A Splurch in the Kisser: The Movies of Blake Edwards

A Splurch in the Kisser examines the filmography and creative evolution of director Blake Edwards across his five-decade career. The book traces Edwards' journey from television writer to Hollywood filmmaker, with particular focus on his major works including Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Pink Panther series, and Victor/Victoria. Sam Wasson combines biographical elements with critical analysis, exploring Edwards' distinctive visual style and comedic sensibilities through extensive research and interviews. The narrative covers the director's collaborations with Peter Sellers, Julie Andrews, and other key creative partners who shaped his artistic output. Through detailed examination of Edwards' films and career trajectory, the book reveals the complex intersection of comedy and darkness that characterized his work. The text examines both his commercial successes and professional challenges within the context of Hollywood's changing landscape from the 1950s through the 1990s. The book positions Edwards as a significant figure in American cinema whose work bridged multiple genres and eras, demonstrating how his personal experiences informed his artistic choices and thematic preoccupations with romance, identity, and the absurdities of human nature.

Readers found this book illuminating about Blake Edwards' filmmaking career, with detailed analysis of his techniques and creative choices. The academic writing style and level of film theory discussion impressed film scholars and serious cinephiles. Liked: - In-depth coverage of lesser-known Edwards films - Research on Edwards' comic timing and visual gag construction - Analysis of recurring themes and motifs Disliked: - Dense academic prose made it challenging for casual readers - Limited discussion of Edwards' personal life and relationships - Some found the film theory sections overly complex Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) One reader noted "The technical analysis of slapstick comedy mechanics was fascinating but the writing could be impenetrable at times." Another praised the "exhaustive research into Edwards' visual style and comic methodology." Limited review data exists online for this niche academic film book.

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🎬 Blake Edwards directed the original Pink Panther films, but Sam Wasson's book reveals he actually resented being primarily known for these comedies, as he considered his dramatic works more significant. 📚 The book's unusual title "A Splurch in the Kisser" comes from a signature slapstick move that appears in many Edwards films - a pie or cream thrown directly in someone's face. 🎯 Author Sam Wasson wrote this comprehensive biography when he was just 28 years old, having become fascinated with Edwards' work while studying film at Wesleyan University. 🎭 The book explores how Edwards' battle with chronic pain and depression influenced his filmmaking, particularly in works like "Days of Wine and Roses" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's." 🌟 Despite being one of the first major studies of Edwards' complete filmography, Wasson completed much of his research without the director's cooperation, as Edwards was notoriously private about his creative process.