The Film Snob*s Dictionary: An Essential Lexicon of Filmological Knowledge : Book Review

"The Film Snob's Dictionary" by David Kamp is a delightful and enlightening guide for cinephiles who want to delve into the rich history, terminology, and subculture of the film industry. With a light-hearted and satirical approach, Kamp explores the world of film snobs, providing definitions and insights into their language, preferences, and behaviors.

Kamp introduces readers to a wide array of terms commonly used by film snobs, including "auteur," "French New Wave," and "mise-en-scène," among others. Each entry is accompanied by witty commentary that both informs and playfully mocks the often pretentious nature of film snobbery. Kamp's writing style is accessible and engaging, allowing readers to grasp these complex concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

While the book focuses primarily on terminology, it also delves into the distinct aspects of film snob culture. Kamp explores their fascination with obscure and foreign films, their disdain for popular cinema, and their deep interest in cinematic techniques and theories. Through these discussions, readers gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and attitudes of film snobs, whether they themselves identify as one or simply encounter them in their movie-watching circles.

"The Film Snob's Dictionary" goes beyond just glossaries and terminology. Kamp also includes entries on renowned filmmakers, actors, and film critics who are revered within the film snob community. This adds an extra layer of depth to the book, allowing readers to expand their knowledge of the influential figures in cinema.

Overall, David Kamp's "The Film Snob's Dictionary" is an entertaining and informative read for both casual moviegoers and dedicated film enthusiasts. It offers a playful exploration of the language, culture, and history of film snobbery, making it a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the film industry and its passionate subcultures.

What are readers saying?

"The Film Snob's Dictionary" by David Kamp has garnered predominantly favorable feedback from readers. Numerous individuals celebrated the book's humorous and witty writing style, finding Kamp's anecdotes and observations to be engaging and entertaining. This made the book an enjoyable read for film enthusiasts, with readers particularly appreciating its clever way of satirizing film snobbery while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

Reviewers also praised the educational aspect of the book, commending the glossary of film snob terms and references for their informative and enlightening nature. Many readers mentioned that the book deepened their understanding of film history and fostered a greater appreciation for the art form. Additionally, the content of the book was well-received, with readers noting the well-researched entries covering a wide range of topics, including specific films, directors, genres, and film techniques. The inclusion of lesser-known films and directors was also commended for broadening readers' knowledge and introducing them to new works.

Readers also commended the book for its accessibility and readability. The concise and focused entries made it a great reference book for film lovers, while the book's organization facilitated easy navigation and quick access to specific terms or references.

Although the majority of reviews were positive, some readers felt that the book appealed primarily to a niche audience of film snobs, potentially making it more challenging for those less versed in film to fully appreciate its content.

In conclusion, "The Film Snob's Dictionary" by David Kamp received praise for its humorous writing style, educational content, and accessibility. Recommended for film enthusiasts seeking a lighthearted read that expands their knowledge of cinema, the book offers a well-researched and diverse range of entries. While it may appeal more strongly to film snobs, the book is still accessible and enjoyable for readers interested in exploring the world of film.

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