Robin Wood (1) (1931–2009)

This was the best nonfiction book I have read in recent memory. It is everything I could hope criticism to be. Insightful without being convoluted, Hollywood from Vietnam to Reagan makes you love the films you love even more, reconsider the films you thought you hated, and see all of (Hollywood) cinema in a whole new light. I might change a few prose choices, but hey, its his book not mine. I could also take a swing at the low hanging fruit; i.e., constitutional bisexuality being the source of the tension in Raging Bull but much like Woods’ own magnanimous passover on attacks of classical narrative, I'll just let that one go. Besides, I’m still thinking about that chapter and now desperately want to see that movie again. This book was inspiring and gives me a small flicker of hope in an otherwise sick/sad world. I read it slowly because I loved it so much and didn't want it to end.

Here’s to you Robin Wood.… (mere)