The Great Movies

The Great Movies collects Roger Ebert's essays on 100 films he considers essential viewing. Each entry provides background on the film's creation, analysis of its techniques and performances, and context about its place in cinema history. Ebert examines works from the silent era through modern times, including international cinema and genres ranging from westerns to film noir to science fiction. His reviews combine technical observations about cinematography, editing and direction with insights into storytelling and character development. The book serves as both a viewing guide and a chronicle of film evolution over the 20th century. While many selections are widely recognized classics, Ebert also champions lesser-known works he considers vital to understanding the medium. Through these essays, Ebert presents film as an art form that can express universal human experiences and emotional truths. His analysis reveals how great movies transcend entertainment to achieve lasting cultural and artistic significance.

Readers value Ebert's clear writing style and personal connection to each film. His essays focus on why these movies matter rather than just plot summaries. Many note that his passion for cinema comes through without becoming pretentious. Readers appreciate: - Thoughtful analysis beyond basic reviews - Mix of popular and lesser-known films - Historical context and behind-the-scenes details - Accessible writing for casual movie fans Common criticisms: - Too much plot description in some essays - Some readers wanted more foreign/indie films - Book format makes essays feel disconnected - No photos or film stills included Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (180+ ratings) Reader quote: "Ebert explains what makes great films work without getting caught up in academic film theory. He writes as a fan who wants to share discoveries." - Goodreads reviewer Common sentiment: The book serves as a viewing guide that encourages readers to explore classic films with new perspective.

This Is Orson Welles by Peter Bogdanovich Through interviews and conversations, this book presents Welles' insights into cinema history and filmmaking techniques from both sides of the camera.

For Keeps: 30 Years at the Movies by Pauline Kael The collection contains Kael's most significant reviews and essays spanning three decades of American cinema, offering analysis of films that shaped modern movie culture.

Making Movies by Sidney Lumet A director's perspective on the technical and artistic processes of filmmaking, from script selection to final edit, illuminates the craft for cinephiles.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind The book chronicles the transformation of Hollywood during the 1970s through the stories of filmmakers like Scorsese, Coppola, and Spielberg who revolutionized American cinema.

Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris The story follows the five Best Picture nominees of 1967 to examine the pivotal moment when Old Hollywood gave way to New Hollywood.

🎬 The book compiles 100 essays that originally appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, where Ebert reviewed films for 46 years until his death in 2013. 🏆 Roger Ebert was the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism (1975), making him a pioneering figure in film journalism. 📚 The success of this book led to three sequels: "The Great Movies II" (2005), "The Great Movies III" (2010), and "The Great Movies IV" (2016). 🎥 Each essay in the book includes a still photograph from the featured film, chosen specifically by Ebert to capture a defining moment or theme. 🌟 Many of the films featured in the book were selected not just for their artistic merit, but because Ebert believed they had the power to generate empathy in viewers - a quality he considered essential to great cinema.