ReFocus: The Films of Paul Schrader

Reviews / Votes

This engaging assembly of essays thoughtfully considers the output of one of cinema's most misunderstood and neglected filmmakers and stands as the defining critical publication on Schrader as creator and critic. -- S. B. Skelton, Kansas State University * CHOICE Vol. 59 No. 5 * [...] a comprehensive and accessible academic profile [...] The scholars in this volume successfully locate and interpret the essential Schrader motifs in his films - the understanding of human guilt, despair, (sexual) repression, and individual and collective responsibilities. -- Tanja Bresan, University of Arts, Belgrade * Film International * Almost every chapter of this volume contains something worthwhile for the scholar of religion and film, and some chapters are essential. [...] this is a truly outstanding volume. -- Elijah Siegler, College of Charleston * Journal of Religion & Film * This anthology uses the occasion of the director's renewed popularity to make connections between his early successes and his more recent projects. It will be useful both to those new to Schrader's work and those seeking to better understand how particular films fit within his overall filmography. -- Kenneth R. Morefield, Professor of English, Campbell University As a filmmaker and as an essayist, Paul Schrader has always been focused on the life of spirit, often under the most debased conditions and shocking circumstances. That focus, as a writer and as a director, has resulted in several truly remarkable pictures. We've worked together on and off throughout the better part of our lives. It hasn't always been easy, but it has always been fruitful and, quite often, revelatory. Truly, I don't know where the art of cinema would be without his work, his mind, and his presence. This collection is a just and illuminating tribute to the work of a very important artist. -- Martin Scorsese Paul Schrader stands almost alone as an American who has made significant contributions as screenwriter, director and film critic. This book is the first to provide an in depth study that interlaces these three aspects of Schrader's lifetime of work in film. Here is fascinating reading about an important filmmaker. -- Professor Robert K. Johnston, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena