Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Genre: Film Studies, Biography, Acting, Criticism

Book Review:
Robert De Niro is not just an actor; he is a force of nature. For over fifty years, he has inhabited some of the most memorable characters in cinema history, from the young Vito Corleone to the traumatized Travis Bickle, from the brutal Jake LaMotta to the hilarious Jack Byrnes. Douglas Brode's ''The Films of Robert De Niro,'' part of the venerable Citadel Press series, is a thorough and engaging guide to this extraordinary career, covering his work up to the early 1990s. It's a must-have for any serious fan.

Brode's book takes a film-by-film approach, a structure that makes it an invaluable reference. Each chapter is dedicated to a major work, providing a detailed synopsis, critical analysis, and background information on the production and De Niro's preparation. The table of contents alone is a film lover's dream, listing classics like Mean Streets, The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Deer Hunter, and Goodfellas alongside lesser-known early works like The Wedding Party and Hi, Mom!. This comprehensive scope allows you to trace the entire arc of his development as an artist.

The book excels at placing De Niro's work in context. Brode explores his legendary collaborations with Martin Scorsese, showing how the actor-director partnership pushed both of them to new heights. He analyzes De Niro's method, his willingness to transform his body, his immersion in character, and his uncanny ability to convey inner turmoil with a simple glance. The book covers the full range of his work, from gritty 70s masterpieces to his forays into comedy and drama in the late 80s and early 90s.

Illustrated with stills from the films, this Citadel Press edition is a pleasure to hold and browse. The cover design by the legendary Paula Scher (Pentagram) is a classic of its era. The back cover lists the price as $17.95 U.S., reflecting its accessible, mass-market nature, but the content is seriously researched.

''The Films of Robert De Niro'' is a solid, informative, and enjoyable read. It's the perfect companion for a De Niro marathon and a valuable addition to any film lover's library. It reminds us why De Niro remains one of the most compelling screen presences of all time. Recommended for all cinephiles.