The Film Club

When his teenage son Jesse wants to quit school, writer David Gilmour makes an unconventional deal: Jesse can drop out if he agrees to watch three films per week with his father. The arrangement continues for three years as father and son explore cinema together. The selected films span multiple decades and genres, from classics like Citizen Kane to controversial works like Basic Instinct. Each film serves as a launching point for discussions between father and son about life, art, and growing up. Both father and son face significant challenges during this period, including career uncertainties and relationship struggles. Their shared film-watching ritual provides structure and connection during turbulent times. The memoir explores themes of trust, unconventional education, and the complex bonds between parents and children. Through their cinematic journey, Gilmour presents an alternative view of learning and coming-of-age in modern society.

Readers found this memoir of a father-son film education experiment both intimate and honest. Many connected with Gilmour's unorthodox parenting approach and his frank discussion of both successes and failures. Readers appreciated: - Raw portrayal of father-son relationships - Deep film analysis and recommendations - Gilmour's self-awareness about his parenting choices - The memoir's tight focus and pacing Common criticisms: - Gilmour comes across as privileged and self-absorbed - Some found his parenting decisions irresponsible - Limited perspective beyond the father-son dynamic - Film discussions can feel name-dropping rather than insightful Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) "A brave look at trusting your instincts as a parent" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much about the author's dating life, not enough about the films" - Amazon reviewer "Self-indulgent but fascinating" - LibraryThing review

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🎬 David Gilmour was a film critic for CBC television and taught literature at the University of Toronto before writing this memoir. 🎥 The film-watching experiment with his son Jesse lasted exactly three years, during which they watched approximately 400 movies together. 📽️ The book sparked significant debate in parenting circles when it was published in 2007, leading to numerous discussions about alternative education methods. 🎞️ Several films highlighted in the book, including "The 400 Blows" and "The Bicycle Thief," were specifically chosen to help Jesse process his teenage struggles with romance and identity. 🌟 The memoir was translated into 24 languages and became particularly popular in Brazil, where it sparked a movement of parent-child film clubs.