesdropping on something too personal to be shared. However, Portia did so in order to heal. It was tough at times to read how much this woman hated herself. For being gay and terrified of being outed. For being in a business that focuses squarely on what you're not. For never being good enough or thin enough even when she'd starved herself on a 300 calaries a day diet. You want to reach through the pages and tell her to stop the insanity and the self-torture.

It's wonderful that Ellen came into her life and helped her to learn to like herself. They seem great for each other. Now that I've read her story, I really admire Portia and I wish her the best. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Amazon.com ReviewProduct Description
Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series. Learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted," how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do. Written and designed in collaboration with the cast and crew that brought J. K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing filmmaking secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movies, this collectible volume offers a privileged look at the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.

A Look Inside Harry Potter: Film Wizardry
(Click on Images to Enlarge)

The Burrow	The Yule Ball
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape	The Cave

1 ... Read more

Reviews

Better than Butterbeer!, October 19, 2010
If you haven't yet been able to make it to Orlando, this beautiful book offers a way to hold the wizarding world of Harry Potter in your hands. And as an extra special bonus there are sections about the final two films, including a preview of my favorite new discovery: Fleur's double phoenix wedding dress. The level of detail in the book is amazing. For example, the Quidditch program contains an advertisement for Pumpkin Juice. You might want to order two copies: one to keep pristine, and other to take out all the special art from its protective sleeves to decorate your room or office. I would love to put some of the Ministry of Magic's Proclamations around the library! Or pretend to do Christmas shopping out of the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes catalogue. Having visited Hogsmeade this summer, I have a new appreciation for the talent and vision of the filmmakers whose work is highlighted here. The text explains how movie magic was accomplished, down to the special salt that stands in for snow in the models , which has diamond shaped crystals and even crunches like the real thing. This is the most exciting Harry Potter work to come out since The Tales of Beadle The Bard. The Stern Librarian (I own the complete works of Gilderoy Lockhart).

The Magic Behind the Films, October 19, 2010
Harry Potter Film Wizardry was one of the most detailed books about the films I've found. The pictures, layout, and hidden goodies made the book worth the steep price. Not only is the book interesting, but it shows a lot of the objects and concepts included in the movies that you may have missed. It also has fold-out objects (Like The Marauder's Map), and a sneak preview of the finale of the series.

I got to hold a Yule Ball ticket in my hand!, October 19, 2010
If you're interested in the magic behind the making of the Harry Potter films, or the ephemera that they created, from Yule Ball tickets to Ministry ID booklets, Weasleys Wizard Wheezes packaging, labels from Slughorn's Apothecary or Harry's Hogwarts letter, you owe it to yourself to get this book. It's the perfect gift for any long-time (or new) Potter fan - you get to see, close up, so many of the magical things that were created to fill Harry's world. I know it's a cliche, but the book is almost magical.

Fantastic!, October 23, 2010
Back in 2007 when I wrote a review for a Harry Potter poster book, I bemoaned the lack of companion books for the Harry Potter films and wished that somebody would work on a serious "the-making-of " type of book for the HP movie series. So when I saw "Harry Potter Film Wizardry" on my Amazon's recommended future releases list last month, I went, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" and now that I have the book in my hands, I say, "Finally!" This is the book that the Harry Potter films deserve and the one movie lovers have waited for.

"Harry Potter Film Wizardry" covers the first six films and the first part of the Deathly Hallows. The behind-the scenes information and material contained in the book is probably a fraction of what seven films would generate, but Brian Sibley and the cast and crew managed to pick the most representative items from and the most memorable moments of each movie and filled the pages with photographs, sketches, storyboards, concept art and scenes from the films. This book is not only a delight to look at but also to touch. There is the letter addressed to "H. Potter, The Cupboard under the Stairs" to pull out from its envelope; Honeydukes candy boxes to punch out and assemble; the Yule Ball and the Quidditch World Cup programmes to admire, Proclamations to decorate your walls; the detailed Marauder's Map is ready for you to unfold, and there are a Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes product catalogue and the much more sinister Borgin and Burkes catalogue to pore over. These are, of course, clever and fun ways to present some of the props and ephemera created for the movies.

"Harry Potter Film Wizardry" will keep any fan of the HP films happily reading (and admiring the pictures) for hours. It belongs on the shelf of anybody who enjoys the magic of the movies. As for me, this book is a wish come true.

Absolutely Spiffing Good Fun!, October 27, 2010

The 5 star reviews are spot on for this terrific addition to the Harry Potter world. I finally got a chance to see it in person last night and I will be ordering one for myself and another to give as a gift to my brother, who I think will appreciate it even more than I do.

He & I were fortunate enough to visit the Harry Potter exhibit in Chicago last fall and, by choosing to go right after Illinois kids went back to school, we missed the crowds and were able to savor each costume, set and prop. (My favorite? The huge winged statue from the graveyard scene at the end of Goblet of Fire.) I even got to sit under the sorting hat! (Ravenclaw) Of course, there's a difference between seeing actual sets and props and in perusing pictures of them, but the creative minds responsible for putting this book together have done a fantastic job of making that difference as small as possible. The layout is exciting, the image quality (mostly) top notch and the extras - a Marauder's Map, a program from the Quidditch World Cup and another from the Yule Ball, among many, many others - are, IMHO, worth far more than the cover price on their own. (I was very tempted by the $35 Noble Marauder's Map when visiting the exhibit in Chicago, but chose to buy a nice replica of Harry's wand instead. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to get a Marauder's Map with this book even though I have to admit it's not quite as nice or as large as the one I passed up.)

While I understand the temptation felt by some of the other reviewers to do so, I'm not in the least inclined to tear this book apart to decorate or for any other reason. Instead, I'm incredibly pleased to have all this great info and these pieces of memorabilia all together in one attractive and high-quality volume. This is a book to pull out often and to pore over slowly, enjoying each tidbit, the remembrances and comments from the actors, the details on costumes and sets and make-up. The scrapbook look and style suit it perfectly and I'm so glad to have it and grateful that so much care was taken in its creation.

Very highly recommended.

Question: Does anyone have information on the Harry Potter encyclopedia thingy J.K. Rowling has mentioned compiling for publication? I haven't heard anything for awhile and am wondering if it's going forward. Seeing the pictures of Dolores Umbridge in this book last night reminded me of how much I detested her and I was hoping Rowling would let us know that Umbridge met some terrible end or, better yet, suffered deeply for her repulsive behavior. Not that I'm bloodthirsty or anything... Okayfine, maybe I'm a *little* bloodthirsty.

Did you grow up with Harry Potter, I DID TOO!, November 5, 2010
I am a college student, and I like this book for what it is. If you own all the HP movies with the 2nd disc and have watched all the bonus content than this is your book.

It has at least 8 inserts within that you could pull out physically and stickers. If you are a collector of all things HP this is a must.

If you are looking for a nice little gift for someone then just get it, if they are half of a Harry Potter fan they will appreciate this as a gift or deserve to be disowned.

This isnt 160 pages of I NEVER KNEW THAT, but its 160 pages of "Thats funny, I knew it, so thats what Rons Grandma looks like, and things along that nature." It gives you closer looks at things half expressed in videos and things you kind of notice hidden througout the movies.

I am not by any means the biggest HP fan, but I read all the books within the first two days of getting them , and have watched all of the movies in theatre. I support the HP franchise and this one is worth having on the shelf, and if your a scrapbook-er, have fun because there are pages a plenty to take out things.

I will note, that the inserts are not "perfect replicas" but more like copies of reasonable mention. They are on decent paper with printed texture and they are nice enough to where you can put them about your room or on a wall, but not so nice that you need to encase them in glass and put a 3 headed dog as a guard.

Very nice Christmas(Holiday) present for someone or B-day, and take my word for it, you can't go wrong letting people experience the magic behind and within the HP world and this book does just that and will give someone some definite moments of contentment.

Sincerely,

The Minnesotan Muggle

Best Comprehensive Guide For Any Movie Ever!!, November 7, 2010
When I first got my hands on this book at a local bookstore, I could only imagine the wonders in it, as it was completely sealed in plastic wrap. I assumed it would be a great film guide with a few surprises, but I never imagined it would be as extraordinary as it was! The vivid color photographs and concept art really make you appreciate the movies and books even more. You really get to study the detail, where as in the movies, you are just passing through, far more busy with the characters and stories to notice all those little details that give the places and things they see, touch, and use that give the movie so much more life. Most Making Of books don't include the actors much, we hear mostly from the set designers, directors, etc. But in this one, you get first hand interviews of all of the key players and many supporting actors as well. Easy to read, but immersible into the world. Just like the novels themselves, meaning whether your 10 or 50, you will enjoy reading this book! The fact they included Deathly Hollows Part 1 and 2 is fantastic, being we don't even have the movies out there, so such a thing is unheard of to release so much. And as my fellow reviewers pointed out, the inserts throughout this book make this a MUST for any Harry Potter fan. Even if you don't like the movies, those inserts are still a great addition to anyone who loves the novels! You have the Marauder's Map for instance, who wouldn't want that? And for those looking to cosplay as characters from the series, I highly suggest you check out the copy of Advanced Potion Making. Its not a replica of the book, just the cover. But what's inside the book is just fantastic. Label stickers with various potions and ingredients. Buy some old bottles of different shapes and sizes, make some "potions and ingredients" to match, and stick the labels on the bottles. Then line your kitchen spice rack with them or bring a few with you for cosplay. This is also a very good reason to get TWO copies of the book, one to keep pristine and the other to pull out all the fun things. Also included the letter sent to Harry by owl accepting him to Hogwarts. The Proclamations by Umbridge. Nearly anything you can think of is there, for you to hold. Though of course we all know they are nothing more than replicas, it still feels very neat to be holding a part of Hogwarts in your hand. I don't know about the rest of you, but I got my ticket to the Yule Ball, I'll see ya there!

AMAZING....I am speechless, October 21, 2010
This is the MOST amazing book I have ever seen. $40 seemed expensive, but after seeing this book...it is a steal! The book alone is worth more than 40 dollars. THe information, pictures, interviews are all a dream come true to a Harry Potter fanantic. But to top it all off it has at least 10 for fun pulloouts including Hary potter's acceptance letter, the Maruaders map, the Quidditch World Cup programme etc. Amazing...absolutely amazing!

Spectacular!, November 23, 2010
This is a spectacular book. It is a must have for any Harry Potter enthusiast. If you have a Harry Potter fan in your life, get them this book. You will not de dissapointed!

Amazing Book., November 21, 2010
This is a detailed, wonderful, fantastic book. The effort that went into this is incredible, and the result is awesome. I'm surprised i could get it for this cheap. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Marilyn, The Woman She Really Was., October 20, 2010
If you are looking for a book about Marilyn's life and dramatic details about being an orphan, foster child, and struggling in Hollywood, this isn't the book for you.

This book is for the people that truly cared about Marilyn the person, and want to learn about her true self. This is a book with her thoughts, feelings. There are poems, personal letters, and written thoughts throughout the book.

A high quality scanned picture of the actual page that she wrote things on is placed side by side with an easy-to-read transcription on the other page. The pictures included might not be new to some fans, but there are many beautiful pictures included.

Although the book is 230 something pages in length, it's actually half of that because of the scanned pictures, which contain the exact content of the transcripted pages. I also doubt this is the only content there is available of Marilyn's writings.

Overall, a book for anybody that would appreciate an insight into the woman that truly was Marilyn. A woman who loved, doubted herself, and fought interpersonally.

After reading this, her short life will be sincerely tragic, and you will see Marilyn in a new way, as a person, and not an object or another 50s actress, life most people do.

Marilyn Monroe was so much more than an actress or sex symbol, as proven in this book. She was a genuine human being.

A look into the brilliant yet tortured psyche of Marilyn..., October 12, 2010
Her public persona was that of the blonde bombshell Hollywood star. She was married to the great Yankee baseball star Joe Dimaggio and famed play write Arthur Miller. She appeared to have lived a life most could only dream of, but behind the public persona was a tortured soul. This books brings to light fragments of Marilyn's diaries, letters and poems that have never been published along with some rare photographs that provide a unique look into Marilyn's private thoughts and psyche. I was skeptical that this book would be anything more than an attempt to capitalize on Marilyn's legend with a few scraps of her writings. I was wrong there is much of interest here, and perhaps some added layers of mystery to the ending of her life. This book should be interest to all fans of Marilyn Monroe.

I also have to recommend "Marilyn, August 1953: The Lost LOOK Photos (Calla Editions)" for an amazing collecting of never before published, candid photographs of Marilyn at the height of her career; and "Misfits Country" for a look behind the scenes of the making of her final Film.

Did we ever really know her?, October 13, 2010
Many a biography will come out and has come out on Marilyn, as her mystique and the public's fascination with her seems never to fade, but very few actually give you an idea of what she thought, who she was and how she saw the world around her. This beautiful collection of letters, poems and assorted writing is both touching and melancholic. I've read so many books on this lovely lady, but this is the first one that's ever really made me question on whether or not I really knew anything at all about Marilyn Monroe. She was so much more than she appeared to be. And that makes the tragedy of her short life all the more heartbreaking.

Marilyn's Musings, October 23, 2010
I'll start my review by making some personal comments first; I don't usually review books, but since this is about Marilyn Monroe and since I am also a fan of hers, I'll make an exception in this case.

One of the main reasons in purchasing `Fragments' was to read her poetry, sadly, there's not that much in my view, (Very Disappointing) and as a poet myself I would have liked more, (perhaps her complete collection-as yet as I understand it, there is no book that has her complete poetry, 'My Sex is Ice Cream:The Marilyn Monroe Poems' by Nellie McClung, comes to mind, but as I don't know if this has all of Marilyn's poetry, I can't really comment, but if there is a book out there, please let me know) searching the Internet you can found some of Marilyn's poetry which isn't in this book; although I did recognise two of Marilyn's poems within 'Fragments', but overall the book only offered (extended) glimpses. If Marilyn had lived, I think she would have produced a book of poetry, with great success, in my mind.

As for the rest of `Fragments', I am in two minds, at first I was very excited about reading Marilyn's thoughts, as this would give me an insight into her world so I could understand her and not just as an actress, but as a person.

Marilyn was a woman of deep reflection, not just about herself, her doubts, her being and her reason for living, but about her world around her and the people she came into contact with, `Fragments' shows Marilyn's intellect (a dumb blonde she is not); she tried so hard to comprehend her world, to prove to others, she was more than the 1950s icon, which we now associate.

