Did Movies Ruin Everything?

David Thomson, a well-known film writer, finds himself in a complex relationship with cinema and America. He suggests that movies, with their lifelike qualities, often distract people from real life. This perspective is shared in his latest work, “A Sudden Flicker of Light.”

Movies, a powerful technology, have transformed modern civilization. They are accessible and adaptable, celebrated for their democratic potential and seemingly magical powers. However, they also serve as tools for dictators and as instruments of propaganda, influenced by unaccountable corporate interests. Through enticing images and phrases, films can spread misinformation, encouraging antisocial behavior and providing distractions to millions.

Thomson is not the first to express concern over the impacts of movie-watching. Over their 130-year history, films have elicited both wonder and skepticism. Critics include concerned parents, censorious figures, politicians, and intellectuals. These groups have found reasons to fault Hollywood and its global counterparts.

Thomson, however, does not fit these caricatures. He is a passionate cinephile, dedicated to exploring and celebrating film. His body of work includes monographs on stars like Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. He has written biographies of industry moguls, critical histories of Hollywood and world cinema, and fictional explorations of genres such as film noir and screwball comedy. His most notable work is the “Biographical Dictionary of Film,” now in its sixth edition. Thomson’s insights reflect a deep and passionate understanding of movies.