Book Review
HALLIWELL’S WHO’S WHO IN THE MOVIES 14th Edition
Edited by John Walker
An A-Z of Actors, Directors, Producers, Writers and all the key personnel
behind the scenes of movie-making.
Harper Collins 594 pages, softback, large format; ISBN 0-00-257214-1;
UK £17:99
This second edition of the trusty Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion
is the latest revision updated and rearranged to make its contents
easily accessible, and with more than 1,000 new entries to extend
its range. A preliminary gripe: look at the synopsis above in bold
italics - see any mention of film music? Look at the Movie Resources
on the Internet information at the back of the book. No mention of
Film Music on the Web - not a mention of film music even. I was also
rather bemused to read that this is the 2nd edition on
the front cover but that it had suddenly jumped to the 14th
edition on the title page. However, these slight quibbles aside, aside,
there are entries on most leading film composers and I have to say
that this marvellous book, together with Halliwell's Film and Video
Guide, is a treasure of information for all movie fans; and, incidentally
an indispensable tool for journalists like myself.
There are details not only about composers, but also of the stars
of today, yesterday and tomorrow, about the bit players and the character
actors, the producers, the writers, the cinematographers and all the
other talents involved in the making of motion pictures.
In this new book, there are year-by-year listings of Oscar-winners,
of leading festivals and of critic's awards. There is a brief history
of the movies. There are lists of top movies, and of movie books and
periodicals; and a glossary of technical terms.
Turning to our interest, the careers of all the major Golden and
Silver Age composers are included, with reasonably comprehensive lists
of their compositions although one might argue with the selections
of films scored by Max Steiner for instance. The work of today's composers
is included too. Looking up Thomas Newman, for instance, I notice
his career is covered up to Erin Brokovich his year 2000 score; and
Danny Elfman up to Proof of Life. There are omissions however,
there is still no entry for John Ottman, for instance (The Usual
Suspects, Lake Placid etc).
Sections in this edition are:
- Who’s Who in the Movies: An A –Z of personalities 477
pages
Movie Remakes, Series, Themes and Genres
- Alphabetical list of Remakes, Series, Themes & Genres
- Movie Studios and Production Companies
- Movie Talk: An A-Z of Technical and Critical Terms
- World Movies
- Movie Lists (American Film Institute’sBest American Movies)
- Top 20 Box-Office Films in America
- The Guardian’s Top 100 Contemporary films 1980/93
- Royal Film Performances
- The Longest Feature Films
- Movie Awards Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Cannes, Golden
Bear, Golden Lion,
- Movie Books and Periodicals
- Movie Guides on CD-ROM
- Movie Resources on the Internet
- A Brief History of the Cinema
An essential companion to the film fan and film music enthusiast.
Ian Lace
[no rating]