I Found It at the Movies

Overview

The cinephile's bible

For nearly half a century, Philip French’s writing on cinema has been essential reading for filmgoers, cinephiles, and anyone who enjoys witty, intelligent engagement with the big screen. This collection brings together some of the best of French’s film writing from 1964 to 2009 and explores a variety of topics, including British cinema, the Addams family, Satyajit Ray, Doris Day, Hollywood, and Hitchcock. A generous and enthusiastic compilation, this book is an illuminating companion to the world of cinema.

Reviews

“There is a tiny number of British film critics who are really responsible and serious and understand true cinema and [Philip French] is the doyen.â€Â  —Mike Leigh, film writer and director, Another Year

“It’s very rare that you find someone who manages to find a way of writing that expresses the essence of the emotional experience of watching a film and Philip manages to do that beautifully and succinctly.â€Â  —Neil Jordan, filmmaker and novelist, The Crying Game

“Philip believes that cinema is the art form for the world’s people . . . . If Philip goes out and chances his arm on backing somebody, it means more to the industry than any other writer.â€Â  —Richard Attenborough, film director and producer, Closing the Ring

“Good critics are fundamental in the creation of any good piece of art and Philip is an exemplar of the very best of an important tradition.â€Â  —David Puttnam, film producer, Chariots of Fire

Author Biography

Philip French is a former producer for BBC Radio, where he worked for more than 30 years, and a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers, including the Financial Times, the Observer, and Sight & Sound. He is the author of numerous books, including Cult Movies, The Faber Book of Movie Verse, and Westerns and Westerns Revisited. He is the recipient of a life achievement award by the Critics Circle and was named Critic of the Year in the National Press Awards.