Magic Time: The Films and Scripts of Billy Wilder (paperback)
Magic Time: The Films and Scripts of Billy Wilder
by J.R. Jordan
Foreword by Austin Pendleton
438 pages
6x9 size
ISBN 9798887712505
“Historian J.R. Jordan takes us on a fascinating film-by-film journey behind the scenes into the genesis and creative process of one of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers, chronicling Billy Wilder's unique blend of cynicism, wit, and emotional depth that made his movies so memorable. As a researcher and fan, Jordan's concise summaries and thoughtful insights into Wilder's vision will inspire readers to rewatch his incredible body of work with even greater appreciation for the enduring legacy Wilder left behind.”
—Jaime Paglia, TV writer/showrunner, and co-creator of Eureka
“I want to live in Billy Wilder’s movies, forever, all of the time. J.R. Jordan’s terrific, loving book Magic Time allows me to carry them around with me wherever I go.”
—Will Leitch, author of How Lucky and The Time Has Come
"Detailed and insightful, especially on the writing and production of Wilder's finest films.”
—Martin Keady, The Script Lab
“Through loving analysis, behind-the-scenes context, and a painstaking look at Wilder's career-spanning motifs, Jordan gives us an engrossing ‘director's cut’ of one of cinema's greatest filmographies.”
—Ian Simmons, Chicago Film Critics Association
“J.R. Jordan puts before us a fascinating excursion into the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most versatile filmmakers. Jordan’s book also offers insight into the many luminaries who crossed Wilder’s path during his five decades of picture making. This is one of the best-written and thoroughly researched bios of a cinematic legend.”
—Steve Randisi, Author of The Merv Griffin Show: The Inside Story
"STARRED REVIEW. Billy Wilder’s legendary career yielded an enduring cinematic output, with his directorial genius behind such works as Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, and The Apartment. Here, Jordan (Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures) studies thirty of Wilder’s works, from early collaborations, through numerous memorable popular hits (Some Like It Hot, The Seven Year Itch, Witness for the Prosecution), and on to his final film Buddy Buddy. He delves deeply into each, offering comprehensive plot summaries and contextual background as well as analyses of Wilder’s signature style, directorial techniques, and unique treatment of characters and scenes. Skillfully interspersing biographical details throughout, Jordan builds a compelling picture of the man who began as a journalist and screenwriter, left Europe under the looming shadow of the 1930s, suffered profound personal sorrows, and ultimately rose to award-winning professional success. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about a who’s who of actors and the ever-changing film industry culture add flair to the narrative. A superb selection of film stills, an intriguing addendum chronicling Wilder’s trademark recurring motifs, and a thoughtful foreword by Austin Pendleton further enhance this fine work. VERDICT A must for serious film enthusiasts – well-researched, organized, and presented – this provides a memorable picture of Wilder both personally and professionally."
__ Library Journal
About the Author:
J.R. Jordan has been writing about motion pictures for several years. He is the author of Showmanship: The Cinema of William Castle and Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures.
SYNOPSIS & CRITIQUE from the THEATER/CINEMA/TV SHELF (Wisconsin Book watch):