No one really gave her a chance to prove her worth in Hollywood, so Marilyn rebelled to only way she could. In the end, the system in which she was apart, became too much, and took its toll, thus she passed away on that day in 1962.

In all honesty, if `Fragments' was not about Marilyn, the book would not be in publication-why? It's simple, we in society have this mystique about a woman that the media has hounded in her lifetime to get inside her head-they couldn't leave her alone. `Fragments' in my mind is an invasion of a woman's emotional, private, personal thoughts; do we have the right to read those thoughts now that Marilyn has passed away? Would she approve of this book if Marilyn were still alive today? I personally believe that Marilyn would not approve of `Fragments', they were her private thoughts for a private person, who needed to write down her `Meaning of Life', so she could make sense of it all and put herself and the world in perspective.

So I have to ask why publish it? Well, I have an answer to this too, to preserve written history about a woman we know so little about, the mystique is a little less mysterious when we read about how Marilyn thought about her world. We begin to respect her point of view, and more importantly respect Marilyn as a decent human being, with emotional feelings she tried to understand within herself.

`Fragments' is a personal journey, full of emotions about a woman's understanding in herself, in her career as an actress, and in her personal relationships with people that have influenced her until her death. It is a fascinating look into a person's mind, a piece of personal history about a woman we just can't get enough of.

I would like to give this book 5 stars, but I can't, I am still in two minds about it, and sitting on the fence trying to decide which way to go. This book is a personal journey and I feel, I am invading Marilyn's world without her permission-but I do it out of respect. When I read `Fragments', I feel I am holding a piece of her mind-if not herself; and strange as it may seem, Marilyn's presence is also felt when I read what she wrote. Is Marilyn seeking my voice of approval in her private thoughts? Or perhaps her understanding, in expressing what she felt through her tortured (too harsh?) years?

If you are a Marilyn fan and or collector then `Fragments' is a worthy addition to your library, (But there are still holes-and rightly so). But remember, purchase this book with respect, not because you want it or need it, but because you want to remember about a woman who gave you her memories, not just in movies but in the written word.

We have here a unique physical representation of Marilyn, showing various emotional abilities. A woman seeking as are we, the meaning of ourselves.

`Fragments' is a book that reveals a different Marilyn, a side of which we must understand, if we are to understand her and her world (1950s).

A very personal journey.

Perhaps the following poem by Marilyn may reflect her and her fragmented persona (the last line may refer to physical energy) trying to be one with herself.

O, Time
Be Kind
Help this weary being
To forget what is sad to remember
Lose my loneliness,
Ease my mind,
While you eat my flesh.

Rest in Peace....Dear Marilyn.

Marilyn, October 14, 2010
All I can say about this book is that it gave me cold chills, made my heart hurt for her and even got a tear in my eye.....If you are a true fan of Marilyn then this is a must have.

Amazing Look Into the Mind of an Underrated Acting Legend, October 12, 2010
Marilyn Monroe has gone down in history as one of, if not THE sex symbol of the 20th century.

Though on screen, she often portrayed a "dumb blonde", she was extremely intelligent and constantly reading. She also wanted to be taken seriously as an actress, not just be a beauty to all of those she encountered. While some may find her acting not very great, perhaps after reading this book and her thoughts on acting, your perception may change. She constantly worked on perfecting her craft, and that is shown within this book.

She also yearned for an understanding of herself in a way, and her notes of self-analysis aren't something to miss. Her poetry is very unique, I like it very much. It shows the fight for understanding.

All in all, this book should not be passed up. It features rare photographs and a look into a very complex person. Behind the glitz and glamour, we are finally able to see a glimpse of the real Marilyn Monroe.

Her life and untimely death are surrounded in mystery. Perhaps now, we may find answers.

Magnificent look into the mind of a true intelectual., October 13, 2010
Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters, is an intimate look into the mind of Hollywoods most celebrated actress. With various in-depth writings and poems in high quality scans, it feels as if you have picked up Marilyn's diary (or stationary from her hotel room) and are reading her thoughts and poems. The editors "interpretation/translation" on the adjacent pages helps further understand the writings, as some are hard to read with all her arrows and cross-outs.

Great coffee table read, a must have for all Marilyn fans.

Insight, October 21, 2010
I love everything about Marilyn and this book was such an eye opener. You really get to know the real her behind the blonde and the sexuality. After reading My Story and Fragments I almost feel like I knew her personaly. I reccommend this to everyone that has intrest in her life.

Must Read!!!!!, October 29, 2010
Just finished reading Marilyn Monroe's brand new autobiography "Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters". Bought is this morning and started reading it when I got off work. So great I couldn't put it down til I read every bit of it from front to back and I did! Read it all in one day.

Any Fan Will Love It, October 20, 2010
A wonderful look into the mind of the tortured goddess. I couldn't read it all in one sitting, as there is so much to read, and also because it is so sad at times. Marilyn wrote on the top of one paper, "I am alone, always alone no matter what."
The book has her papers on one side and the editors' "translation" on the other. (Some of the writing is hard to read).
It makes her the more tragic. She seemed to have it all but was lonely, misunderstood, and needed more help than she received.
Contains her jots and poems from notebooks and journals and notes to herself also. A short list at the end of her favorite books is included. Plus there are some beautiful photos. Any fan needs this for their collection. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In this lavish thirtieth-anniversary tribute to the blockbuster film Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, New York Times bestselling author J. W. Rinzler draws back the curtain to reveal the intense drama and magnificent wizardry behind the hit movie—arguably the fan favorite of the Star Wars Saga.
 
Following his The Making of Star Wars, the author has once again made use of his unlimited access to the Lucasfilm Archives and its hidden treasures of previously unpublished interviews, photos, artwork, and production mementos. The result is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes, up-close-and-personal look at the trials and triumphs, risks and close calls, inspiration, perspiration, and imagination that went into every facet of this cinematic masterpiece. Here’s the inside scoop on:
 
• the evolution of the script, from story conference and treatment to fifth draft, as conceived, written, and rewritten by George Lucas, famed science-fiction author Leigh Brackett, and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan

• the development of new key characters, including roguish hero Lando Calrissian, sinister bounty hunter Boba Fett, and iconic Jedi Master Yoda

• the challenges of shooting the epic ice planet battle in the frozen reaches of Norway and of conjuring up convincing creatures and craft—from tauntauns and snowspeeders to Imperial walkers

• the construction of a life-sized Millennium Falcon and the swamp planet Dagobah inside a specially built soundstage in Elstree Studios

• the technique behind master Muppeteer Frank Oz’s breathing life into the breakthrough character Yoda

• the creation of the new, improved Industrial Light & Magic visual effects facility and the founding of the now-legendary Skywalker Ranch
 
In addition, of course, are rare on-the-scene interviews with all the major players: actors Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and David Prowse; director Irvin Kershner; producer Gary Kurtz; effects specialists Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Phil Tippett; composer John Williams; and many others. Punctuating the epic account is a bounty of drawings, storyboards, and paintings by Ralph McQuarrie, Joe Johnston, and Ivor Beddoes, along with classic and rare production photos. An added bonus is a Foreword by acclaimed director Ridley Scott.
 
The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is a fittingly glorious celebration of an undisputed space-fantasy movie milestone. Search your feelings, you know it to be true. ... Read more

Reviews

Amazing, October 12, 2010
This book is finally out after being postponed for a few times. It's actually 362 pages, slightly thicker than the previous book, The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film, which is already a massive book. It seems that no paperback edition is available yet at the launch.

Once again, I'm marveled by the amount of information packed into the book by author J.W. Rinzler. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of research and effort is needed to put everything together, after the movie was screened 30 years ago.

The book details the arduous journey in the making of the film from the first story conference up to screening, and to the film awards won after that. The writing is excellent, filled with all sorts of stories and quotes. You get to read about the technical aspect of creating the movie, the little tricks used to create something believable on screen - see how they use fiber optics for lighting spaceships, painting the backgrounds, fixing up Yoda, and much more including production diaries of how they shoot.

The pages are also loaded with concept art, sketches, storyboards, memos, film stills and photos. All well reproduced, very detailed. There are lots of fun stuff happening behind the scenes captured on camera.

While the book is pricey, yes, it's well worth the money. With so much material, it will take more than one sitting to go through them.

Definitely a "must have" for Star Wars fans.

-

Note that in the previous book, they took out some content from the paperback edition. Not sure if it's going to happen here again.

Another Amazing "Making of" by Rinzler, October 13, 2010
Having purchased the Making of Star Wars book when it was first released, my expectations were high for this Empire Strikes Back edition. But Jonathan Rinzler has again delivered an account of the making of the film that is way, way beyond anything that has been done before. The book contains literally hundreds of photos I've never seen before, facts I have never heard, and behind-the scenes insights that are priceless. All this is new to me even though I already have just about every Empire Strikes Back book ever published.

This book focuses less on the evolution of the Star Wars universe and characters, as this was well covered in the Star Wars book, so there is more room for what I find most compelling - the story of the actual artwork creation, production and post-production. I think this book is a little stronger in that respect than the previous one. I found the sketches of Darth Vader's castle (yes) particularly fascinating. Beautifully printed, well laid out and expertly researched, this is a must-own for the serious Star Wars fan or those interested in the business and process of filmmaking in general. The cover price of $85 is admittedly very steep, but the Amazon price (as of this writing) is more like $50, making it well worth it.

In short a massive undertaking and a beautiful book. A Making of Return of the Jedi book of similar quality is hopefully in development, and I eagerly await the results.

Fantastic Book!, November 4, 2010
I picked up this book at the local book store...started reading it and couldn't put it down. There's lots of great art, matte paintings, and model shots that I've never seen before. There's also quite a few photos of the actors and crew on set which were a lot of fun to look at. I think one of my favorite things about this book however, is the honest portrayal (and sometimes word for word transcripts) of the conversations between the Director Irvin Kershner and his cast...Hamill, Fisher and Ford. There's several pages devoted to the filming of the carbon freezing scene which is an absolutely terrific read. You really get a good understanding of the actors' personalities while seeing the struggles that the Director and Producers went through to bring this masterpiece to the screen.

The book is a very good quality and seems well bound. The artwork and pictures are printed very well with good color and resolution. All in all, this is definitely a must have for Empire fans. Enjoy it.

Star Wars Gold, November 18, 2010
Simply brilliant photos and nice insights from the making of episode V.
I'm tempted to say it's a must have for any true Star Wars fan :)

There's a lot to get through but I haven't been able to find fault yet.

Fantastic inside look at the making of a classic -- RIP Irvin Kershner, November 29, 2010
Let me start off by saying that The Empire Strikes Back is one of my favorite movies of all time. As I am writing this review I am about halfway through the book, but I feel somewhat compelled to write a review due to the recent passing of the director, Irvin Kershner.

One of the included quotations from Kershner regarding his approach to the making of "Empire" illustrates why this movie is so well-loved by Star Wars fans, and in my opinion reflects what exactly was so frustrating to many fans about the Prequels:

"The thing that you learn in directing is that when you're on the floor, no matter how complex the shooting is...you have to remain absolutely sensitive to every nuance of the behavior of the people around you. Because, ultimately, if you don't keep in mind the overall humanity, then the machine takes over and suddenly all you have are technically fine shots, technically good performances. The story's being told, but something's lacking, something mysterious, indefinable." --Irvin Kershner


"Empire" had this "indefinable humanity" in spades, and the book really shows how the director was able to craft such a tale. Kershner really played with the tensions between Lucas and Vader, and between Leia and Han. He (along with Frank Oz and Mark Hamill) made us all believe there is a soul underneath that puppet (Yoda). The lack of this "indefinable humanity" in the Prequels is what made me so sad about how the those movies ultimately came out (but perhaps this should better be saved for another review).


Back to the book: I highly highly recommend this. From the inclusion of amazing archival behind-the-scenes photos, gorgeous concept art and sketches (most notably by Ralph McQuarrie), to in-depth first-hand accounts by most of the important cast and crew, it really brings you so close to what everyone went through in the making of the movie.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Growing Up Laughing: My Story and the Story of Funny is a book that only Marlo Thomas could write--a smart and gracious, witty and confident autobiographical journey.

For as long as Marlo Thomas can remember, she's lived with laughter. Born to comedy royalty--TV and nightclub star Danny Thomas--she grew up among legendary funny men, carved much of her career in comedy and, to this day, surrounds herself with people who love and live to make others laugh. In this long-awaited memoir, Thomas takes us on a funny and heartwarming adventure, from her Beverly Hills childhood, to her groundbreaking creation of That Girl and Free to Be . . . You and Me, to her rise as one of America's most beloved actress-comediennes, to her marriage to talk-show king Phil Donahue.

Her youth was star-studded--Milton Berle performed magic tricks (badly) at her backyard birthday parties. George Burns, Bob Hope, Sid Caesar, Bob Newhart and other great comics passed countless hours gathered around her family's dinner table. And behind it all was the rich laughter nurtured by a close and loving family.

Growing Up Laughing is not just the story of an iconic entertainer, but also the story of comedy. In a voice that is curious, generous and often gleeful, Thomas not only opens the doors on the funny in her own life, but also explores the comic roots of today's most celebrated comedians, in personal interviews with: Alan Alda, Joy Behar, Stephen Colbert, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, George Lopez, Elaine May, Conan O'Brien, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Ben and Jerry Stiller, Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams and Steven Wright.

Reviews

So Much More than "That Girl!", October 11, 2010
Almost all of us have a set of traits that attract us to others, and that we value in others: honesty, intelligence, attractiveness, and, to many, the most important--a sense of humor. Marlo Thomas' sixth book is a paean to humor. Ms. Thomas is the daughter of comedian/actor/St. Jude Children's Hospital founder Danny Thomas. Her book is unusual in its approach and in its style, and extremely enjoyable.

First, it is a memoir, a love story, a thank-you letter to her family, and a personal glimpse into her childhood as one of Danny Thomas' three children. But interspersed with the marvelous, intimate stories (about her drum-playing grandmother, her Catholic family, her acting successes and failures) are interviews with current comics and deeply moving homages to the comics of the past. So, a few chapters about her early life, Thomas segues into an interview with Jerry Seinfeld. A discussion about the years her father spent "On the Road" is followed by a wonderful conversation with Robin Williams. Newer comics are referenced and interviewed as well: Tina Fey, Chris Rock ,and Steven Wright all have one-on-one time with Thomas.

