Browsing through frames
LONG ASSOCIATION H.N. Narahari Rao (extreme right) with V. Shantaram at Suchitra Film Society in 1973;
"It was originally planned to select 100 films for reviewing. But during the process of selection the number swelled to 130 films, " says H.N. Narahari Rao, the author of the recently released book, "The Most Memorable Films of The World". But even with grossly exceeding the limit that he had set for himself, this longstanding film buff feels he has left out many films he would want to include.
Narahari Rao has been an active film society member for almost three decades and has also been a chronicler of the film society movement in India. In fact, the present book is his third, with the earlier ones being "Film Society Handbook" and "My Days with the Film Society Movement".
The book, "The Most... " has four parts - the silent film, the talkie, the French new wave and The New generation and the selection includes 39 film-making countries.
Cover of The Most Memorable...
The book, apart from giving a perspective to each of these periods, gives a brief synopsis of the films chosen from the period. It also lists out details such as the year in which it was made, the duration, cast and the director. Such information may be of great value to a researcher.
As Narahari Rao himself says in the introduction: "I have learnt that quite often, after seeing a film, members come up with some doubts and seek clarification. The notes have been written keeping this is mind. I also explain why I consider the film important. It should be noted, however, that this is not a scholarly treatise on the film."
For all those who've wanted to watch good cinema, but had no clue how and where to begin, the book is a good guide. It takes you a certain distance, from where you can journey with confidence, making choices that are more informed.
For copies call 080-22446681.
D.G.
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