Product Description

Tarkovsky provides a collection of accessible academic essays by leading film studies professionals. A challenging, broadly illustrated book that fully captures the essence of this cinematic pioneer. Andrei Tarkovsky is the most influential Soviet filmmaker of the post-war era, and one of the world's most renowned cinematic geniuses. He created spiritual, existential films of incredible beauty, repeatedly returning to themes of memory, dreams, childhood and Christianity. His films, such as Solaris, Mirror, Nostalghia and The Sacrifice make use of long, unedited shots and wide angles in uncompromisingly formalistic statements that are as striking today as they were when they were first made. Tarkovsky is illustrated with original stills along with studio shots, lobby cards, posters and other rare ephemera and contains a wealth of previously unseen material from Soviet archives making it the definitive text on Tarkovsky's singularly complex body of work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #247939 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 463 pages

Review
The Soviet cinematic pioneer Andrei Tarkovsky is captured in all his existential glory in Dunne's richly illustrated book. --Dazed and Confused

Beautifully illustrated anthology...these essays offer acute and profound insights into Tarkovsky's world. --Sight & Sound, Book of the Month

An impeccably erudite tome. --The Times

Customer Reviews

Fantastic, indispensable, a must have for all Tarkovsky fans
What a wonderful book and how refreshing. This volume represents a significant undertaking by the editor, who has managed to put together a collection of essays across a broad spectrum, dealing with many aspects of Tarkovsky's work. And its also one of the most beautiful film books I own. The photographic reproductions are very high quality and there are also many shots that I hadn't seen before.

In the introduction the editor relates an intriguing episode when the KGB were in London following Tarkovsky. Also, in the first section 'Russia and Religion' there's a wonderful essay by Jean-Paul Sartre on Ivan's Childhood. I had read this before in French and it appears slightly different here but also somehow clearer. The book is divided into three more sections, 'Art and Nature', 'Music and Modernity' and 'Memory and Awakening'. Each of these sections have essays that discuss aspects of Tarkovsky's films in depth. I really enjoyed the pieces about music and sound because Tarkovsky's use of sound is so subtle but also so complex and well thought out. I also enjoyed the essays by James Quandt and Baskar Sarkar, who write in a unique way about Tarkovsky and his influence on contemporary filmmakers.

At the back of the book there is a timeline of Tarkovsky's life that also puts his films into context with other films of the time, a great reference. And the poems of his father are odd and beautiful. The book is definitely a must have for people interested in Tarkovsky and as a fan I am very happy with this book. Its also a great example of different approaches to film writing. Five stars.

An Incredible Book
This is an incredible book. Probably the best out there on Tarkovsky, my favourite director. The essay by James Quandt is amazing, as I also love Bresson. The new translation of Arseny Tarkovsky poems is also really interesting. Highly recommended.

Tarkovsky Coffeetable Book
Actually, I'm a little disappointed with this book. While it is big sized and full of fine pictures and good essays, I still miss something. I would have liked more pictures from the production of Tarkovsky's films, sketches and early concepts, and also more pictures from Stalker and Solaris. And also larger pictures. This may sound like complaining too much on a great book, but that's how I feel. 3.5 stars. Check it out before buying.