A series of definitive guides to the most influential film directors of our time. Charting
the rise of these iconic filmmakers from their early years through their breakout films and
their evolution into cinematic greats these neatly packaged guides are a must-have for any
movie fan. Each title contains perceptive and insightful text about the director’s work
their inspirations their unique filmmaking style and their favoured collaborations with actors
screenwriters and musicians. With discussion and in-depth analysis of each film in their canon
and packed with images from their films as well as intriguing behind-the-scenes shots these
books provide an intimate celebration of each director’s work. Gangster movie Western film
noir rom com screwball musical even the Biblical epic… There are few genres left untouched
and untwisted by sibling visionaries Joel and Ethan Coen. Since 1984’s Blood Simple the
inscrutable brothers have effortlessly forged their own cinematic path avoiding prevailing
trends while crafting bold stylish and witty movies that feel fresh and distinctive despite
being deeply rooted in their creators’ filmic passion and knowledge. This is a definitive
guide to that path bringing the reader through Joel and Ethan’s 20 features (not counting the
mezzanine) and exploring the themes the tropes the gags the familiar faces – while also
taking in all the Coen curios that litter this quirkily winding byway. From Texas to
Minnesota from Homer to Shakespeare from Bluegrass to Busby Berkeley from wrestling to
bowling from lost hats to severed toes this book covers everything that one might reasonably
consider (to use a word that would likely make Joel and Ethan wince) ‘Coenesque’… And then
some.
