The brief intermission has concluded, and I hope your new year has started on a high note. Work has finally slowed down to a reasonable pace, so I'm able to have actual free time to enjoy the simple things: a piping hot cup of tea, a gripping novel, a favorite film, working on that painting that's been sitting around for a month, dusting off an old CD or art book. Since I have a few film-related acquisitions, I thought I'd kick off 2013 (for the blog, anyway) by sharing some of my all-time favorites.
Hollywood Movie Stills: Art and Technique in the Golden Age of Studios, by Joel W. Finler
A recent gift, this is a wonderfully informative book, highlighting a variety of stills (and some candids) from the silent era through the 1960s. I haven't had much time to do more than skim the contents, but I like what I've seen so far. They just don't shoot 'em like that anymore.
Starstruck: Vintage Movie Posters from Classic Hollywood, by Ira Resnick
Along the same lines, Starstruck is a beautiful showcase of vintage film posters, lobby cards, and other ephemera from Resnick's personal collection. I discussed Mr. Resnick and the book in a previous post, and I was fortunate enough to buy a copy and have it signed that night. A very lovely evening that cemented my love of film and the artistry behind it.
The Parade's Gone By, by Kevin Brownlow
I've been impressed with any of Brownlow's work that I've seen or read, including the phenomenal documentary Hollywood (why isn't it available on DVD?), but for anyone with a burgeoning interest in silent film, this is the place to start. Even after reading it once through I haven't been able to absorb all of the information in this book; it's loaded with firsthand accounts from the actors, directors, cameramen, extras, and crew that were witness to film's earliest years. Once I wrap up some other books (I tend to read several simultaneously, but damned if I can finish one in decent time), it's a mission to revisit this gem.
Lulu in Hollywood, by Louise Brooks
What would any Hollywood reading list be without this fantastic compilation of Brooks essays? Predictable choice, yes, but it's highly-recommended, whip-smart reading.
There are a few other books that deserve an honorable mention. We lost two notable film figures last year, Andrew Sarris (I need to give his You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet a thorough read; if you're interested, you'll have to dig up a used copy as it's out-of-print) and Frederica Sagor Maas (I'm dying to add The Shocking Miss Pilgrim to my new Kindle, as I fell in love with the sample, but it's rather pricey for a digital book), who lived to the amazing age of 111. John Kobal's People Will Talk is another to re-read; I didn't get too far beyond Louise Brooks' chapter. I may provide singular in-depth reviews in the future, but these works speak for themselves in their quality and content.
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