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a_chickletz's review against another edition
5.0
Richard,
I know you love Criterion Films, and your knowledge of films is extraordinary. Let me just say, thank you for blessing us with this book. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to write about a film that needs to be read about, viewed, and discussed. In this day and age, we need to be talking about films like this one.
I have never seen this film. Quite frankly, I usually find films like this not on my radar. After your dissertation of sorts, I feel not only like I have seen this film, I know it intimately. I have seen this film in my dreams, in every film about someone who is a blue-collar worker who tries to make their way to the top. To aim to be the best in the career that they have a passion for. (Though it appears the passion may be lost from time to time, but we rely on you of dipping into the psyche of the director and his intent.)
I also am surprised that this film went through tons of edits and was delayed release due to 2001 9/11 attacks. I also concerned that this film was akin to a 70's raunch flick (or as you had quoted Mark Ruffalo saying) and I must put the thought from my head on how a film about aspiring for your dreams can be interlaced with sex. Oh, to know and not know!
I think this book is a masterpiece. The fact that it affected you so deeply and so profoundly makes me wonder if there was a movie that changed my life the way this one changed yours.
For all reading this, if you love in-depth discussions about books, you must read this. It should be in all film studies classes.
I know you love Criterion Films, and your knowledge of films is extraordinary. Let me just say, thank you for blessing us with this book. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to write about a film that needs to be read about, viewed, and discussed. In this day and age, we need to be talking about films like this one.
I have never seen this film. Quite frankly, I usually find films like this not on my radar. After your dissertation of sorts, I feel not only like I have seen this film, I know it intimately. I have seen this film in my dreams, in every film about someone who is a blue-collar worker who tries to make their way to the top. To aim to be the best in the career that they have a passion for. (Though it appears the passion may be lost from time to time, but we rely on you of dipping into the psyche of the director and his intent.)
I also am surprised that this film went through tons of edits and was delayed release due to 2001 9/11 attacks. I also concerned that this film was akin to a 70's raunch flick (or as you had quoted Mark Ruffalo saying) and I must put the thought from my head on how a film about aspiring for your dreams can be interlaced with sex. Oh, to know and not know!
I think this book is a masterpiece. The fact that it affected you so deeply and so profoundly makes me wonder if there was a movie that changed my life the way this one changed yours.
For all reading this, if you love in-depth discussions about books, you must read this. It should be in all film studies classes.
jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
Through an analysis of the argued-to-be-brilliant nuances found within the mostly forgotten 2003 airplane dramedy View From the Top, Ayoade on Top by Richard Ayoade explores and comments upon those nuances in greater detail while he takes readers on a humorous ride throughout his book about a movie about a journey.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Written with plenty of cheeky asides, clever footnotes, and an entertaining index marking the familiar authorial voice of Ayoade that elicits laughs, the pages of this book outlining an argument for the mastery of this singular film is humorous and engaging, even if you never thought an argument for such a thing need be made – in seriousness or in jest. Weaving wit, an array of personal stories connecting Ayoade’s life experiences with that of Donna, the protagonist of the film portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, and amusing commentary that provides a degree of cultural context for concepts raised or words frequently mentioned, such as goop/Goop and some tidbits about flight attendant history – to be believed at your discretion – the pages of the book fly by quickly and entertainingly. As Ayoade details the journey within the film, at length, and notes the various points of plot and character of import as having been adroitly emphasized by various visual and/or audio clues in the film, it’s easy to follow along and may, at times, feel as if you’re immersed in a strange version of watching (or rewatching) the film, perhaps dredging up long-forgotten memories of having seen View From the Top one time a decade or two ago.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Written with plenty of cheeky asides, clever footnotes, and an entertaining index marking the familiar authorial voice of Ayoade that elicits laughs, the pages of this book outlining an argument for the mastery of this singular film is humorous and engaging, even if you never thought an argument for such a thing need be made – in seriousness or in jest. Weaving wit, an array of personal stories connecting Ayoade’s life experiences with that of Donna, the protagonist of the film portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, and amusing commentary that provides a degree of cultural context for concepts raised or words frequently mentioned, such as goop/Goop and some tidbits about flight attendant history – to be believed at your discretion – the pages of the book fly by quickly and entertainingly. As Ayoade details the journey within the film, at length, and notes the various points of plot and character of import as having been adroitly emphasized by various visual and/or audio clues in the film, it’s easy to follow along and may, at times, feel as if you’re immersed in a strange version of watching (or rewatching) the film, perhaps dredging up long-forgotten memories of having seen View From the Top one time a decade or two ago.
mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition
3.0
Silly read but definitely more entertaining if I'd seen the film he was talking about. The brief segues into his life were the best parts, more Ayoade less Paltrow please.
kayleajayne's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.75
This book was hilarious. I enjoyed it.