Barry Norman, film critic and television presenter, reveals his 100 favourite films of the 20th century in the aptly titled 100 Best Films of the Century. First published in 1992, Norman opens the book with a series of engaging, incisive essays on the history of cinema and the film industry and explains the criteria for his choices. In alphabetical order, he then describes and reviews each choice in his own inimitable way, using his invigorating style to praise each film while acknowledging any faults. Although Rory Bremner fans may be shocked to discover that "and why not" does not appear anywhere in the text, Norman does include the main credits, Academy Awards information, running time, and one or two photo stills for each entry. In the latest preface Norman tirades against the critics who attacked the book first time round for including certain films and omitting others and explicitly points out that it is a purely subjective list. However, he chooses such a variety of films it would be impossible not to agree with at least some of his choices and merit can be found in all of the films. From critics' favourites such as The Bicycle Thieves and Citizen Kane through the ultra- successful Wizard of Oz to the unexpected inclusion of Bambi and Gregory's Girl, he mixes Hollywood blockbusters with UK and World films, classics with modern, and influential with popular.
The book works on two levels. First, it can be used as a guide to 100 superb films, and second and most interestingly, it can be used as an overview of the cinematic world that employs films to illustrate the changes within the medium and its diversity. You tend to pick up 100 Best Films of the Century intending to just flick through it but once opened it's easy to become absorbed and find yourself hours later mentally arguing with the author about the worthiness of each entry and its accompanying review. Strangely captivating. --Robert Brookes
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