How to Watch a Movie - Tapa dura

Críticas

Chatty and authoritative...both wonderfully informative and a beautifully written paean to the movies and their continuing ability to inspire and enthral. (Ian Critchley Sunday Times)

The best writer on film in our time (Michael Ondaatje)

One of the liveliest, most literate, productive, provocative and daring movie critics (Philip French Observer)

The greatest biographical writer about film of all time (Sunday Times)

Of the medium's many distinguished critics, none is better informed or more authoritative than David Thomson (Spectator)

A giant in the world of film criticism (The Times)

David Thomson's love affair with the movies is one of the great blessings of our culture. How to a Watch a Movie confirms yet again that he has the most learned and independent eyes in the criticism business. Somehow he freshens everything. (Leon Wieseltier)

Highly readable and wickedly smart, this title will inspire both lay film fans and film students to watch more closely. (Library Journal)

[Thomson]'s encyclopedic knowledge of cinema history makes for some truly fascinating associations-often in the space of a single poetic phrase... Thomson assuredly seeks to expose the magician's many secrets-but only so we can all access a better appreciation of the wonder of film... An enjoyably deep dive into the interaction between cinema and psyche. (Kirkus)

Thoughtfully pondered and poetically covered... The book's coverage is fascinating, wide ranging (from art to critics), and immensely knowledgeable... Readers ranging from filmmakers to movie buffs will learn much here. (Booklist)

Reseña del editor

From one of the most admired critics of our time, brilliant insights into the act of watching movies and an enlightening discussion about how to derive more from any film experience.

Since first publishing his landmark Biographical Dictionary of Film in 1975 (now in its sixth edition), David Thomson has been one of the most trusted authorities on all things cinema. Now, he offers his most inventive exploration of the medium yet: guiding us through each element of the viewing experience, considering the significance of everything from what we see and hear on screen - actors, shots, cuts, dialogue, music - to the specifics of how, where, and with whom we do the viewing. With customary candour and wit, Thomson delivers keen analyses of a range of films from classics such as Psycho and Citizen Kane to contemporary fare such as 12 Years a Slave and All Is Lost, revealing how to more deeply appreciate both the artistry and (yes) manipulation of film, and how watching movies approaches something like watching life itself.

Discerning, funny and utterly unique, How to Watch a Movie is a welcome twist on the classic proverb: Give a movie fan a film, she'll be entertained for an hour or two; teach a movie fan to watch, his experience will be enriched forever.