She makes us laugh, cry, and trip happily down memory lane with the great comedic geniuses of the past--Milton, Sid, Jan, George, Phil, Red, and the Bobs (Hope and Newhart). She remembers at-home dinners with these stellar humorists and discusses Hollywood from the point of view of someone raised there. As she does the storytelling, she also shows us behind the scenes of her own coming of age: That Girl, Free to Be...You and Me, her feminist roots and friendship with Gloria Steinem (and the founding of the Ms. Foundation,) her 30-year marriage to Phil Donahue, and her constant willingness and drive to be on the cutting edge of helping children be all they can be.

Moreover, the jokes are fabulous, some given by the comics she interviews and some just sprinkled hither and yon between chapters and within the delightful, distinctive stories of a life well-lived. So even as you feel a bit tearful about her father's death, the joke about the clown's funeral, in the interview with Steven Wright, will have you laughing in amusement (or bemusement!) She talks a lot about her father, their close relationship, and her ongoing work with her father's dream-child--St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Thomas' book gives us the chance to feel touched, reminiscent, entertained, enlightened, charmed and very involved with the narrative itself. At 72 (her 73rd birthday is in November), she remains the vibrant, peppy girl we remember from "That Girl"--and yet her personal growth and feminism was and is a beacon to baby-boomer women who watched her life avidly for strength and encouragement.

"I was a lucky kid," Marlo writes, "to have a seat at the table...with those comic warriors who had the audacity to stand up in a room full of strangers with the conviction that they could bring them all together in laughter. Those stories of those times have been humming in my head all of my life, and I decided at last to write them down." I am so glad she did!

by Laura Strathman Hulka
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

Light on Personal Information, October 4, 2010
Like most, I find Marlo Thomas to be charming, witty and a stunning beauty. This memoir is not an autobiography so if you are looking for the story of her life, all you get are several very short chapters of personal history, mostly involving her father, St. Jude's with a few non-revealing stories about her own life. Guys, there ain't no dirt in this one - damn! The rest of the book is comprised of interviews with present-day comedians, interspersed with some hysterical (and ribald) jokes. One short chapter is dedicated to Ted Bessell and one to Lew Parker. The rest of the story of "That Girl" was either never written, or omitted.

If you want to read this (and it is enjoyable), wait for it to come out in paperback.

A lot of jokes....but also tender and sweet.., October 11, 2010
A delightful book, and while not entirely a memoir, it has a very loving quality to it. We all know Danny Thomas was not just a funny and talented guy. He had a successful career and was honorably philanthropic. After reading Marlo's lovely stories about her childhood, he was quite a wonderful father too. Marlo does a great job of intermingling her memories of all the iconic comedians from the early Hollywood and TV days, to today's funny people, and some really funny jokes and stories. This kind of mixed bag of stuff could come across as hokey handled by someone else who didn't have Marlo's pedigree, talent and smarts. But it all works. It is funny, charming, touching and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will pick it up again in a few years and enjoy it all over again. Danny Thomas left quite a legacy, and you know what.....Marlo will too.

Growing up laughing, October 26, 2010
I Was very disappointed wanted more of her growing up although she did shed light on some parts, I wanted more. I really didn't care for some of the comics that were featured. Thought this book would have been more "family" not about others.

Pleasant read about Marlo, Danny, and Comedy., October 11, 2010
I selected this book for a few reasons. When I was a little girl I really wanted to be That Girl. When I skipped school, I'd watch Donahue. I loved reruns of Make Room For Daddy. I know I just aged myself, but I did say reruns of MRFD. :) I admire and appreciate the old school comedians and the people from the golden age of television, as well as some newer people on the scene.

The book is part autobiography and part interviews with some very funny people. For the most part, it's a very light read and ideal if you don't want anything too heavy, although Marlo's account of losing her father is quite sad, of course. It's a book that's hard not to enjoy if you have any interest in the people it covers, but nothing that's going to provide any "dirt" or have you contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Actually, as much as I love gossip, I think it's plenty nice to read a book that's about a love of a daughter for her dad and a love for the craft of comedy.

I will mention one thing that made me a little bonkers. During the interviews, she kept saying variations of "that's funny" or "you're funny" which could have easily been excised and reduced what became a little grating. Marlo Thomas also has a reputation for being difficult on occasion, and I tend to believe it, but it clearly seems to be for the best reasons -- a self-confidence and professionalism, as well as strong goals.

She also doesn't pick sides, talking to both Leno and Conan as well as current (but established) people, as well as legends. It makes me wish she would have started this project even years earlier when more of these guys were still around.

I thought it was wonderful that she saved the St. Jude's work for last. It's of course her father's legacy, his most lasting achievement. And, it's a beautiful place to end the book.

4 stars.

MARLO THOMAS, GROWING UP LAUGHING, November 1, 2010
I have only read about 1/3 of this book so far, it is very hard to get into. I was disappointed, I thought this book would be more about her life growing up, but it is not. There is some stories she throws in from time to time of her life as Danny Thomas' daughter but "so far" not a lot. Most of the book is about her interviewing other comedians about what makes them laugh and their thoughts, etc, etc. I grew up loving her father and her, wanted to know more about them and their household, family and life. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The definitive, New York Times bestselling movie guide.

The new revised edition includes: capsule DVD/movie reviews, an up-to- date list of sources for buying and renting DVDs, updated index of leading performers and directors, Leonard's ten new must-see movie lists, and more of the great content that has made it a bestseller for more than thirty-five years. ... Read more

Reviews

Worthwhile, but out of touch with modern film sensibilities, August 6, 2010
(NOTE: This review is an updated and expanded reworking of my previously posted "Leonard Maltin's 2010 Movie Guide" review.)

As anyone familiar with Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide series can tell you, Leonard Maltin's preference for traditionalism in film has always meant that "golden age" films (films produced circa silent era-1965) tend to be somewhat overpraised; the same can be said of his reviews for standard Hollywood "Oscar-bait" dramas, self-consciously quirky "indies" and certain types of foreign films. As a result, it is not unexpected that well-made but problematic films such as "The Reader", "Troy" and "The Blind Side" receive an overly-enthusiastic response by Mr. Maltin.

In spite of this, Mr. Maltin's Movie guide has always been a perennial must-own for me, as it is a true standard bearer for film reference guides, in terms of both its construction and execution: film reviews are smartly written, unpretentious and thoughtful; the book's physical size is convenient; the layout of the book is intuitive; and his passion for (and knowledge of) film comes through loud and clear. However, Mr. Maltin's classicist stodginess is becoming more and more pronounced in his film reviews, and for the first time in twenty years of reading his guides, his biases are starting to grate on me.

It has become obvious to me over time that Mr. Maltin feels uncomfortable (and often clearly states so in his reviews) when certain themes (and particular degrees) of violence, sexuality, darkness and other "vulgarisms" are incorporated into types of "Hollywood escapist fare" (as he puts it). Indeed, Mr. Maltin's taste for cinematic audaciousness seems to be informed by an old-school pre-1960's mindset, a time when adult topics in filmmaking were carefully implied rather than explicitly told, and always framed within a fairly prudish sense of morality (e.g. the bad guys and good guys were clearly defined, screen violence was portrayed theatrically and bloodless, sex was suggestive, children were always portrayed as one-dimensional innocents, and if characters dared to cross certain moral boundaries, they usually did so off-screen and always paid a price for it).

Furthermore, Mr. Maltin's taste in film structure, storytelling and plotting also seem to be highly informed by classicist sensibilities (hence Mr. Maltin's admitted disdain for Christopher Nolan films). Mr. Maltin seems to become uneasy and/or confused in his film reviews when well-worn film genres happen to stray outside of their standard niche fields, particularly if they stray into darker-than-usual territory. If a movie does happen to cross Mr. Maltin's classicist film threshold, it stands a good chance of being penalized accordingly (in his review), regardless of (the film's) technical, artistic or historical merit.

Some examples:

- Edgy, challenging cinema gems (circa 1975-2010) such as "The Dark Knight", "Blue Velvet", "Punch-Drunk Love", "The Crazies" (2010), "In The Company Of Men", "Videodrome", "Fight Club", "Donnie Darko", "The Prestige", "Bad Lieutenant", "Kick-Ass", "Broken Flowers", "Batman Returns", "Frailty" (2002), "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence", and "Taxi Driver" all receive only two stars out of four;

- "The Matrix", "WALL-E", "The Bourne Supremacy", "The Fly" (1986), "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", "Amadeus", "Narc", "My Own Private Idaho", "Batman" (1989), "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", "The Big Lebowski", "Spider-Man" (2002), "Minority Report", "Boys Don't Cry", "Oldboy", "12 Monkeys", "Ghost World", "Inglourious Basterds" (2009), "Out Of Sight" (1998), "The Usual Suspects", "The Limey", "Where The Wild Things Are" (2009), "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead", and "Iron Man" are all halfheartedly acknowledged with two-and-a-half star reviews;

- John Carpenter's "The Thing" (1982), "Scarface" (1983), "Blade Runner" and "Memento" (2000), each highly renowned and influential films in their own right, are all summarily dismissed with one-and-a-half star critiques;

- Ridley Scott's groundbreaking "Alien" was stuck with a mediocre two-and-a-half star review for years, until Mr. Maltin (surprisingly) re-rated it recently as a (now-glowing) three-and-a-half star film; the same goes for Clint Eastwood's grim masterpiece "Unforgiven", also initially stuck with a tepid two-and-a-half stars until it was (no doubt begrudgingly) changed to three (stars).

On the other hand, Mr. Maltin is generous to a fault when reviewing conventional (i.e. non-threatening) Hollywood mainstream fare that is steeped in so-called traditional Hollywood truisms (e.g., 1930's "matinee" style action-adventure flicks, romantic/screwball comedies, "Hitchcockian"-style suspense, historical drama/epics and old-school style Hollywood musicals and fantasies), and in his reviews will frequently cite such classicist attributes as a prime reason for giving rave reviews of pretty-good films, and overly-favorable reviews for quite a few mediocre films (a favorite line of Mr. Maltin: "In the finest tradition of...").

Some examples:

- Forgettable film mediocrities (circa 1989-2010) such as "Alice In Wonderland" (2010), "Superman Returns", "Johnny Stecchino", "The Blind Side", "Nine" (2009), "Art School Confidential", "Ghostbusters 2", "The Proposal (2009)", "Scoop" (2006), "Star Wars - Episode One: The Phantom Menace", "Twilight" (2008), "Sex & The City", "Daredevil", "Batman Forever", "A Night At The Museum", "He's Just Not That Into You", "Honey, I Blew Up The Kid", "A Time To Kill" (1996), "National Treasure", "The Terminal" (2004), "Zack & Miri Make A Porno", "Ghosts of Mississippi" and "Terminator: Salvation" all earn substantial three-out-of-four star reviews;

- "Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull" was originally bestowed a ludicrous three-and-a-half star review until it was later downgraded to a still-generous three stars;

- "The Reader", "Crash" (2005), "Charlie Wilson's War", "Hidalgo", "Hollywoodland", "Life Is Beautiful", "The Good Shepherd", "I Am Sam", "Troy" and "The Family Man", all fair-to-middling films, each receive glowing three-and-a-half star reviews; predictably, a classicist Hollywood fantasy like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is anointed with a coveted four star review, one of only a handful of recent films to receive one.

Even the (previously interesting) left-field recommendations from Mr. Maltin feel dismally off the mark of late: "While She Was Out" (two-and-a-half stars) is praised as a "nicely done noir thriller... (that) maintains tension from start to finish", the rock bio-pic "The Runaways" (three stars) is hailed as "genuine and fresh", while "Repo! The Genetic Opera" (three stars) is declared an "imaginative, wild ride". Wrong on all counts, Mr. Maltin: "While She Was Out" is a flatly directed cliche-fest devoid of any thrills; "The Runaways" is an inert, hackneyed rock'n'roll biopic that looks great, but lacks anything in the way of story or character development; and "Repo! The Genetic Opera" is a dreadful fourth-rate "midnight movie" wannabe, aimed squarely at people who still find "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" to be cutting edge... all qualify as some of the most tiresome films that I have seen in recent memory. Sadly, even Mr. Maltin's sleeper/cult film recommendations feel musty and out of touch.

For me, a modern perspective is an important factor to take into consideration when choosing a film review guide, particularly if you (like most people) are only going to purchase one. Unfortunately, a sense of square outdatedness permeates throughout "Leonard Maltin's 2011 Movie Guide". Mr. Maltin is clearly squeamish with the darker and edgier themes that have become increasingly prevalent in modern mainstream filmmaking over the past several decades. This fact, coupled with the knowledge of his love affair with bygone film eras, means that those under the age of 40 (or anyone who happens to have edgier-then-mainstream film sensibilities) will wish to take Mr. Maltin's reviews with a grain of salt, as his filmgoing sensibilities lean decidedly towards older mainstream filmgoers and "golden age" film buffs (in fact, for those two specific groups, I would bump up my rating of this guide from that of three stars to four).

In the end, despite all of my caveats, I would still recommend "Leonard Maltin's 2011 Movie Guide" to those in need. The combination of its reasonable price, abundance of informative and articulate reviews (well over 17,000 of them), smart layout and convenient portability (a rare attribute in film guides nowadays) still make this book a solid choice for a film reference guide.

* IMPORTANT NOTE I: If you do decide to pick up this guide, be sure to seek out the (slightly) physically larger, (slightly) more expensive edition of this book, as both are available right here on Amazon.com (you can find it at the top part of this page under the heading "Formats"; choose the more expensive option). Although the content is the same, the larger edition of this guide contains a far more readable font size without sacrificing portability. Also, the physical binding of the larger edition holds together much more effectively than its smaller, poorly-constructed counterpart. *

** IMPORTANT NOTE II: For old school film buffs and completists, be sure to pick up "Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide", as it contains thousands of reviews for "golden age" films (silent era-1965) both popular and obscure, which were excised from the annual guide due to space limitations. Unlike the annual guide, it does not need to be replaced perennially. **

>>>> OTHER FILM REFERENCE GUIDE RECOMMENDATIONS: For those who don't mind its formidable physical size and lack of a grading system (e.g., no "star" ratings), the "Time Out" film guide series is an exceptional (if occasionally pretentious) perennial film reference guide that feels thoroughly contemporary in its smart critiques and is well worth the time of both casual moviegoers and film buffs alike. <<<<

Nearly all the made for cable/TV movies are GONE!, October 21, 2010
Nearly all the made for cable/TV movies are GONE! I watch a lot of movies on Netflix and on tape them on TV. I want a Guide to help me know which are worthy watching. Now I get no help on the made for cable/TV movies!!! Some of the movies in this category are exceptional; for example: Grey Gardens(2009), Raisin in the Sun (2008)

I have been reading Leonard Maltin's Movie Guides for years. My 2000 Movie Guide by Maltin needed replacing so I just got the 2001 Movie Guide. I don't mind a separate guide for Classic movies, OK, but what about made for cable/TV movies?

