The Film Club

David Gilmour

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Jesse didn't want to go to school anymore. After much deliberation, his father offers him an unconventional deal: he can drop out, sleep all day, not work, not pay rent, but on one condition - that he watches three films a week, of his father's choosing.

What follows is an unusual journey as week by week, side by side, they watch the world's best (and occasionally worst) films - from True Romance to Chunking Express, A Hard Day's Night to Rosemary's Baby, and La Dolce Vita to Giant. The films get them talking: about girls, music, heartbreak, work, drugs, money, friendship - but they also open doors to a young man's interior life at a time when a parent is normally shut out. Gradually the father's initial worries are set aside as he watches his son morph from chaotic teenager to self-assured adult - who even starts to get up before noon. As the film club moves towards its poignant and inevitable conclusion, the young man makes a decision which surprises even his father...

The Film Club is a book that goes straight to the heart. Honest, unsparing, and emotive, it follows one man's attempt to chart a course for his beloved son's rocky passage into adulthood.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Bonding Through Movies: Gilmour and his son form a strong bond by watching and discussing films together, using cinema as a means of communication and connection.

  2. Alternative Education: Gilmour allows his son to drop out of high school on the condition that they watch three movies a week together and engage in discussions about them, illustrating an unconventional approach to education.

  3. Cinematic Exploration: Through their film club, Gilmour introduces his son to a wide range of films from different genres, eras, and cultures, broadening his cinematic horizons.

  4. Father-Son Dynamics: The book delves into the dynamics of the father-son relationship, exploring themes of trust, understanding, and mutual respect as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and parenthood.

  5. Life Lessons: Gilmour uses the films they watch as a springboard for discussing important life lessons and moral values, imparting wisdom to his son through the stories and characters on screen.

  6. Cultural References: The book is rich in cultural references, as Gilmour and his son explore the history of cinema and its impact on society, art, and personal identity.

  7. Escapism and Empathy: Cinema serves as a form of escapism for both father and son, allowing them to immerse themselves in different worlds and empathize with characters from diverse backgrounds.

  8. Personal Growth: Through their film club, both Gilmour and his son experience personal growth and self-discovery, learning valuable lessons about themselves and each other along the way.

  9. Challenges and Conflict: The book does not shy away from addressing the challenges and conflicts that arise within the family, as they grapple with issues such as rebellion, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

  10. Celebration of Cinema: Above all, "The Film Club" celebrates the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and transform lives, highlighting its role as a universal language that transcends age, culture, and background.

Language English
ISBN-10 009193799X
ISBN-13 9780091937997
No of pages 248
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Ebury Press
Published Date 01 Apr 2010

About Author

Author : David Gilmour

1 Books

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