Bootsy's Recommended Movie Books

The best, most accessable movie guide on the market. Utterly indispensible for any serious film-goer. The new 1999 edition has reviews and ratings of over 19,000 movies, including 500 on DVD.

The finest film history text ever written. A beautifully researched, intricately detailed chronicle of the history of the Cinema. A fascinating book full of fantastic photos and commentary.

One of the finest books about screenwriting that I've ever read. Pope's concise, yet trenchant essays cover everything from Citizen Kane and Fargo to The Jewel of the Nile and Last Action Hero. The book delves deeply into the screen writing art without becoming too technical. As much a "What-Not-To-Do" book as a "How-To" book, Pope manages to teach us just as much about about screenwriting in his essay on the failures of Bonfire of the Vanities as he does in explaining how Some Like it Hot triumphs. A very Entertaining, intelligent book of interest to anyone who enjoys movies.

A delight to the afficianado of the off-beat cinema. In one hundred fascinating essays, Danny Peary explores the world of the cult-film from The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (perhaps the first cult-movie) to The Rocky Horror Picture Show (the ultimate cult-movie). Each essay contains great photos and a synopsis of that particular film. For my money, Danny Peary is the most knowledgable, entertaining film essayist around. I recommend all of his books.

An excellent how-to book for the aspiring independent film-maker from someone who's been there. This isn't a lofty text book, but rather a get-your-hands-dirty manual from the trenches of real, day-to-day low-budge movie-making. Also included is a section of advice from film-makers including Oliver Stone, Sam Raimi, George Romero and Lizzie Borden. Indispensable.