Movies of the 90s

TASCHEN GOES TO HOLLYWOOD, HONG KONG, CINÉCITTÀ, BABELSBERG & BOLLYWOOD TO DEFINE A TRANSITIONAL DECADE IN FILM MOVIES OF THE 90s opens with comments on the phenomenal technical leaps taken by moviemakers in the 90s, and the innovative way this new technology was applied to every aspect of the cinematic art. It also explores filmmaker’s allusions to earlier classic films; the use and effect of video on filmmaking, and the trend toward deconstruction of the traditional linear narrative.

The meat of the book is devoted to an in-depth look at nearly 150 films, American, European and Asian, broken down year by year. First the facts: date, country, running time, genre, director, film credits, cast, and Academy and film festival awards. Then, a summary of the film, facts about the making of the film, comments on the budget and box office, quotes from the film and from critical reviews, and most importantly, numerous photos and film stills from each movie, with annotated captions. Liberally featured throughout are boxed items of interest: technical film terms, notes about the director’s influences, film-set gossip, and other irresistible trivia. The book closes with easy-to-use indexes of Academy Awards for each year, films by title, names, production companies and a glossary of film terms.

What sets MOVIES OF THE 90s apart from other traditional film guides is its liberal use of visual material from the films. It adds immeasurably to the reader’s recall and appreciation of each film featured and makes it a fun read as well as a highly informative one. MOVIES OF THE 90s is a must for the film lover’s bookshelf.