Nicholas Ray: An American Journey

Rating:
Summary: Thorough examination of American auteur director
Review: Cinema and theatre lovers should find this book an interesting and revealing read. Bernard Eisenschitz has done credit to another American film master more appreciated in Europe than in his own country. The early chapters are especially interesting in regard to Ray's apprenticeship and contribution to theatre in New York and elsewhere. Theatre of Action, Federal Government subsidies for the arts and the whole question of government support and the benefits these brought, Voice of America, and Ray's sympathies for the marginalised of American society are all attentively addressed by the author. Insights into the relationships between studios and artists, the power of stars, the evolution of scripts, the egoes of such as Joan Crawford, the genesis of some memorable even iconographic films such as Rebel Without a Cause, make for an excellent read. At least two films Ray made, In A Lonely PLace and Johhny Guitar, can be reckoned as American masterpieces and for these alone Ray deserved this biography. It contains 79 illustrations, extensive notes, a detailed filmography and comprehensive index. I recommemd this text for the general reader even vaguely interested in American cinema.

Rating:
Summary: Thorough examination of American auteur director
Review: Cinema and theatre lovers should find this book an interesting and revealing read. Bernard Eisenschitz has done credit to another American film master more appreciated in Europe than in his own country. The early chapters are especially interesting in regard to Ray's apprenticeship and contribution to theatre in New York and elsewhere. Theatre of Action, Federal Government subsidies for the arts and the whole question of government support and the benefits these brought, Voice of America, and Ray's sympathies for the marginalised of American society are all attentively addressed by the author. Insights into the relationships between studios and artists, the power of stars, the evolution of scripts, the egoes of such as Joan Crawford, the genesis of some memorable even iconographic films such as Rebel Without a Cause, make for an excellent read. At least two films Ray made, In A Lonely PLace and Johhny Guitar, can be reckoned as American masterpieces and for these alone Ray deserved this biography. It contains 79 illustrations, extensive notes, a detailed filmography and comprehensive index. I recommemd this text for the general reader even vaguely interested in American cinema.