Just a simple, brief comment and thank you to Bob Sitton for his excellent
review essay of the BFI Shane book. This is exemplary film criticism:
thoughtful, critical where need be, and full evidence of admiration for the
subject. A joy to read. Even the off-the-cuff 'trivial' remarks had me
smiling (the Taxi Driver reference, the 'strong and straight' remark). Also
glad to see the name of W.K. Everson mentioned in an academic setting.
People sometimes use the term "he/she is a walking encyclopedia" rather
flippantly. But Everson was the real McCoy. The ultimate 'reluctant genuis'
of film knowledge and scholarship. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr.
Everson on several occasions and will never meet another of his kind. His
passing away in 1995 was a great loss. I haven't read the Countryman's book
on Shane yet, but I'm sure they will be pleased with Sitton's review.
Donato Totaro
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