Cinema Speculation - book cover
Arts & Literature
  • Publisher : Harper
  • Published : 01 Nov 2022
  • Pages : 400
  • ISBN-10 : 0063112582
  • ISBN-13 : 9780063112582
  • Language : English

Cinema Speculation

The long-awaited first work of nonfiction from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: a deliriously entertaining, wickedly intelligent cinema book as unique and creative as anything by Quentin Tarantino.

In addition to being among the most celebrated of contemporary filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino is possibly the most joyously infectious movie lover alive. For years he has touted in interviews his eventual turn to writing books about films. Now, with Cinema Speculation, the time has come, and the results are everything his passionate fans-and all movie lovers-could have hoped for. Organized around key American films from the 1970s, all of which he first saw as a young moviegoer at the time, this book is as intellectually rigorous and insightful as it is rollicking and entertaining. At once film criticism, film theory, a feat of reporting, and wonderful personal history, it is all written in the singular voice recognizable immediately as QT's and with the rare perspective about cinema possible only from one of the greatest practitioners of the artform ever. 

Editorial Reviews

"A top-flight nonfiction debut from a unique artist." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Brilliant and passionate . . . . Tarantino's joy, generosity, and singular point of view bolster his arguments, and even when he's taking down his heroes, it's out of love . . . . Whip-smart and obsessive, Tarantino is great fun and tough to beat." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Tarantino brings the heat and exuberance of his movie expertise, storytelling artistry, and sharp humor to a dynamic mix of eyebrow-raising personal stories, zesty film history, and kickass film criticism . . . . Offers sizzling behind the production tales and exacting, speculative critiques . . . . [A] rollicking cinematic celebration." - Donna Seaman, Booklist, starred review

Readers Top Reviews

Steve SandersT. Fred
Excellent criticism and insight on the films of the 70’s that only a filmmaker of Tarantino’s experience could provide.
Michael Dean
Loved it. Reminded me of my own youthful fascination with film criticism and the influence it had on my own burgeoning love for the movies as I came of age in the 90s.
Jacketfan
QT writes my kind of vibe. For better or for worse, the essential quality of his unique perspective is put into words. Reliving these movies through his eyes is a very good way to entertain yourself!
James L. Neibaur
Being around the same age as Tarantino, I responded well to his cinematic journey and how he connected with various films over the years. His assessment of the 60s-to-70s transitional period between old and new Hollywood, his experiences attending movies at that time, and his response to the older movies he watched on TV, were all enlightening and entertaining to read (I especially liked his discussion of The East Side Kids). A fun an informative book.
Lynn G
I was happy to get this book. It will be a Christmas present for my son. I will also read it. We both love his films and he is a great guest on talkshows. I always enjoy hearing his insights. I'm sure this book will be chock full of them. The only issue I had is that the box was open when I received it. The local postmaster said this often occurs with packages from Amazon. They try to catch these and tape them up which is not their job. Amazon needs to do better a job of sealing. Use tape not glue.

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