Scan barcode
bookishwonderlandco's review against another edition
4.0
This is a collection of poems that vividly explores cinema through the 20th century. It follows the trends and captures the social issues that inspired or marked the movies that came about because of the issues in such a real, raw way.
I had to read this for class. I don't regret a moment.
I was being my normal, and average prejudiced against poetry self when I started this, and sure it did drag, especially in the middle when it was the series of related poems in the middle, but other than that this was an absolutely incredible read. I was really shocked by the meaning, both hidden and blatant, and shocked when some of these poems touched me. This book was teaming with great successes in 20th century cinema, but more than that it explored how these related or in some way came back to the social movement or how poorly blacks were treated in this century. These poems allowed a reader to see first hand the heartbreak and tradgedies, and to understand without any interference what these people went through.
Thus was such a great, eye-opening read. I really recommend to anyone. Even if you aren't into poetry, this may just change your view. On a lot of things. What a book!
I had to read this for class. I don't regret a moment.
I was being my normal, and average prejudiced against poetry self when I started this, and sure it did drag, especially in the middle when it was the series of related poems in the middle, but other than that this was an absolutely incredible read. I was really shocked by the meaning, both hidden and blatant, and shocked when some of these poems touched me. This book was teaming with great successes in 20th century cinema, but more than that it explored how these related or in some way came back to the social movement or how poorly blacks were treated in this century. These poems allowed a reader to see first hand the heartbreak and tradgedies, and to understand without any interference what these people went through.
Thus was such a great, eye-opening read. I really recommend to anyone. Even if you aren't into poetry, this may just change your view. On a lot of things. What a book!
macbean221b's review against another edition
1.0
Let me be clear: this low rating is entirely my fault. I've never really understood poetry, even though I really want to. I thought perhaps reading some on a subject I'm especially familiar with might help, but it didn't. There were poems on some of my favorite films and I still simply did not like them.
So. If you already like poetry, by all means, give this collection your attention. But if, like me, you're looking to improve your relationship with poetry ... this didn't do it for me.
So. If you already like poetry, by all means, give this collection your attention. But if, like me, you're looking to improve your relationship with poetry ... this didn't do it for me.
crhogan's review
5.0
While poetry is not my thing and I would normally never pick this up, I had to for a class. It was beautiful. Some of the best poetry that I have ever read. The Homesteader is going to stay with me for a very long time. My class is speaking with Professor Jordan on Friday so the fact that I'm giving this book five stars just makes me super hyped to actually get to speak with him and discuss his creative process and thoughts on lost films.
courtney_mcallister's review against another edition
2.0
I'm a fan of ekphrasis, especially in poetry. The premise behind this collection caught my attention, but Jordan didn't push it far enough. The result is an uneven assemblage of film-inspired poems that teeter on the verge of pointlessness. The moments where Jordan focuses on the experience of filmmaking and capturing images are the most powerful, in my opinion. At other times, the poems felt more like summaries, rather than explorations. If nothing else, The Cineaste added some titles to my to-watch list.
More...