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Why Acting Matters by David Thomson Hardcover 2015
US $2.99
ApproximatelyS$ 3.89
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US $4.47 (approx S$ 5.82) USPS Media MailTM.
Located in: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
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Estimated between Thu, 13 Nov and Tue, 18 Nov to 94104
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30 days return. Seller pays for return shipping.
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eBay item number:223250378743
Item specifics
- Condition
- Weight
- 0.75 lbs
- IsTextBook
- No
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Product Group
- Book
- ISBN
- 9780300195781
About this product
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Yale University Press
ISBN-10
0300195788
ISBN-13
9780300195781
eBay Product ID (ePID)
203653955
Product Key Features
Book Title
Why Acting Matters
Number of Pages
192 Pages
Language
English
Topic
General, Acting & Auditioning
Publication Year
2015
Genre
Drama, Performing Arts
Book Series
Why X Matters Ser.
Format
Hardcover
Dimensions
Item Height
0.8 in
Item Weight
12 Oz
Item Length
7.7 in
Item Width
5.2 in
Additional Product Features
Intended Audience
Trade
LCCN
2014-029867
Reviews
"Gossip and insight go hand in hand in this witty, exuberant essay on the acting greats by one of our most imaginative writers on film. Backstage, off-stage and what might have been infuse Thomson's compelling examination of the storied performances of our time. He brings a fresh eye to Olivier, Kazan, the evolution and demise of Method acting. But he also speculates. After all, what are actual memories but an invitation to new, hypothetical ones? Brando as Archie Rice? Olivier as Stanley Kowalski? Read it and wonder (or argue) with Thomson."--MOLLY HASKELL, " Why Acting Matters is, in its improvisational freedom and depth of thought, one of the great and original books about its subject in recent days . . . It is, page by page, brilliant."--Jeff Simon, Buffalo News, "The ridiculously prolific and perceptive film critic, film historian, and film biographer does some serious mulling about the art and craft of acting. . . . The perfect book to read in the wake of all that congratulatory hoo-ha at the Academy Awards."--Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer, "In this consideration of the actor's craft, a noted film historian anatomizes favorite performances and speculates on ones that might have been (such as a Philip Seymour Hoffman Hamlet). Thomson demonstrates a subtle understanding of the mind-set of the actor, adept at storytelling, spying, lying, and secrecy."-- New Yorker, "Entertaining and thought-provoking . . . This is a book for appreciators of film and theater; for actors, whether aspiring or established; and for anyone who wants to know why acting has fascinated and enlightened us for centuries."--Sarah Grant, Booklist, "Thomson's book is rich with insight not only on the general topic of acting but also on particular performers -- he is particularly good at comparing and contrasting Brando and Sir Laurence Olivier, the most celebrated actors of recent times."-- Washington Post, "The ridiculously prolific and perceptive film critic, film historian, and film biographer does some serious mulling about the art and craft of acting . . . The perfect book to read in the wake of all that congratulatory hoo-ha at the Academy Awards."--Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer, "An eloquent, vivid, irritating book full of sharp nuggets of facts and bright jewels of opinionated air."-- Sydney Morning Herald, "Drunk on pretense, stabbing the vein of the craft's wildest ambitions and anxieties, Thomson writes as the thespian's greatest advocate, the critic as idea engine who launches a thousand arguments."--Tim Riley, National Memo, "The book's jacket notes describe Why Acting Matters as both a meditation and a celebration of acting, an accurate assessment of these witty reflections on an elusive topic presented by one of Britain's foremost film experts . . . [Thomson] equally understands the entertainment industry, actors and acting, and the way to tell a good story about them. Among these fascinating tales, he weaves salient points about why people care so much about acting."-- Popmatters, "Thomson's strengths are many, and his writing overflows with compassion, wide experience of life, and cultivation. Those traits are all on display here."-- Weekly Standard, "Gossip and insight go hand in hand in this witty, exuberant essay on the acting greats by one of our most imaginative writers on film. Backstage, off-stage and what might have been infuse Thomson's compelling examination of the storied performances of our time. He brings a fresh eye to Olivier, Kazan, the evolution and demise of Method acting. But he also speculates. After all, what are actual memories but an invitation to new, hypothetical ones? Brando as Archie Rice? Olivier as Stanley Kowalski? Read it and wonder (or argue) with Thomson."--MOLLY HASKELL, 'David Thomson is one of the funniest and most insightful writers on cinema.'--Kate Muir, the Times,, "Characteristically elegant . . . Riddling, sophisticated, whimsical, Mr. Thomson commands an affecting lyricism that sweetly betrays his love for his subject."--Simon Callow, Wall Street Journal
Dewey Edition
23
Dewey Decimal
792.02/8
Synopsis
A provocative, highly engaging essay on the art of pretending on the stage, on screen, and in daily life Does acting matter? David Thomson, one of our most respected and insightful writers on movies and theater, answers this question with intelligence and wit. In this fresh and thought-provoking essay, Thomson tackles this most elusive of subjects, examining the allure of the performing arts for both the artist and the audience member while addressing the paradoxes inherent in acting itself. He reflects on the casting process, on stage versus film acting, and on the cult of celebrity. The art and considerable craft of such gifted artists as Meryl Streep, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Daniel Day-Lewis, and others are scrupulously appraised here, as are notions of "good" and "bad" acting. Thomson's exploration is at once a meditation on and a celebration of a unique and much beloved, often misunderstood, and occasionally derided art form. He argues that acting not only "matters" but is essential and inescapable, as well as dangerous, chronic, transformative, and exhilarating, be it on the theatrical stage, on the movie screen, or as part of our everyday lives., A provocative, highly engaging essay on the art of pretending on the stage, on screen, and in daily life
LC Classification Number
PN2061.T525 2015
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- 1***. (1049)- Feedback left by buyer.Past yearVerified purchaseSuper seller that offered free local pickup in addition to the best price on the item. Her prompt communication was outstanding, the item was exactly as described and she is an absolute delight upon meeting her. Could not have been an easier transaction, can’t give her enough stars! A+++++++5/4/24: Brendan Donovan Bobblehead - SGA NIB (#226735638109)
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Seller feedback (3,051)
- 1***. (1049)- Feedback left by buyer.Past yearVerified purchaseSuper seller that offered free local pickup in addition to the best price on the item. Her prompt communication was outstanding, the item was exactly as described and she is an absolute delight upon meeting her. Could not have been an easier transaction, can’t give her enough stars! A+++++++5/4/24: Brendan Donovan Bobblehead - SGA NIB (#226735638109)
- z***t (1727)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchaseShipped fast; packed well; as described; great price. Thank you!
- 3***3 (64)- Feedback left by buyer.Past yearVerified purchaseI love these vintage ornaments exactly as described and even better than pictured! Securely packed, quickly shipped. An excellent value and very nice seller. I’ll be back. Thank you!Dozen Vintage Glass Christmas Ornaments In Box (#226675222535)