Book Description
This, the first book-length study of Hong Kong cult director Wong Kar-wai, provides an overview of his career and in-depth analyses of his seven feature films to date. The study also takes an intriguing look at Wong's commercials for the likes of Motorola, BMW, and Lacoste and at his music video for DJ Shadow. Stephen Teo probes Wong's cinematic and literary influences--from Martin Scorsese and Alfred Hitchcock to Manuel Puig and Haruki Murakami--yet shows how Wong transcends them all. This comprehensive and thoroughly accessible study confirms Wong's position as the star of the Hong Kong-global nexus and as a postmodern exemplar of world cinema.
Customer Reviews:
Still waiting for a good book on Wong.......2006-01-24
The problem for me with Teo's references to telos or Julia Kristeva, to follow-up on the comments of a previous reviewer, is that they seem symptomatic of the author's inability to truly get a handle on Wong's films. Teo applies ideas/theories to Wong's works like a graduate student dutifully displaying his wares. His work seems generally intelligent (as a student he'd get an A- for the assignment), but he provides very little insight into Wong's aesthetic. It came as little surprise, toward the end of the book, when the author admitted his indifference to In the Mood for Love. One thing is for sure: no one is going to write a good monograph on Wong Kar-Wai who thinks that In the Mood for Love is cold and uninvolving.
All about Time and more.......2005-11-04
The one thing one can say about Stephen Teo is that he has figured out Wong Kar-wai in part because he understands the enigmatic director on so many levels. Part of watching movies is trying to figure them out on one level and then to try to catch other levels or layers on a second viewing. Kudos to Stephen Teo - for making me aware of the multi-layered as well as multi-dimensional quality of Wong Kar-wai's work.
On one level, Teo reads Wong Kar-wai as intensely local and at the same time are intimately global. Moreover, Teo brings to presence the iconoclastic quality of Wong Kar-wai's experiments. Lastly, Teo deftly navigates the reader to the multitude of symbols relating to Wong Kar-wai's play on time, space, and memory.
Teo's Wong Kar-wai (published in the World Directors series) situates Wong's work primarily in a Hong Kong cultural milieu as well as explores Wong Kar-wai's historical context. Teo also is really good at framing Wong Kar wai's work around the literary inspirations and sources. However, Teo does not pull any punches in that most of the literary inspirations are pushed aside and little of the book or movie that are supposed to inspire the movies show up differently in the new creation.
One could well imagine that Teo reads Wong Kar-wai's movies as text. Teo's Wong Kar-wai is easy to read but not simplistic at all. He does what few are able to do - sustain an argument questioning Wong's oeuvre. It is an understatement to say that his book is extraordinary because of its range and profundity. Teo brings together an all-inclusive sweep of home grown Chinese interpretation to the movies with a not equally matched familiarity with the Hong Kong film industry. Teo convinces me of both the local significance as well as the international impact of Wong Kar-wai's movies - which ironically fail at the local Hong Kong box office. He locates Wong's movies vis-à-vis a highly complex local historical background - which I would never have understood unless I had read this book. At the same time, Teo grounds each film against the literary readings that supposedly guide their creation. This is very difficult to do while still maintaining some sense of cohesion. Teo brings in an incredible understanding of authors like Puig, Cortázar, Murakami, Dazai, Jin Yong and Liu Li-chang while still maintaining a real sense of Wong Kar-wai's musings on time, space, and memory.
It would not be fair to ignore Teo's ability to understand genre. Teo situates "As Tears Go By" as a gangster movie. "Days of Being Wild" - I cannot help but agree - is an 'Ah Fei' (discontented punk) movie-cum-romance. "Chungking Express" argues Teo is a light romance with touches of noir intrigue. "Ashes of Time" is predictably a wuxia movie - but not really one as it breaks rules while adhering to some very key ones. "Fallen Angels" according to Teo takes over from where "Chungking Express" leaves of. "Happy Together" according to Teo is predictably gay road movie. "In the Mood for Love" is what Teo calls a "wenyi film" evoking deep emotions about love but more importantly repressed desire.
One other thing that I am grateful to Teo for is framing Wong's three great "nostalgia" movies: "Days of Being Wild," "In the Mood for Love," and "2046" which are a 1960s trilogy. The films are linked via Tony Leung Chiu-wai enigmatic character from "Days of Being Wild's" mysterious epilogue and working its way to the other two. I loved this book. It brought a new level of understanding as well as a new level of appreciation to my viewing of Wong Kar-wai in particular and movies in general.
