Items related to A List: The National Society of Film Critics' 100...

A List: The National Society of Film Critics' 100 Essential Films - Hardcover

 
9781417706594: A List: The National Society of Film Critics' 100 Essential Films
View all copies of this ISBN edition:
 
 
People love movies. People love lists. So The A-List is a natural. While there are plenty of encyclopedic lists of films, this compulsively readable book of 100 essays—most written expressly for this volume-flags the best of the best as chosen by a consensus of the National Society of Film Critics. The Society is a world-renowned, marquee—name organization embracing some of America's most distinguished critics: more than forty writers who have national followings as well as devoted local constituencies in such major cities as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. But make no mistake about it: This isn't a collection of esoteric "critic's choice" movies. The Society has made its selections based on a film's intrinsic merits, its role in the development of the motion-picture art, and its impact on culture and society. Some of the choices are controversial. So are some of the omissions. It will be a jumping-off point for discussions for years to come. And since the volume spans all international films from the very beginning, it will act as a balance to recent guides dominated by films of the last two decades (hardly film's golden age). Here is a book that is definitely ready for its close-up.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:
The ritual of list making in our entertainment media has yielded few definitive surveys, but The A List is the genuine article. Written with conviction, authority, and a refreshing diversity of styles by 41 members of the esteemed National Society of Film Critics, this compilation of 100 mini-essays endeavors to explain why these 107 films (accounting for a few appropriate couplings and trilogies) are required viewing for anyone to be "film literate." Debate is inevitable (Enter the Dragon and Jailhouse Rock created Bruce Lee and Elvis as icons--does that make them "essential" films?), but the inclusions are eloquently justified through personal anecdote, engaging analysis, and astute reassessment. International scope (the rise of Iranian cinema) and historical breadth (from Birth of a Nation to L.A. Confidential) prevent esoteric favoritism, but this enlightening collection remains idiosyncratic and, yes, essential. Reading these essays before and after seeing each film is encouraged; having them around for future reference is nothing less than a privilege. --Jeff Shannon
About the Author:
Jay Carr has been the film critic of the Boston Globe since 1983.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherSan Val
  • Publication date2002
  • ISBN 10 1417706597
  • ISBN 13 9781417706594
  • BindingHardcover
  • EditorCarr Jay
  • Rating

(No Available Copies)

Search Books:



Create a Want

If you know the book but cannot find it on AbeBooks, we can automatically search for it on your behalf as new inventory is added. If it is added to AbeBooks by one of our member booksellers, we will notify you!

Create a Want

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780306810961: The A List: The National Society Of Film Critics' 100 Essential Films

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0306810964 ISBN 13:  9780306810961
Publisher: Da Capo Press, 2002
Softcover