Rosebud Sleds and Horses' Heads: 50 of Film's Most Evocative Objects - An Illustrated Journey Paperback – Illustrated, 15 Aug. 2013

Each of these short pieces is as original and varied as the objects they celebrate. The author has an inimitable turn of phrase which delivers insights with a wit that delights and surprises as it instructs. It is for sure a book for film buffs, but I am far from being a cinema aficionado and yet enjoyed every one of these pieces. If you enjoy watching films, and appreciate good writing, give this book a go; and it is definitely a good gift for a cinema enthusiast. The illustrations make it an attractive object in its own right, though I did not personally feel that they were a match in quality with the text - I guess it's a matter of taste.

This is a great idea by a good writer. Harris has chosen his objects well and from a wide range of films. A white dress billowing in the updraft of the subway. A red balloon. A white carrier bag borne on the wind. A pair of sparkly red shoes. Harris's comments are insightful and he limits himself to a single well-crafted page per object. BUT the problem is the pictures. The illustrators have done a good job, but what would have been really welcome is a 'still' of the object taken from the film in which it appeared. By definition, as viewers, we have a very strong images of these iconic objects in our minds and an artist's impression of Woody or a light sabre will always fall short. Copyright issues, perhaps. What a shame, because ultimately, this good book disappointed.