Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie

Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie
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An interesting cinematic journey--hop in and enjoy the ride...

One For The Road

Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie
David Laderman
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0292747322

Book Description

"This is a superbly conceived, thoughtfully organized, and well-written study of a subject—the 'road movie'—that has lacked anything close to a coherent, book-length overview.... It will make an ideal course text and should also have a wide appeal to non-academic readers."

— Scott Simmon, author of The Films of D. W. Griffith and King Vidor, American

From the visionary rebellion of Easy Rider to the reinvention of home in The Straight Story, the road movie has emerged as a significant film genre since the late 1960s, able to cut across a wide variety of film styles and contexts. Yet, within the variety, a certain generic core remains constant: the journey as cultural critique, as exploration beyond society and within oneself.

This book traces the generic evolution of the road movie with respect to its diverse presentations, emphasizing it as an "independent genre" that attempts to incorporate marginality and subversion on many levels. David Laderman begins by identifying the road movie's defining features and by establishing the literary, classical Hollywood, and 1950s highway culture antecedents that formatively influenced it. He then traces the historical and aesthetic evolution of the road movie decade by decade through detailed and lively discussions of key films. Laderman concludes with a look at the European road movie, from the late 1950s auteurs through Godard and Wenders, and at compelling feminist road movies of the 1980s and 1990s.

Customer Reviews:

An interesting cinematic journey--hop in and enjoy the ride..........2006-06-30

I had the unique opportunity to interview the author and fellow College of San Mateo colleague, David Laderman, for my TV cable access series, "Peninsula Speaks" produced locally here in the Bay Area.

What initally started out as a 30 minute installment about the book and his work ended up being a fascinating hour long discussion and survey of the "road movie" and its impact in the cinema.

At any rate, Laderman's coverage of the road movie is exhaustive--virtually nothing is left uncovered; if anything, the book is complete survey of the road movie from its humble beginnings to the present day--a very comprehensive and, I must say, a very multicultural perspective (Pardon my ignorance, but I had no idea there were road movies per se in gay/lesbian cinema!)

What I truly appreciate is Laderman's focus on some true historical classics like John Ford's "Grapes of Wrath" and a low-budget, little-known film noir gem, Edgar J. Ulmer's "Detour", perhaps one of the most underrated efforts of the film noir era. Also included is "Five Easy Pieces," one of Jack Nicholson's best work. (If you have seen the film, you know Jack's scene telling the waitress in the coffee shop what to do with his sandwich is priceless!)

Laderman's ideas are sound: the road movie is an ideal medium, because characters are linked together--compelled to interact side by side as the action carries on around them. Nonetheless, they are also moving--a unique idea for the road movie as a metaphor for all Americans pursuing the American Dream: people constantly searching and moving forward towards a goal and a better life.

In later films (1960's-90's) the road movie is a catalyst toward self-discovery, identity and even despair as in "Five Easy Pieces" and "Easy Rider." I enjoyed the book and the interview; my only slight disagreement with Laderman is his contention that the road movies of the 1980's can easily be dismissed as a kind of cinematic propaganda ("Madd Maxx" and "Back to the Future") throwback to Reganesque quasi-traditional 1950's era values over the progressive and pluralist views that followed in the 90's. But all in all, a very interesting, competent and complete survey of a genre that deserves more study.

One For The Road.......2004-09-26

Among the features of this entertaining and provocative study, I like the fine discriminations: "REPO MAN, we should clarify at the outset, is not really a road movie. It belongs to the non- or semi-road movie tradition of AMERICAN GRAFFITI, TAXI DRIVER, and SPEED." These are movies, he tells us, in which the characters drive all the time, but "within city limits." To qualify as a real road movie you have to go somewhere. The genre began in earnest in the late 1960s, sort of as a cinematic aftershoot of the epochal road novels of the 1950s, including Kerouac's ON THE ROAD which itself oddly has never been filmed. However, you can find precursors to the road movie in the American cinema of the 1950s, 40s, 30s, and even earlier, because it seems as soon as people started hitting Route 66, filmmakers had the idea to restage the old quest legends, or pilgrimage stories, in a Model T or a Thunderbird.