Movie Mania, December 21, 2010
If you subscribe to any of the premium channels, this book will help you select the movies you will most likely enjoy. He gives you a brief synopsis of the movie so you'll know if it's the type of movie you'll like. He gives his opinion on the quality of the plot & acting & rates the movies from "Bomb" to 4 stars. I generally only watch the 3 & 4 star movies. Sometimes I'll find a 2 1/2 star movie worth watching. He updates the book every year around August & I buy the new version each year. I'm retired & probably watch 3 or 4 movies a week.

Buy a magnifying glass if you're buying this book, August 13, 2010
I bought this book. When I received it, I had to use my lighted magnifying glass to read it. The font size is so small I returned the book the next day. I'll buy the my next Movie Guide at a brick & mortar store so there are no surprises!

Size of Print, December 23, 2010
The print in this book is too small for me to read without a magnifying glass. Think it would give problem to most readers. Too bad this is only edition Amazon is offering at this time. I will look elsewhere. Had no problem with earlier editions.

Handy side table reference, December 18, 2010
In this internet age, it is admittedly a throwback for me to rely on a paperback book for movie reviews, but I've been buying this book, growing ever thicker, for over 10 years. Why? I guess it's because when I'm watching movies I don't want to have a computer sitting on my lap, or worse yet, have to get up to go to the computer to find out what I want to know about a movie. To be sure, I'm not going to agree with Maltin's artistic assessments at least a third of the time, but the book will give you factual information, i.e., film's date, major and minor actors, running time, plot summary, and whether it's a remake, refurbished, or special director's cut. If I have to ignore what Maltin thinks of the movie, so be it, although I have learned over time that when he labels something a bomb or one star, he's usually right. The price here is what you will pay in a bookstore, plus no tax, free shipping (on qualifying orders over $25), plus the 4 for 3 promotion. All in all, a good deal.

Too Many Bombs!!!!, November 30, 2010
I bought this book for the ratings and description of films to see if they were worth watching. After reading quite a few reviews of movies in the book I have to wonder why Mr. Maltin would bother to describe, in detail, movies he considered "bombs". If it's a "bomb".... either leave it out or just enter the name, date and actors. There's so many "bombs" in the book they take up space where he could have probably rated another thousand movies or more. If a movie's a "bomb", who wants to know every detail of why it bombed? Helloooooo! I feel that the book could have been greatly improved on just with this change. I tried to look up a number of 2010 and older movies that have been out for awhile on DVD but could find no mention of them. In addition, made for cable movies should have been included as many are excellent as are Hallmark movies. Descriptions of some movies were just to "talky" for me though I know other people may be interested in that info. It would have been nice if each movie was marked as a comedy, drama, etc. This is the first book review I've ever written where I was disappointed. Sorry, Mr. Maltin.

Flims to know, October 27, 2010
As with Mr Maltin's previous film review books this tells whether or not I should invest my time in watching them.
That's all you need.

Downsized in paper but still full of listings for 2011, August 21, 2010
I have used various guides aside my television over the past 30 years to help me ferret through the movie offerings on, first, network television, then cable, and now on the 35 or so premium channels I recieve on Dish Network. Unlike some that use books like this one, I am not a DVD renter and don't use the book to make those choices. I use it to help me understand which may be the best offering on any of the 35 channels I get when I want to relax in my recliner and watch a film.

I have been buying Leonard Maltin's movie guide for about the past decade, deciding it was the better bet among those that are available. The best one I've known was published under Stephen Scheuer Movies on TV and Videocassette, 1993-1994, a critic that got out of the film rating business in the mid-1990s. I preferred his opinions over those I get from this book but have come to conclude Maltin's guide is the most reliable among the books available now including those by Roger Ebert Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2010 and older editions by various people who tried to publish a film review book consistently but couldn't such as this one DVD & Video Guide 2007 (Video and DVD Guide).

Part of the reason Maltin's book perseveres while others fade is his name recognition; another reason, perhaps not so obvious, is the heavy lifting in the book -- watching the movies and writing the reviews -- is done by a team of reviewers and editors. They don't just watch new movies, either. Maltin's crew constantly updates their scores, as they have done with the original Mel Gibson Mad Max, which they gave 2 1/2 stars in the 1980s and later upgraded to a more appropriate 3 1/2 (of 4) stars. You'll note from year to year this is one of the few books that reassesses the grades, meaning they look at movies over time and the contributing authors discuss them with each other.

For 2011, this book got a little smaller -- about an inch shorter and an inch narrower and marginally less thick -- but still carries 1,643 pages of reviews, actor and director listings compared to 1,643 pages for 2010. Most of the better movies from 2009 and Oscar nominees from 2010 (Invictus, District 9 found their way into the book. As has been the trend in recent years, Maltin's book has loaded up on newer films and let go of some older ones, especially less well-known films and those made for TV, to make room for newer movies.

I don't like this trend but I'm sure the publishing company doesn't believe it can sell a 3,000 page book every year, either, so something has to go and it tends to be older, less well known films. That aside, the team concept is one of the reasons I buy this book every few years. Since Steven Scheuer got out of the film book review business, Maltin's has been my TV tray guide to flicks old and new. It may not always speak for you in its content but, if you give it a chance, it'll help you find something worthwhile to watch when you navigate through the mass of listings on your cable or dish providers on-screen display. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Eclipse is the third installment of the Twilight series that has captivated teens and adults alike. The movie focuses on the ongoing struggle between the vampires and werewolves, forcing Bella to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob. Size Closed: 11.5" W x 11.5" H. Size Opened: 11.5" W x 23" H. ... Read more

Reviews

Cool, August 17, 2010
I like it but i should have looked further for other calendars. It doesn't have pictures of Edward!!!!!! But overall, it's good.

OK, July 14, 2010
BY the picture I did not think this was the calendar with the foil and the 3 of them on it. I thought it was going to be different. The pictures in the calendar could have been chosen better.

It's the worst calendar with the worst pics ever!, August 16, 2010
This calendar didn't worth it's price, it's terrible!!! horrible!!! the pictures are not well chosen, if you are team edward or team jacob....please don't buy it!!! they only appear in two months!!! uggggh want my money back!! who cares about stupid bella???? she appears in five months!!!! and who cares about mike, angela and eric???? was it necessary to include them in a calendar when they only appear like 3 seconds on the movie??? please believe me the calendar is the most estupid thing I ever bought ... Read more

Editorial Review

"I have lost 50 pounds over the last nine months by eating less, moving more, and changing the way I think. I am 62 and look better and feel better and have more energy than in the last 15 years."—Ron T.

" I read the wisdom put forth by Chris and Harry . . . [and] my next physical blew my doctor away. I am 74 and in better shape than when I was 50."—Jack S.

"Not a week goes by that I do not utter a silent prayer of thanks that Younger Next Year came into my life. You guys are saving the world one body at a time."—T. G.

Announcing the paperback edition of Younger Next Year, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller, co-written by one of the country’s most prominent internists, Dr. Henry "Harry" Lodge, and his star patient, the 73-year-old Chris Crowley. These are the books that show us how to turn back our biological clocks—how to put off 70% of the normal problems of aging (weakness, sore joints, bad balance) and eliminate 50% of serious illness and injury. The key to the program is found in Harry's Rules: Exercise six days a week. Don't eat crap. Connect and commit to others. There are seven rules all together, based on the latest findings in cell physiology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, and experimental psychology. Dr. Lodge explains how and why they work—and Chris Crowley, who is living proof of their effectiveness (skiing better today, for example, than he did twenty years ago), gives the just-as-essential motivation.

Both men and women can become functionally younger every year for the next five to ten years, then continue to live with newfound vitality and pleasure deep into our 80s and beyond. ... Read more

Reviews

Younger Is as Younger Does, January 5, 2008
Of all the anti-aging books I've seen, this is one of most laid back and entertaining. It's written by two guys. Harry, the doctor, covers the science aspects of aging, while the other guy, Chris, talks about applying the info.

The book is centered around "Harry's Rules." These are seven rules for the reader to follow. They include such things as "Quit eating crap" or "Exercise six days a week for the rest of your life." While they might seem to be basic pieces of information, they are sound advice and have some science behind them.

All-in-all, I found this to be a very informative and amusing book and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a book on aging. The realistic key here is not to go into things thinking you're going to STOP the aging process, rather think of SLOWING DOWN the aging process. Aging readers may also find Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff helpful as 54% of people over the age of 60 get a torn rotator cuff.

What did you do with my husband?, May 14, 2007
I have been trying for years to get my husband interested in exercise and eating better. I gave him this book just before he went on a trip and he actually read it. He is now a changed person - he rides his bike regularly and purchased a heart monitor. This weekend he bought a set of weights and starting this week he is going to my personal trainer for three sessions to get a schedule he can follow at home. I saw him the other day rereading sections of the book. Nothing has worked to motivate him until he read this book! Thanks so much to the authors.

It's about time....in more ways than one!, May 7, 2005
Time is running out, but most of us aren't out running...or bicycling, or skiing, or lifting weights, or dozens of other things we can do to extend the quality years of our lives. Aging should be the same as with food...about getting better, not getting old and rotten. The authors provide a diagram (a blueprint can't be made to fit everybody) for improving the quality of your coming years, and for improving the possible quantity of those years as well. Written with men in mind, it is true for both men and women. As is sometimes said, "A must-read"!

Excellent primer for entering the last 3rd., January 16, 2005
First of all, this book is funny and well written. The thing that really stood out for me in this book was that it gives you an accurate idea on what to expect from age 50 on. Being in my late 50s, I can see from personal experience that these authors know what they are talking about. Living in Las Vegas I see men with what we call in Las Vegas "buffet bellys" (huge gut) I seen old people so overweight and out of shape that the only pleasure they have left is gorging themselves at buffets. The science in this book makes very good sense. This book should be a "must read" for anyone entering their 50s-60s who is intrested in staying alive, possibly missing some of the scairest of the diseases and being able to have a sex life in their later years. I cant recommend the book enough for that age group of men and women. I meant to give this book 5 stars, but I cant seem to change the ratings

Many scientific articles on-line, November 9, 2005
Several people have criticized this book because it doesn't list referances or medical reviews of the statements it makes about C-6 and C-10. I did a Google search and found hundreds of articles that support what they say in this book about exercise. Yes, they fail to list these studies, but they are on-line from top researchers. Do more reading, if you want more proof.
I was disappointed that they did not mention Jack LaLanne, who is now 91 and the Godfather of Fitness. He has taught since 1931 that exercise is the key to a long healthy life. He takes no medicine and has no heart disease or mental decline.
This book is worth reading just for what they explain is the cause of artery disease. They make it very easy to understand.

Just do it!, April 3, 2005
Maya Angelou said of Oprah's Book Club, 'I don't like all of the books she recommends (Winfrey) but at least she gets people out to read.'

Sage advice. If it takes the glibness and sarcasm of Chris to get you off the couch, feeling sorry for yourself, riddled with extra pounds while you wheeze your excuses for not exercising, out the door and on the track, Good Lord man, that's OK.

We don't all respond to the platitudes of wise Medical Practitioners citing stories of cholesterol and the C-6 C-10 Mambo. Hell. I'm still trying to figure out the good cholesterol and the baddies. But I do know this. If I do what they say (I've worked out all my life but have been doing it THEIR way for 3 months) I end up feeling awfully good.

Let me repeat that. I don't know if I'm holding back the tide, if I'm Horatio at the bridge or if I'm fooling my body into exchanging decay for more aerobic muscle. I just know that I feel good.

I also appreciate the effort they direct towards our relationships. It's not mush. For men, we forget the axiom of 'dancing with the girl that brought us.' Have fun. Work on your relationship while you work on yourself. Like Chris says. Be a guy. Suck it up. Do it.

I think it's a lifesaver. I bought two more copies for my brothers. Like Ms. Angelou says . . . well, you know what I mean. A great anthem to go into your 50's and 60's with. 5 stars. Larry Scantlebury

Science or Anecdotal Junk?, February 26, 2005
This book repackages a number of well known recommendations - exercise - eat right - and don't drink too much, into a highly readable and pursuasive format. It also contains some newer information regarding the role of exercise and the production of Cytokine 6, the master chemical for inflammation and decay, which in turn triggers the production of Cytokine 10, the master chemical for repair and regrowth of the body. C-6 and C-10 are described by author Lodge as "just shorthand for chemical cascades involving hundreds of proteins in a dance of such complexity that we are just beginning to understand the details". (p.71).

The mechanism for the triggering of the production of C-10 leads the authors to recommend vigourous exercise for 45 minutes a day, six days a week, in order to overcome the biological decay that comes with the inactivity associated with aging. There is nothing wrong with this advice. In the healthy it can do no harm and such excercise will no doubt enhance feelings of well being and assist in getting a good night's sleep. But does it have the biological effect claimed by the authors?

Lodge states that the details in the book are drawn from hundereds of articles, papers and reference books (p312). However there are absolutely no references to peer reviewed scientific literature in support of any of his theories, so there is no means by which to verify whether he is on sound scientific ground or just another pop-culture health writer dabbling in common sense anecdotal evidence and junk science.

This is not a book for those who wish to be guided by scientific knowledge - additional research will be required. Having said that, since reading this book I have increased the frequency of my execise regime to that recommended by the authors. (just in case they have the science correct).

An excellent book for major lifestyle issues., May 19, 2007
As a practicing physician, I strongly agree with the main points made in this book, namely, the need for frequent, aerobic excercise and the importance of eating the right foods. The strong points of this book are its humorous, easy-to-read style, and the emphasis on the fact that exercise and what we eat will not just make us feel better and look younger, but will really help us to live longer. The authors provide ample factual material to bolster their case, and then outline in detail what you have to do to get on board, in terms of the types and amount of excercise, and details about the right foods. I have read several books on health and aging, and this one is probably the best. I don't agree with the underlying world view of the authors, which is decidedly evolutionary, but the basic tenets of the book are certainly valid. The book should inspire you to take better care of your body and to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. There is plently of helpful information in this book to help anyone who is serious about doing this. We only have one body, so why not take care of it?

