The Film 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential People in the History of the Movies

This is the first book this reviewer has covered for Amazon.com that had its genesis on the Internet. The Film 100 expands data originally published on www.film100.com, a Web site created to honor the 100 filmmakers whose legacies have endured most strongly. Editor Scott Smith's choices are eclectic, covering names both familiar (Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, Greta Garbo, Clint Eastwood) and obscure (W.K. Laurie Dickson, Will Hays, Linwood Gale Dunn, Natalie Kalmus). Robert Wise, the Oscar-winning director who introduces the volume, writes that "while each chapter recalls exciting moments in the lives of the most celebrated stars, we are also introduced to some fascinating, hard-working craftsmen and inventors whose contributions took place far from the glittering sets of Hollywood." Readers can learn a lot about movie history from reading this book, and while it would be stronger if it covered its subjects less reductively and provided filmographies and bibliographies with each entry, the book's purpose is admittedly introductory. As Smith writes in his preface, "If the storied accomplishments of these innovators pique your interest, I strongly encourage you to search out additional material on the lives of these unique and compelling artists and tradespeople." --Raphael Shargel