Description
Book SynopsisMichael Powell and Emeric Pressburger were true visionaries of British cinema, creating glorious Technicolor masterpieces including
A Matter of Life and Death (1946),
Black Narcissus (1947) and
The Red Shoes (1948). Delving into their magical and obsessive worlds, this lavishly-illustrated publication presents fresh perspectives on the filmmaking duo, shining the spotlight not only on them, but also on their circle of talented collaborators. Thelma Schoonmaker, Caitlin McDonald, Alexandra Harris, Mahesh Rao, Sarah Street, Ian Christie and Marina Warner write about the key figures who shared Powell and Pressburger’s creative journey, and Tilda Swinton, Tim Walker, Sarah Greenwood, Michelle Williams Gamaker, Sandy Powell, Joanna Hogg and Stephen Jones reflect on the ways in which Powell and Pressburger’s stories and images have haunted and inspired them in their own work.
The Cinema of Powell and Pressburger draws on the BFI’s stunning design and archive collections, as well as key objects held in other public and private collections.
Trade ReviewThis book is a pleasure to read, full of generous appreciations of Powell and Pressburger’s work from a multitude of personal angles. -- Philip Kemp * Sight & Sound *
A lavish volume. -- Robin Ashenden * The Spectator *
A richly illustrated book … Alongside the films themselves, this splendid book is testament to a unique creative collaboration. -- Jacqueline Riding * The Art Newspaper *
The Cinema of Powell and Pressburger raids the BFI’s archive to provide definitive visual gloss on the partnership’s career. Gorgeous paintings from the production-design teams. Reproductions of pages from Powell’s diary revealing his immaculately vertical penmanship. Lavish promotional stills that work subtle variations on the moving images.
No coffee table is complete without it. -- Donald Clake * The Irish Times *
A superb acknowledgement of the powerfully collaborative nature of filmmaking … [And] a record of remarkable artistic freedom made possible for a prolifically imaginative director and writer to cast their spells, enthusiasm and love. * London Grip *
Table of ContentsA Letter from Tilda Swinton A Letter from Michael Powell to Emeric Pressburger 1. INTRODUCTION by Claire Smith and Nathalie Morris A Note on Collaboration by Thelma Schoonmaker 2. EXILES by Caitlin MacDonald Notes from a Photographer by Tim Walker 3. PILGRIMS by Alexandra Harris Notes from a Production Designer by Sarah Greenwood 4. BLACK NARCISSUS by Mahesh Rao Notes from an Artist by Michelle Williams Gamaker 5. STARVED FOR TECHNICOLOR by Sarah Street Notes from a Costume Designer by Sandy Powell 6. METAPHORS OF VISION by Ian Christie Notes from a Director by Joanna Hogg 7. THE RED SHOES by Marina Warner Notes from a Milliner by Stephen Jones Index