Laderman points out it is not strictly an American genre and there are plenty of road movies from other continents--look at Mel Gibson in THE ROAD WARRIOR for example, or even something like WEEKEND by Jean-Luc Godard, in which most of the characters get stuck in a mammoth traffic jam--quel ennui! Laderman links the road movie to a variety of sources such as the picaresque novel of Defoe or Cervantes, the novel of social realism (think of THE GRAPES OF WRATH and how it moves slowly across a vast, devastated and dusty America), or the visions of Europeans coming to America and seeing it as one big highway--Nabokov with LOLITA, Antonioni with the bizarre and underrated ZABRISKIE POINT. In between he treats everything from EASY RIDER to DETOUR, BADLANDS to SUGARLAND EXPRESS. Gay and indie cinema are not neglected either so expect plenty on MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO and STRANGER THAN PARADISE. I wouldn't drive and read this book at the same time, but outside of that, ready, set, go!

Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie. (Book Reviews).(Book Review) (book review) : An article from: Cineaste

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Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie. (Book Reviews).(Book Review) (book review) : An article from: Cineaste
David Segal
Manufacturer: Cineaste Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B0009FZ5AG
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Cineaste, published by Cineaste Publishers, Inc. on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 891 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie. (Book Reviews).(Book Review) (book review)
Author: David Segal
Publication: Cineaste (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Cineaste Publishers, Inc.
Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Page: 61(2)

Article Type: Book Review

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Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie

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Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie
David (Author) Laderman
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORG3IM

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Driving Visions: Exploring the Road Movie
David Laderman
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORKWBQ

Book Description

David Braham (1834-1905) was the musical director for the famous vaudeville team of Harrigan and Hart, writing music for many of their comic songs, including "The Mulligan Guards," "Paddie Duffy's Cart," and many more. His long career as a theatrical composer in New York helped establish a new style of Broadway musical. He came from a family well-entrenched in the music and theater worlds, and his story touches upon nearly all aspects of the history of American musical theater of this era.

David Braham: the American Offenbach.(Book Review): An article from: Notes

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David Braham: the American Offenbach.(Book Review): An article from: Notes
Victor Fell Yellin
Manufacturer: Music Library Association, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Notes, published by Music Library Association, Inc. on September 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1649 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: David Braham: the American Offenbach.(Book Review)
Author: Victor Fell Yellin
Publication: Notes (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 2003
Publisher: Music Library Association, Inc.
Volume: 60 Issue: 1 Page: 144(3)

Article Type: Book Review

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The Symmetrical English
Average customer rating:

Detailed and Intelligent Coverage

Not for beginners of English opening

average off the mill opening guide

Symmetrical but not dull

The Symmetrical English
Carsten Hansen
Manufacturer: Gambit Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1901983404

Book Description

The Symmetrical systems of the English Opening constitute a large and important area of modern chess opening theory. The strategic variety to be found within this book is staggering: from the sedate Symmetrical Variation to the wild gambit lines of the Anti-Benoni, and almost everything in between! This book provides detailed coverage of the theory of all lines stemming from 1 c4 c5. It includes many variations that often arise from different openings entirely, such as the Semi-Tarrasch, or when White avoids a Benko or Benoni. A particular highlight is the discussion of the Hedgehog, which a popular workhorse for many tournament players, as it enables Black to play for a win without taking undue risks. Throughout the book, though, Hansen shows that in many lines regarded by a lot of players as boring or uninteresting, there is plenty of scope to liven the game up, if one is familiar with the subtleties.

Customer Reviews:

Detailed and Intelligent Coverage.......2007-03-31

Criticism of this book and subsequent downgrading of it because it is not a beginner's book is illogical. Not every book need cater to beginners, this book does not portend to serve itself to that audience, and what it does purport to do -- provide solid analysis and repertoire theory against various lines of the Symmetrical English -- it does very well.

The Chapters are broken apart, arranged, and layed outin logical fashion according to associated Pawn formations and move orders, and the tree-branch system of laying out variations is still the undisputable champ when it comes to laying out theory.

The book may lean a bit more favorably to the Black side of many variations, but his choices are backed by lengthy, detailed, and accurate analysis. Mostly solid bibliography. Aimed at 1800+ players and it will serve them well.

The Anti-Benoni Chapters are particulary good and alone are worth the purchase price.

5 Stars.

Not for beginners of English opening.......2003-03-29

After two weeks of study I have found that this book is great disappointment). After reading Hansen's impressive book: Dynamic english I found that Hansen's book of symmetrical english lacks essentially most basic element of good opening book: study of basic strategys and tactical tricks. Unfortunately Hansen's book is totally concentrated on chess theory.
The Symmetrical English is defenetily meanted for appr. +1800 ELO players with previous experience with Symmetrical English. For those who do not belong to this group: this book is not for you.
Besides I found one telling example about level of analysis in this book: after moves: 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4
e6 5. g3 Qb6 6. Bg2 Bc5 7. e3 Nc6 8. Nb3 Bb4+ 9. Bd2 Ne5 '10. Qc2 d5 11. cxd5, here Qa6!? is not mentioned (despite for instance NCO mentions it) at all leading to either to 12. Bf1 Nf3+ 13. Kd1 Qb6 with compensation (according to Nunns Chess Opening) or to 12. Bxb4! Nd3 13. Kd2 Nb4...(Sosonko-Suba, Tunis 1985) with rougly equal position.
This omission is serious chess theoretical mistake and one only hopes that there are not many of such mistakes in this book. However IMHO such error tells something about quality of the analysis, since Qa6!? is widely known and important option for black to play.