A Great Book!, January 9, 2007
A "guy at the gym" told me that this book changed his life- and so I bought it to find out why. The authors recommend that men over 50 engage in serious exercise six days a week- but promise that doing so will stop and even reverse the physical deterioriation that starts to set in ever so gradually as men age. The authors base their recommendations on some recent scientific research and their own observation. The writing style is concise and encouraging- even inspirational- and their recommendations are very straight-forward and uncomplicated. I started following their program six months ago, and have to say that I think I look and feel better. I'm recommending it to other men my age, and I'm also recommending that personal trainers who work with older guys need to read it, too, to get a better understanding of their customer's concerns and needs.

Change Your Life, July 24, 2005
I read the book when it first came out. To put it simply, Younger Next Year has changed my life. I am a 43 year old male who considered himself "active" but certainly not fit. Boy was I wrong. I have modified my diet, exercise 6 days a week, and can run farther today than I could when I was 18.

My wife and 2 sons are also "Living Lodge." We love this book som much we have given away over 20 copies for Christmas and birthdays. If you want to feel great and improve the quality of your life, buy this book and take it to heart. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A MEMOIR OF BETTY WHITE’S FIRST FIVE DECADES ON TELEVISION—AS IRREVERENT AND IRRESISTIBLE AS THE BELOVED ACTRESS HERSELF

BETTY WHITE first appeared on television in 1949 and has gone on to have one of the most amazing careers in TV history, starring in shows such as Life with Elizabeth, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Golden Girls, among many others. She is one of the hardest-working actresses of any era, and her sense of humor and perennial optimism have seen her through half a century of industry changes and delighted millions of fans.

Now, during Betty’s sixty-first year on screen, a year in which she has enjoyed a huge resurgence of popularity, her 1995 memoir makes a comeback too. Here We Go Again is a behind-the-scenes look at Betty’s career from her start on radio to her first show, Hollywood on Television, to several iterations of The Betty White Show and much, much more. Packed with wonderful anecdotes about famous personalities and friendships, stories of Betty’s off-screen life, and the comedienne’s trademark humor, this deliciously entertaining book will give readers an entrée into Betty’s fascinating life, confirming yet again why we can’t get enough of this funny lady. ... Read more

Reviews

Full of fun and laughter
I had read another book "In Person" by Betty White a few years ago - and it was a side splitter. I have always been a big fan of hers anyway - and enjoy her immensely.

This book is no exception. She is talking about how her career and TV's career started about the same time. She gives insight into early television and her part in that whole genre. She talks about her "addiction" to work and her willingness to fill in whenever she is needed - and the break neck schedule she had in the beginning.

Have not gotten through the book yet - but have really enjoyed reading what I have. Betty in writing is as funny as Betty on TV.

Pick it up if you would like to see the infancy of TV from an insider's view - and if you want a good laugh!! This book supplies both very well.

"The One And Only Betty White"
Not many celebrities can say they are enjoying a renaissance and resurgence in their careers at the tender age of 88, but Betty White is not your every day celebrity. In 2010 Betty became the oldest performer to host "Saturday Night Live" (for which she won an Emmy), plus she continues to work in movies and primetime TV, most recently in TV Land's "Hot In Cleveland". She also had a memorable role on the soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" and she continues to appear in commercials. Suddenly Betty White is everywhere.

With a career that has spanned sixty years on television, Betty White continues to shine and is an example to other celebrities who have reached that certain age that it doesn't matter how old you are; just keep working and love what your doing.

In this insightful biography that was published way back in 1995, Betty describes her life in television and how she got started in the business. Eventually it wasn't long before she became famous for being the celebrity who appeared regularly on game and talk shows, working with Jack Parr, Johnny Carson, and Allen Lunden, with whom she married. Eventually Betty did a guest-part on "The Carol Burnett Show", became famous for her role as man hungry Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", and to a whole new generation of fans played naive Rose Nyland on the 1980's/1990's sitcom "The Golden Girls".

In these pages Betty discusses how she got her two most famous roles on two of the most beloved comedies in TV history, how it was like to work with the giants in the industry, and how and why those beloved shows came to an end.

There is much more too on these pages on the the wonderful life of a lady who never slows down. The reader realizes Betty loves her life and loves the career that has made her a household name. Thoroughly readable, "Here We Go Again..." is an insightful memoir on one of the legends in TV comedy.

The book also contains multiple black and white photos of Bette displayed sporadically throughout the book that gives the reader a mental picture of where Betty was at certain times in her career.

Betty
Betty's book was great! It was easy to read & you felt like she was there talking to you. I would tell all my friends.

You again!
I remember watching Golden Girls and Mama's Family reruns with my grandma as a kid, but not knowing much about Betty White, the actress or the woman. So imagine my surprise when I came across her memoir (originally published in 1995) and discovered that she'd had so many television accomplishments under her belt well before her roles as Rose from GG and Ellen on MF.

Born an only child to two loving and encouraging parents, Betty worked as a model, stage actress, and joined the American Women's Voluntary Services before making radio appearances in the 40's. She made the jump from radio to tv as host of Hollywood on Television, one of the first live variety shows. It was also daily and there were no holiday breaks, but Betty loved the work too much to mind. So much so that she also starred as the title character in the 50's sitcom Life With Elizabeth, a later show titled Date with the Angels, and participated in a slew of game shows.

Betty also found time for love and was happiest with her third husband Allen Ludden. You can tell how much she loved him and how painful it was losing him, but it's not written in an overly dramatic kind of way.

Betty seems like a really down to earth woman who's seen alot, done even more, but is always humble and thankful for everything. To be in your eighties, in good health, and make such an incredible comeback is a major blessing. Keep goin' til the wheels fall off, BW!

Bette White Has More Lives Than A Cat
I find it amazing that someone who has been on tv as long as Betty White has managed to reinvent herself so many times. Truthfully, 'reinvent' is probably an unfair description. White appears to have the humor and creativity and vigor to remain current when her contemporaries are passing time at the Motion Picture Country Home or Forest Lawn.
This book is a quick and humorous (though sometimes poignant) look at Betty's life seen through her career in television and her 'third time's the charm' marriage to tv host Allen Ludden. It is loaded with anecdotal stories about the people she has worked with, her own career and personal history, and is imbued with her own personal charm and vivacious personality. I liked this book a lot from the perspecive that she sailed through her story without speedbumps and drama and brought her reader on a long lived tour of television and performing without missing a beat or a punchline. Her account of meeting Allen Ludden and their marriage was very touching and definitely revealing while it also gave me a sense that the tv Betty was pretty close to the private Betty.
This is a good book that will keep your interest and bring back a lot of fond memories of some of the best comedy tv has offered.

Need Unabridged Audio
I find Betty White's life very intersting, and her sense of timing and humor is wonderful. I only wish I could find this book on Cd and unabridged. ... Read more

Editorial Review

From the first release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977 to the 2009 second season of The Clone Wars, Star Wars Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle is an unparalleled chronological journey through the making of the most epic science fiction series ever! Featuring incredible illustrations and stills, the book chronologically details the history and development of the Star Wars movies; the events, press, and logistics surrounding the making of each movie; and exclusive interviews with people who worked behind the scenes. The year-by-year format includes images from the movies, TV series, comic books, video games, and novels as well as movie posters, memorabilia, book covers, and more.

(c) 2009 Lucasfilm Ltd. (r) & TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization. ... Read more

Reviews

The perfect gift for the fan who has everything because this book chronicles everything, September 4, 2010
DK Publishing continues a trend of producing lavish coffee table books filled with page after page of montages of full color images. In this case, the topic is the Star Wars phenomenon.

This coffee table book is very large - one inch thick, 10 inches wide and nearly a foot high. My copy does not have the color cover featured by Amazon, but rather it is black and white with very similar photos of the exact same characters in the exact same positions on the page. I did verify that it is the same book by using Amazon's sneak peek feature.

This book could just as easily have been called "George Lucas Year by Year." Star Wars dominates Lucas's career like the Eiffel Tower dominates the Paris skyline. Perhaps, even more so.

As the title states, the book is a visual timeline of George Lucas, Star Wars and the people and companies involved in its production and promotion. We see early handwritten notes about "Journal of the Whills" - one of the first drafts of Star Wars Episode IV. Later on, we see further updates, including the introduction of a character named Luke Starkiller who, of course, became Luke Skywalker in later revisions. We learn about Lucas's early life, his early films and his influences and a bit about the research he did to create the series.

Included in the timelines are other bits of news about movies, politics and space exploration. For example, on pages 34 & 35 we read about July through December 1974 which includes the first draft of the script for Episode IV, some very early drawings for the TIE Fighters, X-Wings and the Death Star, Nixon resigning as President, the birth of the actor that played Darth Maul in Episode I, early plastic models of the Y-Wing Fighters, the release of "The Godfather: Part II" (the director is a colleague and friend of Lucas), the production of the first script for another Lucas movie - "The Radioland Murders" and Christopher Lee's (Episodes II & III) role in a James Bond movie. Every picture has a detailed caption and the story goes on for page after page after page.

It is a fascinating read. I particularly enjoyed the pictures and descriptions of the Star Wars dolls that I collected and nearly wore out as a child. There is also information on the different videogames, novels, radio dramas, fan magazines, board games, fan clubs, appearances on TV shows, the famed Star Wars Christmas Special, John Williams, the cartoon shows, the Lego sets and even the Darth Vader Mr. Potato Head toy.

Lavish, thorough, massive and entertaining - this promises to be a hit with any fan. A can't miss gift.

Great book, September 13, 2010
My autistic son has everything Star Wars and never wants other stuff and we'd run out of ideas for his birthday so this came out just in time. This books is great, you're Star Wars fan will love it! I bought 2 copies of this book because my nephew has the same Star Wars fetish and he loves his too!

Star Wars Year By Year is a great wonderfull book, November 17, 2010
Daniel Wallace has written a fantastic book on star wars in the context of pop culture. Star Wars Year By Year is a great wonderfull book and a great read.

Wonderful book, but may show too much cleavage for young children, December 15, 2010
This is a wonderful book! Highly recommended. I do want to let you know that if you are buying the book for young Stars Wars fans you might want to review the book first. I was looking at the book at Barnes and Noble for my 10 year old nephew. There are a few large photos of Princess Leia that I felt like showed too much cleavage (a bit too racey for his young age). I am by no means a prude or over protective, but it did give me pause. I was SO glad that I flipped through the pages before I purchased it. I decided to wait until he is older. Once a Star Wars fan always a Star Wars fan! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act

When he was in his late fifties, Michael Caine believed his glamorous, rags-to-riches Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. When one script really disappointed, he called the producer to complain about the part. The producer said, "No, no, we don't want you for the lover, we want you for the father." Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was not only an incredible personal transformation but also one of the most radical comebacks in film history. Learning to accept his new role both on camera and in his own life, Caine went on to win his second Oscar, be knighted by the queen, and deliver some of his best performances to date. Now he shares the spectacular story of his life, from his humble upbringing in London's poverty-stricken Elephant and Castle, his military service, touching marriage and family life, and lively adventures with friends, to legendary meetings with fellow stars, forays as a restaurateur, and hilarious off-screen encounters from his glittering five-decade career. Caine brings his gift for storytelling and his insider's view to a tale that is funny, warm, and deeply honest.

Reviews

I also would like to thank Mr. Nicholson !
I ordered this book on CD after I saw Michael Caine interviewed on TV. I was so riveted by the story as I drove to San Diego and back , I actually sat and listened to the last two CD's at home!! I am going to buy it for other family members as a gift. What an interesting life he has led!! I have never read a book by a celebrity before but this man tells the most interesting story of hi srise from poverty to stardom and has neverlet success spoil him. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A lighthearted twist on Rapunzel, the beloved fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, Tangled brims with thrilling adventure, a distinctive cast of characters, a daring heroine, and, of course, seventy feet of golden hair. Featuring the stunning concept art behind the newest Disney masterpiece, The Art of Tangled also includes a preface by John Lasseter, a foreword by Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, and interviews with the artists, animators, and production team—including Art Director David Goetz—that shed light on the history and artistry of this landmark film. ... Read more

Reviews

One of the Best "Art Of" books., November 10, 2010
This is simply one of the best "art of" books I've read. Though smaller than the typical coffee table Disney books (i.e. Pocahontas...Tarzan) it packs a ton of sketches, drawings, paintings and inspirational art within its covers, and one can't help but be transported into this magical world when looking through it. If you're a fan of Glen Keane (Head animator of Beast, Mermaid, Tarzan, etc.) you'll really enjoy the large amount of his drawings that are displayed. It was also nice to see some of Glen's daughter, Claire's work within these pages. There are many other amazing drawings and paintings as well which include work by Lisa Keene and David Goetz, as well as the wonderfully talented Andy Gaskill and Jin Kim.

But even if you don't know any of these names and just want to know a little bit more about how this film was made, you won't be disappointed. The art, in and of itself is simply spectacular and you'll get basically a portfolio representing many different styles and viewpoints. I was often disappointed in the earlier Disney "art of" books because I simply wanted to see more - more drawings and more paintings. But this book exceeded my expectations and really packs it in.

The writing is very good as well. I enjoyed hearing about Glen Keane's desires in making a "Sincere Fairy Tale" which was carried forward by directors Howard and Greno. There's also a very good chapter on the design and style of the film which shows the inspiration of Pinocchio and Cinderella right next to the Tangled Designs. Photos of Disney Land Architecture and how it inspired the film were also fun to look at.

The book is well made and is a very good quality, similar to the previous Disney books in binding and paper stock. The printing is terrific and the full color art seems to have been captured beautifully. Anyway, if you're a fan of Disney, or simply curious about the making of this film, I really think you'll like this book. Having collected these things since I was a kid, this has got to be one of my favorites. The animation drawings, the architecture, and the paintings are all tremendous. The space in the book is well utilized and there isn't a lot of filler screenshots like some earlier works. Hope you enjoy.

Magical, November 13, 2010
This is a very beautiful book for Disney's 50th feature film, Tangled, which is also the first 3D computer-animated fairy tale for them.

The 160-page hardcover is filled with the very distinctive Disney style art, featuring character designs, environment and storyboards.

I love the beautiful character sketches and there are lots of them. Some of the character artists are Jin Kim, Claire Keane, Bill Schwab who drew really expressive characters. But much of them are drawn by legendary animator Glen Keane, and they really stand out with their lively action poses. It's fun to see the many expressions and tricks Rapunzel can do with her 70-feet hair. Other than Rapunzel, there are sketches for Flynn Rider (prince), Pascal (chameleon), Maximus (horse) and other characters like the bad guys.

