Nobody loves cinema like Tarantino. He loves watching films, critiquing films, writing films, making films… He loves the act of going to a cinema and watching with an audience. He just loves cinema.
That is the overwhelming message from his book, each chapter largely analysing a different favourite film of his from the 70s. His eye for detail and seemingly photographic memory for actors, scenes, lines is quite amazing. And as you’d expect he has a stream of hot takes and unusual perspectives, all confidently argued.
It also gives a great insight into his upbringing; taken to the movies by his mum when going on dates (to avoid paying for a babysitter) Tarantino was watching films well above his age rating from early childhood. And not just watching but discussing and debating, as his mum and particularly some of her boyfriends loved to talk film.
It works best when reading about films with which you are familiar, but still entertains for those you aren’t, such is the vigour and enthusiasm pouring from the page.
