A Revisionist History of Movies
Author: David Thomson
Genre: Entertainment
Hardcover; Digital Book (Audiobook Available)
ISBN #: 9781668205730; 9781668205723
Simon & Schuster
368 Pages
$25.99; $14.99 Amazon
July 7, 2026
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David Thomson has been called "the greatest living writer on the movies." Here is a career capstone of sorts -- a one-volume history of film and screens as illuminating and provocative as his classic Biographical Dictionary of Film. In tracing the progress from the Lumiere Brothers to the Coens, Thomson glories in the great movies, but admits to increasing unease over what the medium has done to us -- promoting fantasy, misleading models of sexual identity, the cult of authority, power, and happy endings.
This revisionist history is as alert to technology and business as it is to art and fun in tracing our pursuit of the lifelike instead of life. By turns trenchant, lyrical, and comic, Thomson uncovers our addition to voyeurism and villainy, and a habit of passivity that has betrayed our poitical and cultural identity. In a survey that reaches from Metropolis to Rear Window to Anora, this will redirect ideas about film everywhere. As The New York Times has put it, "Thomson proves anew that he is irreplaceable."
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First off, I will say that I have read several of Mr. Thomson's books and own quite a few of them (I just haven't gotten to them all!) I find that he is an erudite writer who knows his subject well. When I decided to read this book, I was curious about the content, loving film as I do. I will say that I love classic movies, own thousands of them, and watch anything from the silents up until they started to get boring (I won't divulge when, as that is my own business and my own opinion). I will, however, say that I detest modern movies and don't watch them; I prefer to spend my time with Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire (I have a love affair with Fred Astaire), and Barbara Stanwyck. If you don't know who these actors are, you are missing out on something great.
Mr. Thomson does mention earlier (and some now) actors in this book, but it is mainly centered on directors. He begins with the 1800's and start of movie-making, which wasn't all that easy to do. Even then, people were enchanted by the five- or ten-minute films they were allowed to watch. Since then, we have come miles from what film started out as.
I have seen most of the films that are mentioned in this book, so I am familiar with the subject matter. I will add that this book would be essential for any college film major. You will be surprised at the depth of information inside. It took me a while to read, as I wanted to ponder what was being said by the author. Also, I have a habit (good or bad, I haven't figured out) of watching several of the films mentioned in any book having to do with the entertainment industry. It helps me understand more, see more, and enjoy more.
There are oodles (an odd word!) of directors found within this book, and he gives an honest opinion on their style and facets of directing. He also gives us background information, which is well-received by the reader. Personally, I do enjoy Howard Hawks, Mervyn LeRoy, and even Spielberg's films. All very good. We also agree that Fred Astaire was almost inhuman in the way he danced -- it was very sexy and more than musical; his air of grace and effortless moves were almost ethereal.
He speaks of directors from the earliest days, and doesn't pull punches when he does so. You learn of their failures, foibles, and successes. While Birth of a Nation is a long film (silent), it's interesting to view. Others, such as The Godfather, are classics that will stay forever.
The book is broken down into sections film history; from subject to director to film. There are analyses of some; reviews of others; and critiques of directorial styles. It is interesting to see the differences between Orson Welles and later directors, who have somewhat leaned upon his style (but you need to find the ones I am speaking of).
The only thing that bothered me -- and it may not bother others -- were the influx of political opinion, I was disappointed in Mr. Thomson, because, and I will say this freely, a book about film has no place for politics. I am fatigued by those who give us wonderful books and then feel the need to infuse their own politics. While I will not say how, but it is as if you are watching a comedy film and the ending is science fiction. You would leave scratching your head and wondering where the sci-fi came from, why it was added, and what happened to the original plot. Badly done, in my view.
Other than that, I can say that this is a very good book, and I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read it. I do enjoy Mr. Thomson's books; he is a terrific writer and critic, and this would be a good addition to anyone's entertainment library. Recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