As for the environment art, you'll get to see the familiar Disney towns and castles as interpreted by artists today. The design inspiration comes from previous Disney films like Cinderella, Pinocchio and Sleeping Beauty. Some of the paintings from those films are also included. It's about translating what used to be 2D into 3D and you can read all about the challenges from the artists' interviews.

The change in medium for creating Tangled makes it feel like a totally fresh Disney fairy tale, yet it also feels like the older ones at the same time. It continues Disney's legacy in animation in a fine way.

This book is a treat to artists, animators and art lovers. A lot of great artists contributed to the art and unfortunately I can't name them all so you'll have to get the book to check out their work.

-

(There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

If you love Glen Keane, you'll love this book!, November 17, 2010
As artbooks go, this offering was a great compilation of production stills, storyboard work, layouts and most importantly Glen Keane sketches. The book is separated into the history, the characters, the layout designs and story.

I love how most of the book gives each section a lot of emphasis on the pre-production work, the renderings, the character drawings and models. There wasn't as much 3D stills even though this movie is technically the first Disney fairy tale in that format. However, what makes this book such a nice addition to my artbook set is that it focused more on the pre-production hand drawn/painted artwork that is the hallmark of many Disney animated movies.

if you love Glen Keane artwork...., November 20, 2010
if you love Glen Keane artwork then you will love this book. I think this is probably for me one of the best art of books I have ever added to my collection. From the opening of the cover you will see this book is full of sketches mostly by Glen Keane and Jin Kim both amazing artists. They went all out with this book and gave animation art lovers what they want in an art of book, tons of sketches and full color artwork. Many of these art of book only have a few pages of stuff that you really want to see but this book is the exception to that for sure.

Awesome Disney Art, December 24, 2010
I have seen the movie and this book is absolutely amazing. Every little detail either in the movie or behind the scene is portrayed so gorgeously. That includes the landscape design, characters, storytelling, and the animation. This is one of the best Disney art book I've ever gotten. It's a must for not only animation artists, but everybody who loves the art of Disney. Disney is one of the few studios, which brings our beloved fairy tales into life, in such case, Tangled is among those successfully Disney classics.

Amazing artbook, December 9, 2010
This artbook is worth the money. Every page is packed full of amazing concept drawings and illustrations by top artists for the movie. Even though the movie is done in 3D animation, all the drawings in the book makes it almost feel like it was a traditional 2D animation film.

Beautiful, December 9, 2010
I thoroughly enjoy this book and the artwork included therein. Glen Keane is one of the most dynamic and expressive artists out there and the other artists included here are phenomenal as well. Paintings and sketches are topnotch.

Must have for any artist, December 2, 2010
This book is truly a must have for any artist who loves Disney's style of animation (Or Glen Keane's artwork). The other reviews have covered it pretty well so I'm not going to go into a lot of detail like the other more helpful folks have; I just want to add my vote for this book being a 2010 must have. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Children Come First, September 24, 2010
Let me start by stating what this book is not, and then devote the rest of my review to what this companion book (to the recently released documentary film of the same title) is. Although the book contains some criticism of teacher unions, it is not a biased bashing of teachers. One of the book's chapters is written by Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers. Two other chapters were written by Davis Guggenheim and Lesley Chilcott, the director and producer, respectively, of the film documentary. (Guggenheim previously directed Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," so I wouldn't call him an anti-union fanatic.) Additionally, a chapter is written by Bill and Melinda Gates, and others are written by a Stanford professor (who tried to teach me economics some 40 years ago), a leading education reporter, and Michelle Rhee, the reformer chancellor (at the time of this writing) of Washington D.C. public schools. There is a balance of viewpoints, as you might imagine. The book's editor, Karl Weber, and the various chapter authors make the point that there is much work to be done to improve our education system. Basically, they report and you get to decide.

This companion book begins by stating the case that we're all too familiar with--U.S. public education performance isn't what we'd like it to be. For example, among 30 developed countries, U.S. students rank 25th in math and 21st in science. High school graduation rates for minorities are barely 60%. (Some argue that access to a quality education may be the biggest civil rights issue of our time.) The majority of prison inmates are high school dropouts. (It costs a lot more to imprison someone for a year than to educate a student for the same time.) The average high school graduate will earn very significantly less than the average college graduate over a lifetime. You likely know all these rather depressing facts, so I'll move on.

"Waiting for `Superman'" describes (separately) the situations of five students striving (and waiting) to get a quality education, and each of their stories is followed by contributing chapters by the individuals I mentioned earlier. From different perspectives, the children's stories are fascinating, hopeful and heartbreaking.

So what can interested citizens do? Near the end of this fast-reading book there are a dozen or so pages devoted to how parents, students, educators and businesspeople can all help advance the cause of quality education. Further, for those who want to involve themselves further, there are over 30 pages of listings of web sites and organizations devoted to children, schools and progress in education.

In short, the issue at the heart of this book (and the movie) is vital to the success of our children and our country. (By the way, the movie premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and took home the Best U.S. Documentary Audience Award.) For those who want to understand the education situation better and perhaps make some contribution to improving education for all children, this book is a good first step.

A Compelling Call to Action, September 21, 2010
I gave this guidebook 4-Stars. The guidebook (companion to the documentary film) is clearly written and uses stories that illustrate the need for improving learning and teaching in schools and communities today. Additionally, a variety of stakeholders are interviewed such as students and parents, selected researchers/practitioners and leaders from the field of education, and executives from private foundations. In terms of the book's usefulness and ideas for practical application, it offers a number of ways that citizens might choose to support education within their local communities.

Education is a vast and complex field. Therefore, obviously this book does not include some of the key areas of research that hold promise for improving student learning, nor is it a simple one solution step-by-step guide for what to do to improve teaching and learning in America's schools. However, the text achieves its goal as 'an inspiring call for reform' as stated in the product description.

Hopefully this book will serve as an urgent call for all Americans to focus on creating school systems where all students can reach their true potential. Students arrive at school full of potential, but with a broad range of readiness for learning at school. For example, some arrive one to two years ahead of grade level in reading and some arrive one or two years behind. Therefore, the school system needs to accurately assess where students are academically as they enter the system. Then the system must ensure that students receive the intensity of high quality instruction needed to get to grade level with their peers. The system also needs to ensure that teachers get the high quality education, training, mentoring, and support they need to develop the knowledge and skills to teach students today. A key to teacher success is to be able to align instruction with the growing research base on how students learn.

There are many passionate teachers in classrooms across America in all types of schools. However, few get the support they need. For example, often, new teachers who enter the profession leave teaching due to lack of such support. In fact, some studies indicate 30 -50% leave in the first few years. Often these teachers would stay if they had the support to create learning opportunities for students, because seeing their students learn is what keeps good teachers motivated to stay in the field.

We hope this book is a catalyst for more Americans to explore ways in which they can help school systems transform into places where every student has the opportunity to reach their true potential. Parent and community involvement is critically important as students spend 80-90% of time in the home and community (outside of school) prior to the end of their high school years. It is a time for communities and schools to create a system of education that works for all students. Schools cannot do it by themselves.

Donna Wilson, Ph.D.

Interesting Opinion Piece, December 5, 2010
Waiting for "Superman" / 978-1-586-48928-1

I haven't yet seen the documentary that this book is a companion text to; although it was recommended highly to me, I missed it in theaters and it hasn't come available to rent yet. Still, I was curious enough about the documentary and knew just enough to be dangerous about the subject material, so I bought this companion text and plowed right in.

Results are...mixed. This book is basically a compilation of essays from different people on the subject of American public school reform. Some of the authors have more expertise than others; wishing no disrespect, some of the essay authors seem to have experience limited only to specific charities or boutique schools, with very little scientific data to back up some of their opinions. In between the essays, each section contains a little "introduction" page for each of the children that were featured in the documentary, but these 2-page sections are largely unfulfilling since they just outline the bare bones of the child's tale and don't tell whether they got into their desired school or not (you have to rent the movie for that, apparently).

So we're left with the essays themselves, which are a mixed bag. In terms of factoids about the failing school system (particularly in comparison to other countries), this book is a rich resource - there's a lot of numbers on these pages that will shock you. However, when it comes to actually analyzing the source of these numbers, and how to fix them, the book falls a little flat. It's probably telling that the essay included here that I thought was the most powerful and best researched was the one that criticizes the documentary (and by extension the book) for (a) relying too much on largely out-of-date anecdotes about "bad" teachers and union problems and (b) (possibly inadvertently) pushing the notion that a few boutique schools will solve the problem.

It's this essay that points out for all the many pages spent here criticizing unions, there's not any actual strong data presented against unions - a pretty frustrating omission in a documentary! And focusing on the "bad" teachers ignores the more important (and less "sexy") issue that "bad" teachers often can become "good" teachers with the appropriate training and feedback; when the *only* feedback teachers get every year is whether or not they dress professionally and arrive on-time, they're not likely to self-identify their needed areas for improvement. Focusing on a cooperative method of evaluation and training seems, to me, to be more important than "fire all bad teachers!" which seems to ignore the problem of where their replacements are going to come from.

Moving on, other oddities in the various essays on display here include... An author who thinks it's admirable for a charter school principle to randomly threaten parents with "immigration authorities" if their kids miss a day of class. An author who argues against smaller classroom sizes because ze really doesn't seem to understand how scientific data is collected (to wit, halving a class size and handing off half to a new teacher, and then measuring the combined literary/math scores of both classes at the end of the year doesn't control for the quality of the new teacher; a meaningfully controlled study would measure 1 teacher with X students and compare that against the SAME teacher with X/2 students). An author who argues that principals need to be replaced with "CEO" figures because in a corporation, when something goes wrong, everyone knows the CEO is responsible - an assertion that makes me doubt the author has ever WORKED at a large corporation. An author who wants to reform the school system to resemble the American HEALTH CARE system because - and I swear this is true - it's just so gosh-darn *efficient*. I don't really know what to say to that.

Moving on, there's also a very nice article that says, basically, that it doesn't *matter* if most charter schools do worse than the public schools they are meant to replace because that's the POINT of charter schools - to experiment with new things, keep what works, and close down the charter schools that don't. From a scientific standpoint, this isn't a terribly bad plan, but I can't help but feel sorry for the children that got lost in the system as part of the scientific experiment - at the very least, surely these numbers (and the implied risk!) should be made transparently clear to the parents as part of the enrollment process for new charter schools?

I feel like I've been very harsh in my review thus far, and I want to stress that this is a VERY interesting book, with lots of fascinating viewpoints. I started the book with a healthy understanding of the school system problem, and I feel like I came away with broadened horizons as the various authors here discussed different possibilities and solutions for a hugely difficult problem. And, as I say, there were a couple of articles that I thought were incredibly spot-on, and I respect that these articles were included even as they made solid criticisms of the documentary. I do recommend this book if you're a fan of the documentary or if you're interested in the subject matter, but I *do* think that people should read these opinion essays for what they predominantly are: opinions.

~ Ana Mardoll

Waiting for Superman, December 8, 2010
I'm a School Social Worker who just bring all my Middle School students to watch the movie and have to prepared lessons in base of the book, the book came on time and in perfect conditions, THANKS!!!!

EDUCATION IN CRISES, October 13, 2010
I am educator; need I say more. Our children are suffering at the hands of SOME not all educators. Our children are suffering at the hands of SOME not all school Districts. Our children are suffering at the hands of SOME not all parents who choose not to get involveds.

There are zillions of educators that are fighting and trying to champion children's educational rights -- AS THE EDUCATIONAL ACT STATES IT MUST BE CHAMPIONED --all over this beautiful Nation; and then there are the "few" teachers -- I do not refer to them as educators -- that are there (in the classroom), teaching your child for the paycheck.

This book will help weed these teachers out; this book will make zillions more sit up and take notice - mark my words.

This book is a must read - for educators sand also non educators - even children.

Great companion book to the documentary, October 25, 2010
Very informative book on the state of education and amazing groups who are making a difference. Lots of good fact based data. Very motivating to join in making a difference

Need a new book, December 7, 2010
I am reminded once again that what we really need is a new book that details the many successful teachers, students and public schools we have in this country. Using data that compares the very top students in other countries with our schools that use data that includes every student without regard to disability, etc. is so dishonest. For once compare our best students with their best students and you will see the real story - that our best students are at the very top in educational achievement. Compare ALL of their students with ALL of our students and what you will find is what an excellent job we do here in the U.S. with helping EVERY child. Our special ed programs are light-years ahead of foreign countries that track disabled students out of any hope of a college education and into low paying, menial jobs.

We need a documentary that shows what a great job teachers' unions have done promoting educational excellence and helping teachers get some semblance of fair compensation. Without teacher unions our educators would be making minimum wage with no benefits. See what the education system looks like and what quality of educators you have if unions crumble under the barrage of corporate media attacks on them.

Basically the large corporations, and the media spin they promote, is that public education is "failing". They do this because they are hungry to take over the system and drain education funding into their own profit. Almost every problem that I have seen in my 22 years in public education can be directly related to the rightward march of our government and the disenfranchising of the middle class and poor. You want to know the number one factor in educational achievement as proven by study after study - "at risk factors"!!!

So when mom and dad have no job, when they loose their home, when kids are hungry, when there is no proper medical care, when the home is in disheaval - children do not do well in school. Dah!!!

You want to improve education - then work for social justice. When the super rich elite few like Bill Gates - who has absolutely no experience in education but a huge chunk of the world's pie - is a prime contributor to a book on education - you know where they are coming from. Yes, the large corporations want to create the image that public schools are failing badly - and the answer is not building the middle class or helping people in poverty. The answer will be dismantling public schools and creating a corporate public education system for the rich where the elite have elite schools for their kids - and where the vast majority of human beings live in poverty with no hope of advancing their education.

Just complaining!, October 23, 2010
As a teacher, I agree with much of what this book states. However I was disappointed that they didn't make any suggestions for fixing the problems. Really, did we need yet another finger pointed at the system saying it is bad? We really need solutions. I walked away more depressed about my job.