While Wong's movies move from the narcissism of Yuddy (in Days of Being Wild) and Chow Mo-wan (In the Mood For Love and 2046), the doubling of cops in "Chungking Express," Murong Yin and Murong Yang in "Ashes of Time," the mise-en-abîme of role playing within role playing between Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen Chan in "In the Mood for Love" on the surface it would lead one to believe that it was all about identity. Just like the works of Milan Kundera - which are also about identity - but they are also more than that. To reduce Wong Kar-wai's work to identity would be like saying that Tiger Wood's gold game is all about the putting. Yes, Wong Kar-wai explores the crises of misidentification as well as the pathologies of self and others that epitomize an identity without established borders. However, without Teo - we would not be able to understand that it is about that and also more.
Miguel Llora
Terrible book on terrific director........2005-08-30
This book is an obfuscation rather than an elucidation of Wong's films. If you use the word "teleological" frequently and think the following fragment from one sentence makes sense--"...because of the messages encoded in the ambivalence of the film's 'linguistic structure' - ambivalence that arises from the 'insertion of history (society) into a text and of this text into history' as Kristeva defines it..."--, then you will probably love this book.
Having recently discovered the films of Wong Kar-wai, I wanted a book that would tell me about him, his ways of working, and that would discuss his films in a way that would be meaningful to a reasonably well-education person who does not and did not work in academia. Because this book does have some of this information buried within it, I can't trash it completely. But, I will call it pretentious, pseudo-intellectual B.S. And, I will certainly avoid any more writings by Mr Teo.
Amazon's physical description of the paperback is filled with errors. The book is 191 pages rather than 212 pages. The publisher is the British Film Institute and not the University of California Press. The listed dimensions are wrong. Also, the subtitle listed by Amazon does not appear on the book's cover or title page.
If you must have a book on Wong Kar-wai, then go ahead and buy this. You will get a small amount of useful information and a filmography. The price is inexpensive enough to justify the purchase.
Excellent collection of essays.......2005-07-31
Thought provoking essays on most of his films up to this point
Customer Reviews:
Mediocre.......2007-01-07
This book is a good read if you would like to know how Wong departs from genre conventions and/or specific but general interpretations of his films by the author. However, you will slowly realize that most of the information presented in this book is re-iterated in other essays about Wong. Therefore, I would have been more satisfied with this purchase if it were to have presented more and 'newer' information, such as theories and references to other cinematic figures and scenes.
Informative Study.......2006-12-20
Honestly written. Unpretentious yet intelligent. Brunette does not reach for dazzling overstatements, but instead keeps his claims conservative and convincing. Of particular interest is his discussion of Wong's recycling of and departure from genre conventions.
A Cinema Genius..........2006-11-10
Wong Kar-wai is one of the most interesting and innovative directors since the French New Wave, and this collection of nearly all of his pre-"In The Mood For Love" films is well worth owning. These are all movies whose artistic and philosophic dimensions never seem to exhaust themselves...a rare thing in contemporary cinema...and a great reason to own this set...
Good collection of essays.......2005-07-31
Thought provoking essays on most of his films up to this point
Book Description
Ashes of Time, by the internationally acclaimed director Wong Kar-wai, has been considered to be one of the most complex and self-reflexive of Hong Kong films. Loosely based on the stories by renowned martial arts novelist Jin Yong, Wong Kar-wai has created a very different kind of martial arts film, which invites close and sustained study. This book presents the nature and significance of Ashes of Time, and the reasons for its being regarded as a landmark in Hong Kong cinema. Placing the film in historical and cultural context, Dissanayake discusses its vision, imagery, visual style, and narrative structure. In particular, he focuses on the themes of mourning, confession, fantasy, and kung fu movies, which enable the reader to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the film.
Customer Reviews:
Makes an interesting read.......2003-09-15
"The Ashes of Time" has evolved into a kind of cult movie in Hong Kong. While being adapted from an exisitng (and much filmed) story, the end product has the unique directorial mark of Wong Kar Wai stamped all over it.
This interesting and exceptionally well-written books examines the many fascinating aspects of the film, and should to of much value to lovers of movies.
I will give it 5 stars.
