CINEMA SPECULATION

Author Quentin Tarantino's and narrator Edoardo Ballerini's combined performances evoke infectious enthusiasm for movie craft and culture, making this audiobook a compulsive listening experience for film buffs. Tarantino conversationally narrates reflections of himself as movie-going "Little Q" throughout the 1970s and recalls a fellow filmgoer with appreciation. Ballerini smoothly takes over for the remainder of the essays, his subtly expressive voice centering listeners' focus on behind-the-scenes dynamics between actors, directors, and studios--from Steve McQueen's BULLITT (1968) to Tobe Hooper's THE FUNHOUSE (1981). This rich exploration of genre pictures, period pieces, exploitation cinema, and praise for film critic Kevin Thomas rewards repeat listening. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]