Great, November 4, 2010
IT was great and come on time. I will buy every time from this person ... Read more

Editorial Review

Audrey Hepburn is an icon like no other, yet the image many of us have of Audrey—dainty, immaculate—is anything but true to life. Here, for the first time, Sam Wasson presents the woman behind the little black dress that rocked the nation in 1961. The first complete account of the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. reveals little-known facts about the cinema classic: Truman Capote desperately wanted Marilyn Monroe for the leading role; director Blake Edwards filmed multiple endings; Hepburn herself felt very conflicted about balancing the roles of mother and movie star. With a colorful cast of characters including Truman Capote, Edith Head, Givenchy, "Moon River" composer Henry Mancini, and, of course, Hepburn herself, Wasson immerses us in the America of the late fifties before Woodstock and birth control, when a not-so-virginal girl by the name of Holly Golightly raised eyebrows across the country, changing fashion, film, and sex for good. Indeed, cultural touchstones like Sex and the City owe a debt of gratitude to Breakfast at Tiffany's.

In this meticulously researched gem of a book, Wasson delivers us from the penthouses of the Upper East Side to the pools of Beverly Hills, presenting Breakfast at Tiffany's as we have never seen it before—through the eyes of those who made it. Written with delicious prose and considerable wit, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. shines new light on a beloved film and its incomparable star.

Reviews

The Awesomeness of Audrey, June 22, 2010
Sam Wasson's just-released and delightful book on the making of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is so chock-full of great anecdotes that you're sorry when it's over. For awhile, you are there - a privileged insider-witness to a marvelous bygone moment in moviemaking history - and it's with a feeling of bittersweet regret that you step from its closing pages back into a realm of noisy 3D sequels and superfluous comic book franchises. Everything you'd want to know and more is delivered in the book, from the reader's coverage producer Marty Jurow was first handed, re: adapting Capote's book for the screen ("In any event this is more of a character sketch than a story. NOT RECOMMENDED") to the guest list for the post-premiere party (including such unlikely elbow-rubbers as Dennis Hopper, Buster Keaton, Charles Laughton, and Jane Mansfield).

A delicious through-line in the book is how close the movie came to not coming out so well as it did, with such jaw-droppers as everyone's resistance to having Henry Mancini write a song for the thing (eventual collaborator Johnny Mercer's original lyric, we learn, one of three eventually presented to Mancini, was called "Blue River"). An intimate exploration of the myriad personalities in conflict and collusion when a casual classic is being created, the book is cannily adept at detailing the logic of the so many minute decisions that lead to what we now accept as inevitable. Of course Audrey Hepburn played Holly Golightly, you think, until you hear how hard Capote lobbied for Marilyn Monroe.

Wasson is a formidable researcher. He doesn't so much know where the bodies are buried as he knows where the hearts and minds are hidden. The book is written like a good novel, taking you inside the consciousness of its characters with an impressive, insight-laden believability ("Fifth Avenue"'s only recent movie-book rival in this regard is Mark Harris' fascinating "Pictures at a Revolution"). And Wasson's notes on how he arrived at, and can justify, his leaps of imagination and empathy are almost as interesting as the text itself.

Of course the book has its thesis and theories as well, positing "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and Hepburn's stylish, fresh, era-defining performance as a watershed moment in cultural history. If you're a fan of Audrey Hepburn, the book is a must-have, because Wasson's astute take on what she was about, what she was up against, and how she delivered the goods strikes me as definitive. Her spritely, near-angelic spirit comes alive in the pages of this eminently devour-able book, which is kind of an awesome dividend.

Audrey Hepburn, not Tawdry Hepburn, June 28, 2010
When Paramount was gearing up to release "Breakfast at Tiffany's," a film that would go on to usher in an entirely new and more authentic depiction of women on screen (even if it had still had a long way to go), they had to be careful. Audrey Hepburn, the darling of such films as "Roman Holiday" (which won her an Oscar) and "Sabrina," was very conscious of her public image. Unlike other stars who carefully constructed their images, Audrey was essentially the kind woman she was perceived by the public to be. Hepburn, who could sometimes be found knitting on set, didn't want that reputation tarnished. So, unsurprisingly, Hepburn nearly turned the role of the free spirited good time girl Holly Golightly, the film she is most remembered for today.

And therein lies the crux of Sam Wasson's masterful book on the making Breakfast at "Tiffany's" and its cultural significance. At this time in film history it wasn't okay to play this type of character. On screen good girls were good and bad girls were bad. There was no gray area. But "Tiffany's" would change all that, and show the world that not only did this gray area indeed exist, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to be single and sexually liberated woman--even if you were just playing one.

Golightly, as it turns out, was an amalgam of so many of the society ladies that Truman Capote (the author of the original novella on which the film is based on) knew and socialized with, but it was Babe Paley and Capote's own mother, Nina, who most pervaded the character of Holly.

This slim volume (coming in at just over 200 pages) is also a history of Hollywood during the mid 1950s and through the filming of "Tiffany's." Not having read Capote's original novel, I was unaware that the Paul Varjak character in the film was actually Holly's gay friend in the novel. The social mores of the day dictated that the character be turned into a love interest.

I think Sam Wasson's book is clever and unique and witty in its telling of the story behind the story of how "Breakfast at Tiffany's" paved the way for a new brand of filmmaking and depiction of women on screen. Often irreverent, always engaging, Wasson's book does not disappoint.

More fun than wearing a tiara from Tiffany's..., June 22, 2010
After all the critical praise I've read, I have to admit, I had high expectations for Fifth Avenue, 5 AM, but this gem of a book actually managed to exceed them. (When does that ever happen?)
I think that's due, in part, to the way Wasson deftly weaves together the full story of the making of the movie, a social history of the era, Audrey, Capote, Edith Head, Paramount, et al. The end result is a sparkling tapestry of considerable heft -- substance and FUN. Peter Bogdanovich (famed director of Paper Moon & The Last Picture Show) asserted "it reads like a compulsively page-turning novel" and I couldn't agree more. I devoured it. But I also picked up quite a bit of new info along the way--about Audrey, about the film, the era, fashion, and the genesis of the now prevalent `single girl' phenomenon. Wasson's prose is delightful--rich and alive. This book belongs at your bedside table, in your beach bag and maybe even selected as next month's read for your book club.
Really, I thought it was fantastic.

I'll Take Manhattan, July 11, 2010
"Breakfast at Tiffanys" was one of many 60s-era movies that added to my own zeal to move to New York immediately after art school, and begin living the Big City Life. Inspired by the details of movies like "Tiffany", "Sweet Smell of Success", "The Apartment", etc I could not wait to be part of the population, hailing Checker cabs, sitting on my fire escape reading the voluminous Sunday Times, taking in Broadway shows, and going to coffee houses in The Village. All of this was possible in 1967, even on an Art Trainee's salary; and one could easily find "a roomate, a job, and an apartment" in a day. At least, that is what I remember.
I would like to propose that the real star of "Tiffanys" is.....alas, Manhattan. Thanks to Wasson's book, I note that actual film work in the City was limited -- and then the whole party shifted to the back lots of Hollywood (WHY had I not expected that, all along?).....but, the viewer is left feeling that Holly and her band of kooks has given them a sneak preview of the most marvelous place in the world. And we all wanted to come, asap. At least, I did, and have never regretted the decision, even 43 years later.
So, although I am a fan of Audrey's, and Blake's, and Truman's, I came away from this fun book, realizing that New York City was the social game-changer -- not "Breakfast at Tiffanys". Afterall, the City gave us "newcomers right off the bus" a place to shape-shift, reinvent, become our most creative selves, play-act and try on different roles (graphic artist? fashion illustrator?
window dresser?) -- while providing the perfect "movie set" backdrop of teeming Times Square, towering sky scrapers, ethnic neighborhoods, brownstones/townhouses/studios, and the most fascinating population EVER.
Wasson has given us a juicy summer read, and I would describe it as an expanded-version of one of those ultra-juicy articles-with-photos in Vanity Fair magazine. But, to double your pleasure, I highly recommend ordering a used copy of Gene Moore's "My Time at Tiffanys" to read, immediately after "Fifth Avenue, 5 am". Moore gives a marvelous, engaging behind-the-velvet-curtain tour of
Tiffanys and the backstory of their culture-defining Windows.....plus he throws in a lot of New York City legend and lore (happily covering the timeframe when I first arrived, complete with water shortages and labor strikes). Not a fictional character like Holly, Moore was a real creative innovator, leaving his mark, while living an alternative lifestyle; and his talents enriched New York City and added to its status as the most stylish metropolis ever.

Some interesting tidbits for fans of Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany's, July 9, 2010
I read rave reviews on this book in several magazines so I bought it. Though I think Breakfast at Tiffany's was a great movie, and adore Audrey Hepburn (who doesn't?), I wouldn't call myself a rabid fan of either. Hence my perspective is not one of a die-hard fan.

For the good points, the author seems to be in the know about the inner workings of Hollywood and the making of movies. There are some interesting stories and factoids in the book, and the story really did explain some of the basis for Audrey Hepburn's star appeal. The author also made a fairly compelling case for the role of Hepburn and the movie in changing the portrayal of women in movies--and this perhaps was the strongest part of the book.

However, many of the tantalizing tidbits advertised were sort of exaggerated by the book's description. For example, some of the press about the book included remarks like "can you imagine Breakfast at Tiffany's without 'Moon River'? This leads the reader to think that there will be an in-depth story about controversy related to the song, but there really wasn't. There were about two pages at most about a non-event related to the song.

Another annoyance with the book was the way it was structured. It is almost written as a series of very short articles with chapter headings that look like scene headings from scripts. Some might find this technique charming but it seemed to be a convenient way to avoid making transitions in the story and sort of disrupted the flow. I found it distracting.

I give this book a definite recommend for Hepburn and Tiffany's diehards, and a lukewarm recommend for the average reader.

J'ame Audrey Hepburn (and Holly Golightly too!), July 3, 2010
I have to confess I have always loved Audrey Hepburn, but have never been quite sure what my favorite Audrey Hepburn movie should be. They all showcase that certain gamine ethereal quality which defined her during the great heyday of her career in the 1950s-the early 1960s. Sam Wasson's book, Fifth Avenue 5 A.M makes the case that everyone's favorite movie should be "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

When Stanley Kubrick made his film version of "Lolita," the ad campaign focused on how impossible it was under the prevailing motion picture code (illustrating what a dead letter that institution was that audiences would conspire to undermine it). The original work that the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was based upon posed just as many problems. It was the story of a prostitute (Holly Golightly) and her gay friend who talked and acted like Truman Capote. Capote even insisted that he was the only person capable of playing the male lead in any film version of his work. Holly Golightly could only be played by one person, Audrey Hepburn's polar opposite, Marilyn Monroe. One wonders what sort of movie would have been made had that bit of casting been attempted,. Marilyn discretely turning tricks while Capote dished the dirt with the upstairs neighbor, a Japanese photographer.

Movie making is collaborative venture and this book demonstrates that premise perfectly. Capote created the character of Holly Golightly based in part on his own wild playgirl of a mother. While she was not above depositing Truman with relatives in Alabama (where he met Harper Lee, but this is another story entirely) while she ran around Manhattan in the thrities, she probably was not the high class call girl that Holly was in the book. In fact any number of women including Gloria Vanderbilt, Carol Marcus (later to marry Walter Matthau) and Babe Paley contributed features to the development of Holly Golightly. Sometimes writing involves collaboration from a variety of sources.

Once the film rights were sold, several other individuals step into the story, each with their own agendas, but all seeking some sort of redemption. First there was Audrey Hepburn herself who had originally refused the part by saying, "I just can't play a hooker." There was the writer, George Axelrod, the writer, who sought to break away from doing movies with well endowed heroines (Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe) who seduce ordinary joes, a genre termed boobs and boobs films. Then there was the director, Blake Edwards, who despite a successful career as the director behind the successful Peter Gunn TV series wanted to movie into a higher tier of professional respect. Sam Wasson demonstrates how all of these three individuals achieved greater professional success than they might of expected from the outset.

Really the only thing that was left from the original novel was its title and the name of the heroine. Functioning more as a character study, there was little in the way of plot and dramatic tension. George Axelrod, turned the traditional formula for a late fifties sex comedy (which never involved sex unless both partners were married) on its head by making both his hero (no heterosexual) and heroine fully sexual beings who were presumably being kept by others and who needed to break free of the need for financial security to find love and commitment with each other. As for Holly herself, what she did for the $50.00 for the powder room was kept somewhat hush hush, Hepburn had recently been nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of a nun in the Belgian Congo for crying out loud. Holly had been changed from a call girl to a happy go lucky kook in the best traditions of Hollywood.

In most creative endeavors there is usually one person who annoys all others with his oversized ego. Oddly enough with so many talented people involved, that person for this movie was George Peppard. Of all of the participants that were interviewed for the book, absolutely no one had anything good to say about him. An inflated sense of one's own self worth though commonplace in Hollywood and even Washington is not an odd thing, but completely unsuspected if one has the scintilla of talent at the command of George Peppard. The tales of his antics make me long to read an account of one of my favorite trash classics, "The Carpetbaggers," which really is more his style anyway.

It is no surprise to realize that the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was a success. Audrey Hepburn achieved new successes and a greater sense of her abilities as an actress. George Axelrod went on to become one of the producers of "The Manchurian Candidate" (another great movie from this period, would love to read a book on the making of that movie) and Blake Edwards acquired the kind of fame and respect that led to the establishment of the wildly funny Pink Panther series of movies.

Truman Capote was predictably bitter. It was one thing to buy the film rights to his book and then trash most of the plot, but it was another thing to succeed wildly in doing so. Had "Breakfast at Tiffany's" failed (which it probably would have had it starred Marilyn Monroe and Truman in the leads), there would have been some consolation. This particular movie became the source of many extended rants from Capote in the later years who was appalled that his character, Holly Golightly, who was a high class call girl in his original novel had been turned into a lady by Hollywood.

Sam Wasson's work on the making of this classic of Hollywood alchemy is really an fun read as well as being a bit of a guilty pleasure. From the beginning of the story to the end, he weaves a tale of ego, genius and professional redemption in an entertaining and at times moving way. Well worth the read.

An informative, fabulous book!, July 16, 2010
This is an very well-written work of film history...luckily for us readers, many of the personalities involved in the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's are still alive, so Wasson had the opportunity to conduct first person interviews as well as relying on historical accounts.

It really shows how times have changed....! If you are interested in film history, Audrey Hepburn or 20th century women's history, costume design, Givenchy...oh you get my drift, many people will enjoy this delightful book!

Bravo to Sam Wasson!

Fifth Avenue, 5AM is a classic HAUTE COUTURE book, June 23, 2010
This book is as fun and elegant as a perfect little black dress, but unlike my little black dress, I just wish it had been longer! When I finished it, I ordered 10 more to give as gifts as I'm sure just about all of my friends will love it too. Just like Audrey Hepburn and Tiffany's, I think this book will become a classic that is always in style.

