With behind-the-scenes gossip creating as much drama as the movies themselves, Hollywood in 1967 showcased the future of film in more ways than one. From the anti-heroes of Bonnie and Clyde and the illicit sex of The Graduate to the race relations of In The Heat of the Night, suddenly no subject was taboo. This was a time of turbulence as hip young filmmakers embodying the restlessness and rebellion of a changing America wrought radical changes to the traditions of cinema.
Scenes from a Revolution is an exceptional analysis of the films shortlisted for the Best Picture Academy Award of 1967 as well as an illuminating window into the popular culture of the time.
The depth and scope of Harris' research, coupled with his nose for a good anecdote, bring to life the book's dramatis personae of visionary egomaniacs and Machiavellian rainmakers. If you can get to the last page without having rented all five DVDs, I'd like to know how.
[Harris] is excellent on shifting attitudes towards race and homosexuality, but the real entertainment here comes from unsparing depictions of back-room machinations, business betrayals and egos so beastly Dr Dolittle would struggle to tame them.
Excellent . . . might justly claim to explain how Hollywood came to be what Hollywood has become.
Andrew O'Hagan, London Review of BooksA near-faultless work of film criticism
Melissa Katsoulis, Sunday TelegraphImpeccably researched, engagingly written and remarkably readable . . . the real joy here is the elegant flow of Harris' narrative, moving seamlessly from picture to picture and presenting a thorough, and entertaining, look at a turbulent time.
William Thomas, EmpireA fresh and detailed portrait of counter-culturalism on the move through American cinema. Harris' style is easy and lucid and well-worth spending time with.
Paul Dale, The ListBeyond the intrigue and the gossip, <I>Scenes from a Revolution</I> is a persuasive account of one of the turning points in our cultural history.
Daily TelegraphContains enough tantrums, firings and exposed star insecurities to thrill the most jaded Hollywood-watcher...a terrifically enjoyable read.
Christopher Fowler, Independent on SundayHarris's book initially overlaps with Easy Riders, Raging Bulls, Peter Biskind's roaring study of 1970s US cinema. But in fact it stands shoulder to shoulder with it, like a better organized 1960s prequel.
Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, MetroMark Harris understands that film making depends less on creative talent than on social connections, bullshit, and work done in restaurants. As an exercise in social gossip (and incest), <I>Scenes from a Revolution</I> is hard to beat.
Chris Petit, GuardianAbsolutely wonderful. An extraordinary book that combines social and pop history in an unputdownable volume.
Richard E. GrantA landmark new film book...can take its place alongside top-shelf film industry books like "Easy Riders, Raging Bulls," "Final Cut," "The Studio" and "The Devil's Candy"
Janet Maslin, New York Timesthe most revelatory and entertaining Hollywood book since Easy Riders, Raging Bulls
Ross Jones, Sunday TelegraphA remarkable reconstruction of perhaps the most significant artistic moment in the history of American film. What we have here is a clash of the titans?Old Hollywood versus the New?with the entire enterprise of American filmmaking hanging in the balance. Like a skilled novelist, Mark Harris keeps us turning the pages, with heroes to root for, villains to hiss, and plenty of intrigue along the way..
William J. Mann