A Biographical Dictionary of Film

From Library Journal The latest edition of Thomson's guide contains 1000 entries on leading international directors, actors, and producers, living and dead, including 200 entries added since the publication of the second edition in 1981. A critic for Film Comment and Movieline, among other venues, Thomson balances often acidic critiques with brief biographical data, giving the reader an opportunity to pause for reflection. Coverage is relatively broad, ranging from Federico Fellini to James Coburn, thus giving the casual browser a feel for the breadth of cinema. A few significant personalities (e.g., James Spader) could have replaced others (e.g., Molly Ringwald) of lesser merit, but that is a quibble. Unique in size and scope, Thomson's work is a fitting companion to Halliwell's Filmgoer's and Video Viewer's Companion (HarperPerennial, 1993. 10th ed.). An excellent, highly recommended compact sourcebook for all film collections.