Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film - Softcover

Biskind, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0747568871 ISBN 13: 9780747568872

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2004

Synopsis

In the late 1980s, a generation of filmmakers inspired by the directors of the 1970s began to flower outside the studio system. In the following decade, the independent movement bloomed. Steven Soderbergh, Quentin Tarantino, and dozens of lesser-known filmmakers began walking away with prizes at Cannes and eventually at the Academy Awards. Many of these directors were discovered at Robert Redford's Sundance film festival and were scooped up by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, whose company, Miramax, laid waste to the competition. In "Down and Dirty Pictures", Peter Biskind tells the story of the filmmakers and the independent distributors who revitalized Hollywood over the past decade. He follows the growth of Sundance from a regional film festival to the premier showcase of independent film that it became, showing how it succeeded almost despite Redford, whose visionary plans were often thwarted by his quixotic personality. He charts the meteoric rise of the controversial Harvey Weinstein, often described as the last mogul who, with his brother, left a trail of carnage in his wake, yet created an Oscar factory that is the envy of the studios. As in Easy Riders, Biskind's incisive account is loaded with gossip and outrageous stories, all of it blended into a fascinating narrative. Candid and penetrating, "Down and Dirty Pictures" is a must-read for anyone interested in the film world and where it's headed.

About this title

Review:

‘A total page-turner. The anecdotes, the characters, the fights, the stress of independent film-making are here in all their full-bloodedness’ -- Independent

‘As gripping and compelling as the fastest-paced thriller ... unmissable *****’ -- Hotdog

‘Dishy, teeming, superbly reported ... a juicy and fascinating exposé’ -- Entertainment Weekly

‘Smart and funny ... It’s a real rollercoaster ride’ -- New York Observer

‘Thoughtful, gossipy, and altogether mesmerising ... A shamelessly good read’ -- New York Times

About the Author:

Peter Biskind is the author of three previous books. Currently a contributor to Vanity Fair, he was formerly the executive editor of Premiere and has written for numerous publications. He lives in Columbia County, New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0747568871
• ISBN 13: 9780747568872
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 560