average off the mill opening guide.......2002-11-07

Millions variations with out explaining basic ideas behind them.
It's more of less guide with out any directions for an average
player. You better off buying Nunn's Chess Openings.
I kind of threw away money by buying this book.

Symmetrical but not dull.......2002-06-24

A book like I like!
The different systems are well separated with enough comments to choose your lines without having to read all the book. The author doesn't try to sell you miracles; if a system is often drawish Mr.Hansen won't try to hide it.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous works by Bagirov

English Opening: Symmetrical
Vladimir Bagirov
Manufacturer: Cadogan Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1857440323

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous works by Bagirov.......2002-05-31

I have been stunned by how beautiful these two books by Bagirov are. I have become used to the cranked out works you see nowadays. These works, although fairly recent (1994 and 1995) hearken back to days of Polugayevsky, when books were written as labors of love, with tremedous care and depth. These books on the English are very special, and should be sought and bought. They go into tremedous depth, but also have constant explanatory textual comments.

Average customer rating:

Seems good...but not for me.

Symmetrical English (Everyman Chess)
David Cummings
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 185744292X

Book Description

The Symmetrical Variation is one of Black's most popular and reliable methods of meeting the English Opening. It is a highly flexible system that can lead to a wide variety of middlegame positions. The early d5 systems can be highly tactical, while the Hedgehog variations rely on a solid strategic understanding. This book contains full details of all the latest theory, provides a thorough investigation of important concepts and variations and is written by a prominent openings expert. (6 1/4 x 9 1/4, 160 pages, diagrams)

Customer Reviews:

Seems good...but not for me........2002-08-29

This is the first opening book I ever read, and I must say that the lists of variations are overwhelming. Every so often the author includes 'ideas' behind a certain position, but I had trouble referring back to them in the jungle of variation lists. This book seems geared toward the more experienced (1800+) player than to someone looking to amass an opening repretoire. Perhaps I chose the wrong opening to begin with? Hope this helps.

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Symmetrical English (Tournament)
Watson
Manufacturer: Scribner Paper Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0020262418

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Symmetrical English 1...c5
John L. Watson
Manufacturer: Collier Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MEI60A

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Symmetrical English : 1...C5
John L. Watson
Manufacturer: Scribner Paper Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8SF5A

Average customer rating:

Synopsis
Great author, bad proofreader. And the publisher, well...

Symmetrical English: 1...c5
John L. Watson
Manufacturer: Hardinge Simpole Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1843821486

Customer Reviews:

Synopsis.......2007-07-11

First published in 1981. Volume 5 (1...c5) covers Black's most solid reply to the English Opening. This volume is the first comprehensive coverage of the Symmetrical Variation in algebraic notation and contains all significant developments since the author's earlier work English 1...P-QB4.
Watson's aim throughout has been to provide a practical balance of theory, discussion and examples. With encyclopaedic coverage and many original suggestions, this series gives the reader the ability to understand the complexities of the English Opening and to play it with confidence.

International Master John Watson is widely known as a player, author, and chess trainer. His books have won numerous awards including Book-of-the-Year awards for "Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy" and "Chess Strategy in Action".

Great author, bad proofreader. And the publisher, well..........2006-11-23

REVISED REVIEW: TWO STARS, not four (see below)

I was so excited that IM John Watson, one of the world's leading authorites on the French Defense (to which I am fiercely and unwaveringly loyal) and the English Opening (which I have played but find less worthy of fierce loyalty than the French Defense, and I have to face as Black), had come out with a book on the English Symmetrical, that I bought this book immediately after I found it. I usually prefer to wait until there are some reviews. I even paid extra to get it shipped quicker. As usual, Amazon did not disappoint; the books arrived exactly when Amazon said they would.

I opened the book and casually leafed through it, and was disappointed to find several typos and proofreading errors on a first, cursory review. A move was even missing from p. 81 (Black's 11th move, 11...Bxc6, which, while obvious, should not be missing).

