The New Biographical Dictionary of Film

The New Biographical Dictionary of Film is a comprehensive reference work first published in 1975 that catalogs major figures in international cinema. The book profiles directors, actors, writers, and other film industry professionals across multiple eras and genres. Author David Thomson expands beyond traditional biographical entries to include film composers, graphic artists, critics, and even notable animal performers. Each entry combines factual information with Thomson's personal observations and critical analysis of the subject's work and impact on cinema. The book has evolved through six editions, with the most recent update released in 2014. The British Film Institute's Sight & Sound magazine named it the greatest book about film in their 2010 poll. This unconventional approach to the reference book format creates a unique intersection between objective film history and personal criticism, reflecting both the technical development of cinema and its emotional impact on audiences.

Readers value Thomson's strong opinions and personal writing style, though many note his entries can be idiosyncratic and inconsistent in length and focus. Reviewers highlight his sharp insights and wit, with one Amazon reader praising his ability to "make you see films and actors in completely new ways." Likes: - Depth of film history knowledge - Engaging, essay-like writing - Unexpected connections between films/filmmakers - Regular updates in new editions Dislikes: - Perceived biases against certain actors/directors - Too much focus on personal preferences - Some entries seen as too brief - Omission of notable film figures Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (847 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (121 ratings) Multiple readers mention using it as a reference while watching films, with one Goodreads reviewer noting: "I keep it by my TV and consult it constantly." Critics point out Thomson's occasional harsh dismissals, with a reviewer stating "his negativity toward certain filmmakers seems personal rather than analytical."

The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929-1968 by Andrew Sarris This book establishes the auteur theory through detailed analysis of Hollywood directors and creates a framework for understanding film authorship that influenced generations of critics.

Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris The book tracks five Best Picture nominees from 1967 to document the transformation of Hollywood through interconnected stories of films, actors, directors, and studio executives.

The Devil's Candy: The Anatomy of a Hollywood Fiasco by Julie Salamon This behind-the-scenes chronicle of the making of "The Bonfire of the Vanities" reveals the inner workings of Hollywood through the lens of a single troubled production.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind Through interviews and research, this book chronicles the rise and fall of the New Hollywood movement from 1967 to 1980 through the careers of directors like Scorsese, Coppola, and Spielberg.

City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s by Otto Friedrich This cultural history weaves together the stories of writers, directors, actors, and executives to create a portrait of Hollywood during its golden age.

🎬 The first edition took Thomson over three years to write, with much of the work done late at night after his teaching duties. 📚 The dictionary has grown from around 500 pages in its first edition to over 1,000 pages in recent editions, reflecting cinema's expanding influence. 🏆 Despite being born in London, Thomson developed his passion for film while attending Dulwich College, where he started a film society at age 14. 🌟 The book includes an entry for Rin Tin Tin, the famous German Shepherd actor who appeared in 27 Hollywood films and helped save Warner Bros. from bankruptcy. 🎯 Thomson controversially excluded Alfred Hitchcock from his list of the ten greatest directors, sparking debate among film critics and historians.