Story of Cinema: A Complete Narrative History from the Beginning to the Present

David Shipman turns in a colassal work, filled with facts concerning almost every film ever made (up until the printing of the book, that is). Though his opinions are often controversial, they are not without foundation, and any serious student of film would benefit from being exposed to differing viewpoints (i.e., that Truffault is somewhat overrated, that Cahiers du cinema has had a disproportionate influence on film studies -- these opinions may bristle those who have grown up canonizing the Nouvelle Vague, but Shipman is not alone in his assessment). I often find myself surprised and even offended by some of his statements (the silent "Ben-Hur" is "infinitely superior" to the 1950's version???), but never bored. Shipman is a true movie lover, and his book will resonate with many others who share his passion.

Bravo ! Whether you agree with all the writing in this often opinionated movie survey book, you cannot help by being struck with the accomlishments of Shipmans work. Shipman has his critical eye out for posterity and he takes an historical perspective in his descriptions of movies from the early days till the mid 80's.You may not agree with all of his opinions- he doesn't seem to like critical darlings like Raging Bull or Fassbinder much- but any reader will appreciate Shipmans love -or should I say devotion to the "popular" art of cinema.Unlike the writings of another talented Britisher-David Thompson, Shipman is neither anti Hollywood nor is he a snide about popular tastes. In fact, Shipman rightly commends the public for their rejection of the pretentious and the phony. Shipman is himself an unabashed movie lover and that is what makes the book such a treat. I find myself dipping into it every now and again to see what Shipman has said about something, and then before I look up, at least one hour has gone by! There are a few minor errors I discovered, but in all a remakably, readable tour de force. M. Lamb