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Visionaire No. 39: Play
Wong Kar Wai ,
Peter Lindbergh ,
Greg Lynn ,
Pedro AlmodUvar ,
Darren Aronofsky ,
Spike Jonze ,
Nick Knight ,
Baz Luhrmann ,
Tony Oursler , and
Roman Signer
Manufacturer: Visionaire Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Visionaire #42: Scent
ASIN: 1888645393
Release Date: 2002-11-01 |
Book Description
Description: Visionaire says, "Come PLAY with us." Sixteen artists take to their cameras or computers and create original films in the form of flip books for Visionaire No. 39: Play. Collected together, the sixteen flip books are encased in a sleek tilted case. Contributions include works by leading photographers Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Mario Testino, Steven Klein, and Craig McDean, plus a provocative dance number captured by Peter Lindbergh and a blooming flower photographed by fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The issue also features a daredevil explosion by video artist Roman Signer; a collaboration between film-graphics firm Imaginary Forces (Minority Report) and architect Greg Lynn; a special message from artist Tony Oursler's lips; cross-country travel from the Snorri Brothers directing team; work from preeminent filmmakers Pedro AlmodAvar, Spike Jonze, Darren Aronofsky, and Wong Kar Wei; and a burlesque Visionaire can-can dancer by Baz Luhrmann. Visionaire No. 39: Play was conceived in collaboration with the creators of PlayStation 2, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE).
Book Description
Wong Kar-Wai, the brilliantly manic Chinese film director, is right above Quentin Tarantino on the theoretical film flow chart. With films such as As Tears Go By, Days of Being Wild, Chungking Express, and Ashes of Time, Kar-Wai has been at the forefront of Hong Kong cinema. On the surface, Kar-Wai follows the rules, presenting the usual fare of car chases, explosions, and sex, but in reality his films are much deeper. His characters live and die on the fringe of acceptance and existence, in a nebulous gray area between good and almost evil. Wong-Kai has managed to invent an art that refuses the affluence of the West: by sticking his guns (and knives, fists and chains), this film director has created a bridge between Hong Kong and the rest of the world.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent phtography, quality production, worth reading........1998-12-02
A great book. The photography is well selected. An insightful analysis. A little excessive in intelltualizing the ideas of Wong Kar-Wai's art.
I only wish it would emphasize more on how seductive and sensual his works are, and how skillfully he uses the props and sounds(cigarettes , blood-red bedcover, the Falls, wallpapers etc.), the lighting (mastered by Christopher Doyle), colours (like stained glasses), and the make-up (thick, dark eye-brows rendering a Latin flavour) to exude nostalgia, time, sensuality, sorrow, and romanticism. It's very Hong-Kongish. Wong's art is all about feelings.
(P.S. Try to get Christopher Doyle's Photo Journal on Happy Together. Magnificient photography from the footages. Well written in both English and Chinese).
Some nice photos and a lot of highbrow hot air........1998-07-12
As a big Wong Kar-Wai fan, I had to have the book. But most of the "critical analysis" goes way too far in trying to "understand" his films. He must get a great laugh when he reads about these author's claims of knowing the deeper meaning he was going for. Check out the pictures and forget about the articles.
An excellent critical review of Wong Kar Wai's films........1998-06-19
Every fan of the Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wei should immediatly check out this book. It contains a critical review of all of his films to date, going into depth on the possible meanings and significant aspects of each film. As a graduate of a Film Production program, it can be a bit heady, but still very interesting. The best part is at the end when two interviews with the famed director are combined. It is a real treat to her Wong Kar Wei talk about his own work! The photography, mostly by Christopher Doyle, gives a great glimpse into the world of Wong's films.
Very informational, and explains his works well........1998-06-12
This is the only book out on one of the most inspirational director around now. Wong Kar-wai inspired me to become a scriptwritter, and a film director. His films are so filled with real energy and feeling that he shows the asian mind on film better than anyone ever has. This book talks about his achievements, and also explains his films. From his first film, As Teas Go By, to his last film, Happy Together, the writters of this book explain the fundamentals of his writtings and goes further by explaining what every film tried to express. If there was ever an aspect in his movie that you never understood, then it is explained in this book. Although costly, the book is worth all the money because of the rich photographhic pictures included. This is a must have for all film enthusiastics, and any Wong Kar-wai fanatic like myself.
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Fallen Angels
Wong Kar-Wai
Manufacturer: Jet Tone Productions Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Poster
ASIN: B000JD07Z6 |
Book Description
Films and Dreams considers the essential link between films and the world of dreams. Author Thorsten Botz-Bornstein reveals a common structure of dreamtense in the works of major filmmakers like Tarkovsky, Sokurov, Bergman, and Wong Kar-wai.
