Roger Ebert's Book of Film

Roger Ebert's Book of Film is a collection of writings about cinema curated by the renowned film critic. The anthology includes essays, reviews, interviews, and reflections from filmmakers, critics, actors, and other industry figures spanning multiple decades of film history. The book contains selections from notable voices like Martin Scorsese, François Truffaut, Pauline Kael, and Charlie Chaplin. Ebert organizes the pieces into thematic sections covering topics from the craft of filmmaking to the business of Hollywood, creating a comprehensive view of cinema from multiple angles. The assembled works explore both technical aspects of film production and the cultural impact of movies in society. Personal anecdotes from directors and behind-the-scenes accounts are balanced with critical analysis and historical perspectives on the evolution of the medium. This collection serves as both a reference work for film enthusiasts and a meditation on why movies matter, examining how cinema functions as both an art form and a mirror of human experience.

Readers appreciate the diverse collection of film writing spanning multiple decades and perspectives. Many note that Ebert's curation brings together pieces they wouldn't have discovered otherwise, from James Agee's reviews to Graham Greene's film criticism. Positive reviews highlight: - Mix of academic analysis and accessible writing - Quality of selected writers/critics - Historical breadth of selections - Value as a reference book Common criticisms: - Some essays feel dated or irrelevant - Organization could be more intuitive - Physical book size makes reading uncomfortable - Index lacks detail One reader noted: "Like having conversations about movies with smart friends who notice things you missed." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (209 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (24 ratings) Most reviewers recommend it for film students and serious movie fans, while casual readers find parts too academic or technical.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind A behind-the-scenes chronicle of 1970s Hollywood captures the same era of film that Ebert wrote about through interviews with directors, actors, and studio executives.

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Pauline Kael The collected works of film critic Pauline Kael provide insights into cinema through reviews and essays that match Ebert's depth of analysis.

Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris An examination of the five Best Picture nominees from 1967 illuminates the changing landscape of American cinema through a specific cultural moment.

The Great Movies by David Thomson A collection of essays about significant films throughout cinema history offers analysis and context similar to Ebert's approach to film criticism.

Making Movies by Sidney Lumet A director's perspective on the filmmaking process provides the technical and artistic context that complements Ebert's critical viewpoint.

🎬 Though Roger Ebert was America's most famous film critic, this book showcases his talent as a curator, collecting writings about cinema from unexpected sources like Pauline Kael, John Updike, and even Carl Sandburg. 📚 The anthology includes pieces spanning over 100 years of film history, from the earliest days of silent movies through the modern era, offering a comprehensive look at how people have written about cinema. 🌟 Unlike most film books that focus solely on reviews, this collection features short stories, poems, interviews, and even personal essays about moviegoing experiences. 🎯 Ebert chose to include Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers" in the anthology because it was written in such a cinematic style that it was later adapted into three different films. 🏆 This book was published in 1997, making it one of the last major projects Ebert completed before his battle with thyroid cancer began in 2002, though he continued reviewing films until his death in 2013.