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Cinema's Century: A Riveting Ride Through Film History
20 Jul
Summary
- David Thomson offers a sweeping, revisionist history of cinema.
- The book covers over a century of filmmaking, from early pioneers to modern works.
- It examines cinema's populist power, its evolution, and future concerns.
David Thomson, a prolific film critic and historian, has released a new work that offers a sweeping and "revisionist" history of cinema. This comprehensive account traces the evolution of film from its earliest days, including the pre-cinema work of Eadweard Muybridge and early landmarks like Fritz Lang's "Metropolis," through to contemporary productions.
The book explores Hollywood's golden age, alongside established European and East Asian arthouse cinema. It features discussions on influential figures and films such as D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, and modern works like Sean Baker's "Anora."
Thomson critically examines cinema's immense populist-democratic power and its tendency to influence cultural discourse. He contemplates whether film, unlike literature, inherently limits imagination by demanding submission to the screen.
The narrative addresses the potential decline of the traditional big-screen theatrical experience, suggesting that home screens may offer a more transporting visual experience. This contrarian view challenges conventional thinking about cinema's future.
Despite moments of critical introspection, the book is fundamentally a rapturous celebration of cinema's extraordinary adventure. Thomson highlights the importance of commercial success alongside artistic merit, acknowledging the ongoing debate about film's legacy.
His revisionism lies in his ambitious attempt to encompass the entirety of cinema's story. He offers provocative generalizations and opinions, contrasting the darker moods of the American New Wave with Steven Spielberg's positive influence, whom he calls "the most decisive figure in the history of film."
Thomson draws his title from a striking visual moment described by Henry James, viewing it as a proto-cinematic revelation. This reflects his unique approach to capturing the essence of cinematic moments and their lasting impact.
While acknowledging concerns about cinema's future, Thomson notably avoids the tired trope of declaring its imminent demise. Instead, he offers a profound exploration of its past triumphs and the evolving relationship between audiences and the screen.