Book Description
Wong Kar-wai's controversial film, Happy Together, was released in Hong Kong just before the handover of power in 1997. The film shows two Chinese gay men in Buenos Aires and reflects on Hong Kong's past and future by probing masculinity, aggression, identity, and homosexuality. It also gives a reading of Latin America, perhaps as an allegory of Hong Kong as another post-colonial society.
Examining one single, memorable, and beautiful film, but placing it in the context of other films by Wong Kar-wai and other Hong Kong directors, this book illustrates the depth, and well as the spectacle and action, that characterizes Hong Kong cinema. Tambling investigates the possibility of seeing Happy Together in terms of 'national allegory', as Frederic Jameson suggests Third World texts should be seen. Alternatively, he emphasizes the fragmentary nature of the film by discussing both its images and its narrative in the light of Borges and Manuel Puig. He also looks at the film's relation to the American road movie and to the history of the tango. he poses questions how emotions are presented in the film ( is this a 'nostalgia film'?); whether the masculinity in it should be seen negatively or as sins of a new hopefulness about Hong Kong's future: and whether the film indicates new ways of thinking about gender relationships and sexuality.
Customer Reviews:
A Must-read of Hong Kong Cinema.......2003-08-24
Finally, there is a book - not a chapter or paragraph - solely one of the Wong Kar Wai's movie. This time, HKU Press has done a fascinating job in publishing an in-depth study on Wong's Ashes of Time and Happy Together. Jeremy Tambling is an expert in gender studies. In the book, he analyzes the film by using theories of allgeory. Besides, he also reads the film in relation to homosexuality (as expected), Hong Kong's postcolonial situation, melancholy, the American road movie genre, the meaning and tradition of tango and he also suggests the impact of choosing Buenos Aires as the setting of the movie. Tambling has included interesting and impressive perspectives of reading a movie, which brought Wong Kar Wai a best director award in Berlin Film Festival.
You may not buy Tambling's arguments on reading the movie as you may say the author has over-interpreted it. However, what he has done in the book definitely enriches the genre of Hong Kong Cinema criticism.
Full of wonderful insights on a fine HK movie.......2003-08-20
Wong Kar-wai's "Happy Together", which won some international films awards, is one of the best Hong Kong movies of recent years.
Jeremy Tambling here probes the film in depth an provides lots of interesting insights on the film, as well as the many possible interpretations of the plot as well as the relationship between the protagonists. In fact, Tambling goes deeper to explore the political and social undertones that the movie represents. It is therefore essential reader both for film buffs as well as those who're interested in social sciences. I enjoyed reading it very much!
A detailed, original and impressive reading of Wong's movie........2003-08-15
Finally, there is a book - not a chapter or paragraph - solely one of the Wong Kar Wai's movie. This time, HKU Press has done a fascinating job in publishing an in-depth studies on Wong's Ashes of Time and Happy Together. Jeremy Tambling is an expert in gender studies. In the book, he analyzes the film by the theories of allgeory (in chapter 1). Besides, he also reads the film in relation to homosexuality (as expected), Hong Kong's postcolonial situation, melancholy, the American road movie genre, the meaning and tradition of tango and he also suggests the impact of choosing Buenos Aires as the setting of the movie. Tambling has included funny, impressive and amazing perspectives of reading a movie, which brought Wong Kar Wai a best director award in Berlin Film Festival.
You may not buy Tambling theories in reading the movie as you may say a too complicated way. However, what he has done in the book definitely enriches the genre of Hong Kong Cinema criticism.
Book Description
Willamania * Give a Man Enough Rope * It's a Boy * My Unkown Someone * The Big Time * My Big Mistake * Marry Me Now * Look Around * Favorite Son * No Man Left for Me * Never Met a Man I Didn't Like *
Customer Reviews:
The Will Rogers Follies; One of the best musicals ever.......2003-03-05
How could one describe the Will Rogers Follies and the music book to go along with the show besides amazing? I have never seen a show so funny and with such good music. If you havn't seen the show, see it. If you havn't heard the music, buy the book. It's a MUST have!
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The Day the World Took Off: The Roots of the Industrial Revolution
Sally Dugan , and
David Dugan
Manufacturer: Channel 4 Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0752218700 |
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Wong Kar-wai (Contemporary Film Directors)
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Wong Kar Wai Collection (As Tears Go By / Days of Being Wild / Fallen Angels / Chungking Express / Happy Together)