The sort of errors I found were not attributable to Mr. Watson; such is his reputation that if he said the earth was flat, I would suspect he had something to back up his claim. However, there is no excuse for these errors and the publisher, Harding Simpole, should be appropriately castigated. An errata list should be the least that they should provide to the people who bought the book in good faith and, frankly, got less than we paid for.

So I'm awarding the author and content five stars, but taking one away for the shoddy proofreading. Watson should be proud, and Harding Simpole should be ashamed of themselves.

-----

Since I wrote this original review, I have communicated with the publisher, and they said they feel I was not misled. For $30, I think the buyer deserves more than a book merely translated into algebraic; at the very least, an error-check should be performed. I, however, DO feel I was misled, and if you are considering buying this book, you should beware of what you are (and are not) getting. I cannot change the star rating above, but I CAN tell you that it is now TWO stars.

Book Description

The purchasing and supply function has emerged from the shadows. As senior management executives around the world recognize the importance of each expenditure, and its subsequent impact on every level of their organization, purchasing and supply has become a major source of increased profits for today's corporations. Recognizing this, numerous well-established companies--including IBM, Weyerhaeuser, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and others--have today established Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO) positions. For more than three decades, THE PURCHASING HANDBOOK has been a staple reference for purchasing and supply professionals around the world. Chapters written by over 100 top authorities provide in-depth, authoritative coverage of each topic, and allow professionals to make confident, informed decisions in virtually any area of purchasing and supply. This updated, expanded 6th Edition--with 20 new chapters--contains not only the basic information every manager needs to know but also the current information and research that every manager MUST know for procurement in the next century. A partial listing of topics covered includes: Globalization; Industry consolidation; Technological advancements; Supply chain synchronization; E-commerce and the Internet; Virtual value networks; Strategic versus tactical procurement; Supplier integration; Collaboration planning and execution; Supply strategy development; Ethics and responsibility; Supplier price and cost analysis; Purchasing and supply negotiations; Purchasing of raw materials and commodities; Marketplace intelligence; Re-engineering; Human resource management; Total cost of ownership; Inventory management; Legal aspects of purchasing; Investment recovery. The first decade of the 21st century promises to bring an explosion in the technologies, strategies, and nuts-and-bolts applications of purchasing and supply management. THE PURCHASING HANDBOOK, SIXTH EDITION takes an innovative look at these future trends and issues--while delivering today's most accurate, up-to-date purchasing and supply information and making existing principles easy to understand and apply. This combination of essential reference information and eye-opening research findings makes it unmatched as a professional resource--and essential for every purchasing manager's professional collection.

Download Description

For over 30 years, purchasing managers have relied on The Purchasing Handbook as their field's only encyclopedic reference and study tool for CPM certification. Now revised for the new millennium--with over 100 leading contributors and 20 new chapters--this indispensable resource explores day-to-day principles in internal and external supply chain management, outsourcing, the exploding arena of electronic commerce, and other purchasing trends and strategic aspects.

Customer Reviews:

The Purchasing Handbook: A Guide for the Purchasing and Supply Professional.......2006-07-02

it't not what I expected contents

Complete disappointment........2003-01-25

This book is unnecessarily verbose, incoherent, and nowhere close to what its title suggests.

This book is a collection of articles/chapters written by different authors. As a result of that, not only there is no connection and coherency among chapters but also topics covered in the seemingly related chapters are different and unrelated. The coherency and relationship among chapters are just limited to their names not what is inside them. For example, in "Part 5: Item and Industry Practice" there are separate chapters on "Raw Material", "MRO Materials", "Software and Intellectual Properties", "Capital Equipments" to name a few. I would imagine that each of these chapters will discuss purchasing process, nuances, and best practices for these items. But unfortuantely, all these chapters are independant and adderess totally different issues.

I guess, if you want to learn about purchasing, you would be better off searching on the web and reading different articles on purchasing then spending money on this book.

Purchasing Handbook ** An All-In-One Guide.......2001-05-13

As a person who developes Purchasing/Inventory Software, this book has brought to my mind a deeper understanding of the process of Purchasing and how it relates to Inventory and Procurement methods, worldwide purchasing problems and methods. Things that, after many years in the business, I have never thought of or considered before.

The scope of this book is fantastic! A true bible of Purchasing...

This is a definite resource of anyone in the purchasing environment (or even programing environment)! A must Have!!!

This book is the guide for the new role of Purchasing today.......2000-04-20

The purchasing Handbook has allow me as a professional in this field to make confident, informed decisions everyday at work, the Handbook goes beyond to just informing the current trend in purchasing because it takes an innovative look at future trends and issues while delivering today's accurate purchasing and supply information, integrating the direction of today's business.

Thanks...

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