THE YOUNG OXFORD BOOK OF THE MOVIES

by David Parkinson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 5, 1998

Perhaps one of the most sweeping books for young readers on the subject, this exhaustive volume covers the history of movies, both technologically and artistically, all of the major genres, and all aspects of movie production. Included in boxes are brief biographies of important figures, special subjects, and synopses of notable movies. The whole is profusely illustrated with movie stills and posters. Despite its gargantuan ambition, some quibbles remain. The explanations of various artistic movements are not always clear, and Parkinson is not shy about stating his opinions as fact. There are some errors, e.g., in 2001: A Space Odyssey, the surviving astronaut does not return safely to earth. Some choices are questionable: Does Free Willy really belong on a list of seven ""films to watch"" about childhood? Should Quentin Tarantino receive so much more coverage than Michael Powell and Emetic Pressburger? Nevertheless--and even though the information only goes through 1995 (the year Braveheart won Best Picture at the Academy Awards)--this will be an ideal volume for young adults dreaming about film school and a future in movie-making.

Pub Date: Feb. 5, 1998

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 162

Publisher: Oxford

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1997

Categories: CHILDREN'S