The Right Stuff

BFI Film Classics

by Tom Charity

This study places The Right Stuff in the historical context of the political history of the Space Race. It explores director Philip Kaufman's subversive adventurism, his mastery of cinematic form, and the way in which the film combines the mythology of the Western with counter-cultural concerns.

Genres: Film

95 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 1997

Reviews

[Craig Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book enhanced and extended my (unexpected) enjoyment of the movie. After finally watching the film many decades after it was released--and finding it was much more complex and compelling than I had always assumed--this book was like having a knowledgeable friend with whom to discuss and consider the elements that make it great. Very enjoyable.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suprised (and possibly a little disapointed) that there were no reviews posted for this book.

I enjoyed this book about the film more than the initial viewing of film itself. Tom Charity background to the film and its literary origin helped me understand why the film didn't quite gelled for me. The book also remined me of a number highlighted within the film that I had enjoyed.

Tom Charity's writing style makes this an easier read than some of the other titles in the BFI Film/Modern Classics series.