Book

Do You Feel Anything When I Do This?

📖 Overview

A collection of profiles and critical essays written by Anthony Lane, film critic for The New Yorker. The book pulls together Lane's detailed observations about films, cinema culture, and key figures in the entertainment industry from his years of reviews and commentary. Lane applies his film critic's eye beyond Hollywood to examine cultural phenomena and elements of modern life. His pieces cover topics ranging from literature and fine art to technology and daily routines in cities around the world. The essays maintain Lane's characteristic style of wit combined with analytical depth and cultural references. Through vivid descriptions and precise language, Lane dissects his subjects while building connections between high art, pop culture, and the human experience. The collection demonstrates how criticism can serve as both art form and social commentary, transforming everyday observations into explorations of beauty, meaning, and contemporary life.

👀 Reviews

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Anthony Lane's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Lane's wit and clever wordplay in his film criticism, with many noting his ability to craft memorable one-liners. The New Yorker comment sections show appreciation for his cultural references and intellectual depth when analyzing films. Readers praise: - Sharp, quotable writing style - Deep knowledge of film history and cultural context - Ability to make serious analysis entertaining - Balanced treatment of both blockbusters and art films Common criticisms: - Sometimes prioritizes clever phrasing over substance - Can be too harsh on popular films - Occasional tendency toward pretentiousness - Reviews sometimes focus more on witty observations than the film itself On Goodreads, "Nobody's Perfect" maintains a 4.1/5 rating from 300+ readers. Amazon reviews average 4.3/5 from 50+ reviews, with readers frequently citing his "entertaining cynicism" and "sophisticated humor." One reader notes: "Lane finds the perfect balance between intellectual rigor and pure entertainment value in his criticism."

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🤔 Interesting facts

🎬 Anthony Lane has served as a film critic for The New Yorker since 1993, with this book collecting some of his most memorable reviews and cultural essays. 📝 The book's title comes from a New Yorker cartoon by William Steig, reflecting Lane's trademark wit and observational humor. 🎥 Lane is known for writing some of his most scathing reviews about blockbuster films, including a famously devastating critique of "Pearl Harbor" that's included in this collection. ✍️ Before joining The New Yorker, Lane wrote for The Independent and The Observer in London, bringing a distinct British sensibility to his American cultural commentary. 🏆 The collection showcases Lane's versatility as a writer, covering not just films but also literature, art, and popular culture, earning him comparisons to critics like Pauline Kael and Kenneth Tynan.