Nick Clooney; one of Americas most respected film critics and historians; presents a distinctive catalog of movies that have influenced and altered not only the world of cinema; but also the world in which we live. Since the advent of moving pictures; there have been films that exist as more than just entertainment. These rare movies have touched the collective soul of the public with such passion and artistic skill that they have actually changed the way we view life; history; and ourselves. Some have transformed the way movies are made and viewed -- and some have actually transformed us. In The Movies That Changed Us; Clooney explores; explains; and theorizes upon twenty films -- reaching from 1998 back to 1915 -- that forever shifted our perceptions about race; religion; sex; politics; and the very definition of humanity. From the ambitiously epic -- though manifestly racist -- Birth of a Nation; to the controversial violence of Taxi Driver; to the mythic idealism and visual cornucopia of 2001:A Space Odyssey and Star Wars; Clooney relates the stories behind the camera in an informative; engaging; and personal chronicle of cinema and society.
#175779 in eBooks 2012-04-24 2012-04-24File Name: B003JBHW1W
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Debunks the Johnson mythsBy Paul H JanischSets the scene for Johnson as a musician and not some sort of mythical character who sold his soul to the devil. Paints a contemporary picture of the music at the time. Stunning book. A must for all blues fans. You are left with a sense of intrigue.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent research and background into the BluesBy CustomerExcellent research and background into the Blues. Thank goodness for youtube. so you can have a listen to these artist that you probably never heard before. This is necessary so you can understand the differences between the blues singers. Elijahs love for the blues and the true history and not just the romantic view comes shining through and for that I applaud him. A must read for old school blues lovers and for ones who want to learn the real history of the music. Robert Johnson is only the tip of the iceberg and thats a good thing.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Insightful Musicians PerspectiveBy J. R. Wood Jr.The known facts of Robert Johnsons life have been written up in books and magazines ad nauseum since his recordings were released on LPs by Columbia in the 60s and he was subsequently "rediscovered". but Mr. Walds perspective is fresh and totally engrossing : placing Robert Johnsons music in perspective with his sources and the trends of that time and place. As a guitarist. I couldnt put it down. and often refer back to it in order to better understand his songs. Excellent in all respects.