Some Strong Points, But A Bit of A Let Down Overall, November 17, 2010
I found this book a bit of a let down:

- Overall, it seemed a bit thin on material and appeared to be padded out with biographical filler. I think it would have been more effective as an essay.

- The author's insight into the deal making involved with Breakfast At Tiffany's, insights into the personalities involved with the film, and other anecdotes were the strongest part of the book. I just wish the author had more to tell.

- I didn't appreciate some of the coarse language used periodically by the author (for emphasis?).

Only recommended for the diehard fans, September 19, 2010
Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson
Harper, 2010
204 pages
Non-fiction; celebrity
3/5 stars

Source: School library

Summary: A look at the making of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's:' how the producers, director, writer, and stars came to make it and how it impacted cinema and American life.

Thoughts: I think I saw a review of this in People magazine and I put it on my list because it seemed like a breezy read with links to the classic movies I love (actually don't really like BaT but I also need to watch it again). This was a very quick and easy read. I'm not particularly familiar with any of it although I've seen BaT and I don't not like Audrey Hepburn (she's not in my top 10, but maybe the top 20). Reading the backstories was interesting-tracing Hepburn's path to this role and looking at the backstage people is always interesting as they're too often neglected.

But Wasson's argument about how groundbreaking this film was in its depiction of female sexuality is not well argued. Just repeating that it pushed boundaries and was remarkable does not equal a well-reasoned and well-supported argument. It also seemed quite shallow and I kept feeling like there should be more to the story although I wasn't sure what.

Overall: Definitely recommended for the diehard fans of BaT; otherwise don't bother.

Cover: I love the cover-Audrey in the iconic dress with Tiffany blue in the subtitle is perfect! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

a TON of thought went into this book., August 6, 2010
this book goes above and beyond. it features the amazing, multi-layered and completely readable script by christopher nolan. however, it also has storyboards, full credits for the film, an excellent preface and a PASIV device instruction manual. The PASIV device (better known as the dream machine) "instruction manual" is amazing and fun to look at. it's also very intricate and detailed. this book is really an essential purchase for anyone who wants to look deeper into the masterpiece that INCEPTION is. i think its one of the best published scripts i've ever bought.

More than I bargained for!, August 6, 2010
I bought this hoping it would help me wrap my brain around the movie. I was expecting just a straight screenplay, but the book also includes an interview with Nolan, storyboards, concept art and schematics of the "PASIV" device they use to enter dreams. Very cool.

Very Very Good, but not exactly what you see in the movie, August 6, 2010
Since I watched Inception for the third time two weeks ago, I've been waiting for this, because really there's some dialogue I did not capture in the theatre

This is the book I wanted, reading this just like reading a novel without getting bored. It is probably the best script I've read since Batman Begins, also by Nolan

Some original concept arts are included along with a interesting dream machine manual

Some of the scenes in the movie are not included in this script (one example is in the final kick back scenes where in the movie, there are lots of cuts from different levels, but in this script, it is much simpler), and some of the dialogues are slightly different, actually I think Nolan added some additional scenes in the movie just in order that the audience are more easily to catch up the plot.

Highly recommended
4.8/5

A Must Have if you Loved the Movie, October 10, 2010
This book is the perfect takeaway if you loved the film like I did. It contains the complete shooting script (there is no novelization), a chapter of concept art, an extensive interview with Nolan about the creative development and themes in the film, storyboards, and a mock operating manual for the PASIV dream device. All in all this is an amazing find for less than $20, and you end up appreciating the film even more. Nolan deserves the Oscar for best screenplay.

Dreams, September 28, 2010
It would help a lot to understand the movie. An excellent interview as an introduction to the script.

For Inception Fans, September 23, 2010
This book is made for Inception fans. This adds to the movie experience and makes you relive the movie and remember the movie as if you were watching it again.

Good Buy, September 11, 2010
I am very enthralled by Nolan's Inception and so I was very excited to find that he had published a book with more detailed information about the idea, the characters, and the script. The book was not quite was I hoping for however. It features an interview with Nolan where he briefly touches on his ideas and thought process but its the same thing heard in every interview/special/whatever that he's given on Inception. There wasn't any more insight into the characters -- something I found extremely disappointing. The film follows Cobb so closely that some of the other (fantastic) characters are eclipsed and I would've liked to know more about them. As an aspiring writer, I'm sure he has their details all figured out, its just a matter of sharing them. Finally, the book says it features the shooting script. For those that don't know, shooting scripts are the scripts that are used in the production of the film. In the book, there are incomplete and missing scenes as well as missing dialogue -- so unless these were added last minute or were improvised, this is not a shooting script.

Still, the script is complete enough to gain more insight into the film and get a better grasp of what is happening when. I enjoyed reading it. I'd buy it again, but perhaps with more realistic expectation. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This special Fifth Anniversary Edition of the acclaimed film reference guide is packed with virtually everything movie lovers need to know about the films they simply must see. Stephen Jay Schneider and his team of writers have brought the book up to date by including the most memorable movies released during the past five years. Among their new additions are The Queen, The Lives of Others, Brokeback Mountain, and several more recent movies that have attracted worldwide attention. Covering more than a century of filmmaking and dating back to silent-era sensations such as Edwin S. Porter's The Great Train Robbery and Chaplin's The Gold Rush, this book describes musicals, dramas, screwball comedies, experimental "New Wave" films from 1950s and '60s Italy and France, major films noir, classic westerns, action and adventure films, and even memorable documentaries. It lists each film's director and cast, presents a plot summary and production notes, and cites interesting, often little-known facts relating to the film's cast, storyline, and production. For students of cinema, discerning film buffs, DVD collectors, and readers who enjoy thumbing through and reminiscing over cherished screen moments, 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die is the place to start reading. Filled with 800 movie still shots and actors' photos.

... Read more

Reviews

Caution, February 22, 2005
Although this book provided an acceptably organized compilation of movie classics, I was bugged by the fact that reviews/thoughts included spoilers, or revelations of the movies' endings.

I purchased this book in order to discover movies I knew not of previously or had heard of and was interested in seeing. The occasional spoilers are given without warning and made me read with caution to those movies that I did not yet know the outcome of, which was quite tedious.

Overall, the reviews were convincing and thoughtful when not completely blatant, but do proceed with caution.

Great source but a few errors...., January 12, 2005
As soon as I saw this book on the shelf I knew it was for my ever-expanding collection of cinema sources & the selection contained herein did not disappoint. Except maybe for the alarming number of errors I found. ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN did not win best picture in 1976; as the next page testifies, ROCKY did. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW was not narrated by Dr. Everett Scott; it was narrated by The Narrator(Charles Gray). DANGEROUS LIAISONS did not win Best Picture in 1988; a few pages later it states,correctly,that RAINMAN did. In the piece on Charles Chaplin's brilliant MONSIEUR VERDOUX, the end result of his work & the sentiments expressed in his film made him the target of the political right which led to his permanent departure from the United States in 1952. He returned in 1971 & was presented with a lifetime achievement award at The Academy Awards.

Beware the spoilers!, March 22, 2006
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die could be a great film guide. It is loaded with both well-known and obscure films, many of which I have sought out and enjoyed after reading about them in the book. I've really started to enjoy noir films because of this book's recommendations.

The fatal flaw in 1001 Movies is that they frequently give away the endings! For example, they often tell you when an important character dies at the end of the movie -- what is the point of that? Look for a different guide that doesn't spoil the endings.

Don't buy this book, January 16, 2008
The issue with this book isn't that there are factual errors or that its list of movies isn't what you would pick. The big problem with this book is that the writers frequently spoil the movie for the reader. The most blatant example I've found is the review of "Don't Look Now", where the third paragraph recounts what is probably the entire last five minutes of the film. The writer then has the audacity to add, "It is no exaggeration to say that few scenes in the history of cinema have proven as effective at sending chills up the spines of viewers as this one." Also, I recently watched "Oldboy" and followed it up by reading the review in this book. The second sentence of the first paragraph, if fresh in a person's mind, would definitely have given away an important plot development. I'm glad I didn't read it before watching the movie.

Please, do yourself a favor and don't buy this book. Or if you feel you still want to, watch the movie before reading the review.

Spanning Cinema, June 14, 2004
For the casual film fan this book provides an excellent overview of the cinema for the past century. In order to fit in the large number of mini reviews and commentaries for the selected entries the editors had to omit a good number of films that many would have deemed worthy of inclusion. The most egregious omissions were of silent films, of which only a relatively small number were included from the many years before the beginning of sound films. Film buffs may argue with some of the selections, but the inclusion of "small" and cult films alongside the well-known Academy Award winners is to be applauded. The editors, though, were often sloppy with the sidebar award section, giving a film credit for an Oscar win when only a nomination was received. There are several instances when at least two films from the same year were cited as winning the same Oscar. For those like myself who can recite year-by-year the Oscar award winners and nominees, the sidebar errors detracted from the scholarship of the work.

Excellent Reference Source For Movie Fans, November 20, 2005
With the amount of junk that Hollywood feeds us these days, you need a source to help you find the good stuff. This book helps in the search for quality. It simply and briefly lets you know why these films are worth seeing. I have found many films from years past that I would've never seen if I hadn't read about them here first. Just about every great film from the silent era to the present is in here. Hopefully, more people will start paying attention to the good films of the past. Once you start watching these films you'll notice just how bad most of the the current blockbuster studio releases are. If we keep paying to see bad movies, the studios will keep making them.

Didn't say they were the greatest!, May 25, 2007
I think this is a great book and I really enjoy reading through it's pages, but that is not the main point of my review. I want to clear up what I see as a misconception of the book that I see in a lot of reviews. This is not the "1001 Greatest Movies Ever Made" or "1001 Most Important Movies Ever Made"; it's 1001 movies you should (must) see to get a very well rounded sense of movies and their history. Some movies in the book are included just because they are great, others because of their historical niche in movie makeing, some because they illustrate a certain style, and some for pure entertainment they give. Movies with different types of animation are included and well as a broad spectrum of foreign movies. Think of this book as a watch list for a very in depth cinema appreciation class. Some of these films may not be great, some may not even be entertaining, but all are important, or illustrate an important part of cinema history.

My personal bible..., February 9, 2007
I've had this book for about a year now, and it has truly become my own personal bible. As other reviewers have pointed out, the book spans the past century's film history and includes movies from well-known Oscar-winners to more obscure, independent gems. One thing I love about this book is that it does a fine job at keeping the list neutral -- there aren't more American-made films than foreign ones; there aren't more recent films than older ones or vice versa; there aren't more popular films than relatively unknown ones; there aren't more comedies than horror films, dramas than sci-fis, etc.

The included short essays/reviews on each film are concise and informative for the most part, though I must say it bugs me that some of them give the ending or crucial plot details away. The photos are all gorgeous and make this book a nice one to keep on display on your coffee table.

At the beginning, the book states that one of its goals is to make passionate film lovers out of casual filmgoers, and for me, it accomplished that goal with flying colors. Over the past year, I have become an ardent movie buff and lover mostly from watching at least seventy-five of the excellent films included in the book -- I've yet to encounter one I haven't at least liked. As I said, this book has become my bible and it's never far from my reach -- practically every weekend I find a new movie to rent/buy and immensely enjoy. It'll definitely make a believer out of ya!

The editor also notes that although 1001 movies might seem like an exhaustive list, it quickly becomes apparent that it's really not big enough. There are so many great movies out there (way more than 1001, trust me), but this book serves as an excellent introduction (and then some) to the world of film. Highly recommended to those interested in seeing great movies.

Possibly the best book about movies ever., May 3, 2004
This book is COMPLETELY awesome. It's 940 pages with great color pics on almost every page, and 1001 short essays by leading critics. The selection is listed chronologically, and it's almost perfect - lots of world cinema, lots of weirdo classics, lots of cool stuff. There are 10 movies by Bergman on the list, 5 by Capra, 10 by Kubrick, 9 by Spielberg, 4 by Tarkovsky, 4 by Von Trier, 2 by Miyazaki, 6 by Kurosawa, 6 by Antonioni 18 by Hitchcock, 3 by Cronenberg, 3 by Kar-Wai etc, etc. And it was released recently, which means that it also includes fairly new movies like "City of God" and "Far From Heaven". Highly recommended! It may very well be the only movie book you'll ever need, and it could be the best book about movies ever. It's literally a lifetime of wonderful viewing.

(A few missing films that I would welcomed: Lassiter's "Toy Story II", Romero's "Martin", Jodorowsky's "Santa Sangre", Bogdanovich' "Paper Moon", Cronenberg's "Dead Ringers", Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro", Greenaways' "Drowning By Numbers" and a few others. But that's silly nitpicking. This book is great!)

Good introduction to cinema, September 10, 2007
First of all let me begin by stating that I've put off reviewing this canon for some time. I see no justification to review a book like this until one has consumed most of it. At present I have seen 823 of these films and feel now that a review is justified.

I believe that of all the books in this series this is the strongest entry although not gospel. This canon or list of films is an excellent introduction to cinema, it gives you the basics to develop a well rounded appreciation of all cinema beginning in 1902 with George Melies' "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" right up to the present day. As would be expected in concentrates a lot on American cinema when it was a force to reckoned with. It does not overlook all the important movements like German expressionism(1920s), Socialist realism (1920s), French poetic realism(1930s), Italian neo-realism(late40s-early50s), Film Noir and all the New Wave movements in the 1960s from Britain, France, Italy, Japan and Eastern Europe. It continues in the 1970s where there is a lot of attention to New Hollywood directors as well as New German cinema which were making a massive impact at the time. After that it moves into blockbuster territory in the 1980s which is to be expected. It was a period which is not held in much regard by cineastes but is a part of cinema's development. From the 1990s onward one begins to notice how important films seem to come from all over the world and not concentrated in one area. As would be expected the last few years are open to debate, evidence of which can be seen in the fact that every time the book is revised it's those last few years that are shuffled around.

So what you got is a skeletal view of cinema which allows you to flesh it out. This book is the introduction to cinema, the yellow brick road to the Emerald city if you will, to becoming a film buff. Once you've seen 50% of these you'll already be an above average film fan. After you've completed this list it's time to move onto the Jonathan Rosenbaum 1000 which I believe will take you way way beyond.

There is however one serious flaw with the book in that it is jam packed with spoilers. So proceed with caution.
... Read more