The Film Handbook

Résumé du livre

Since Andrew's book focuses on film directors (basically ignoring actors, screenwriters, etc.) the title is a bit misleading. For each of the 200 directors included, Andrew has written an essay of about 800 words. Each entry gives some biographical information and outlines the director's career, evaluating important films and noting distinguishing traits. Some errors have slipped through (e.g., Budd Boetticher was not born in "Chicago, Ohio'') but no more than is usual in film books. Andrew's criticism has a leftist slant, and he also denigrates mainstream filmmakers like William Wyler, Billy Wilder, and David Lean in favor of cult figures and mavericks such as Nicholas Ray, Douglas Sirk, and Jim Jarmusch. Those sharing Andrew's sympathies will want this; others needing a biographical dictionary of film directors might consider the more even-handed and comprehensive (but more expensive) two-volume World Film Directors, edited by John Wakeman ( LJ 4/15/88; an LJ "Best Reference Book of 1988''). For more books in this new series see below in Reference section.--Ed.-- John Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, N . J . -Library Journal.