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"You Talkin' to Me?": The Definitive Guide to Iconic Movie Quotes
This deep dive into hundreds of Hollywood’s most iconic and beloved lines is a must-have for every film buff.
"You Talkin’ to Me?" is a fun, fascinating, and exhaustively reported look at all the iconic Hollywood movie quotes we know and love, from Casablanca to Dirty Harry and The Godfather to Mean Girls. Drawing on interviews, archival sleuthing, and behind-the-scenes details, the book examines the origins and deeper meanings of hundreds of film how they’ve impacted, shaped, and reverberated through the culture, defined eras in Hollywood, and become cemented in the modern lexicon. Packed with film stills, sidebars, lists, and other fun detours throughout movie history, the book covers all genres and a diverse range of directors, writers, and audiences.
"You Talkin’ to Me?" is a fun, fascinating, and exhaustively reported look at all the iconic Hollywood movie quotes we know and love, from Casablanca to Dirty Harry and The Godfather to Mean Girls. Drawing on interviews, archival sleuthing, and behind-the-scenes details, the book examines the origins and deeper meanings of hundreds of film how they’ve impacted, shaped, and reverberated through the culture, defined eras in Hollywood, and become cemented in the modern lexicon. Packed with film stills, sidebars, lists, and other fun detours throughout movie history, the book covers all genres and a diverse range of directors, writers, and audiences.
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325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 20, 2023
This is a sleuthing in the history of the movies from golden period to 70s to early 2021. From Casablanca to Good Will Hunting & Titanic to The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, it is a catechism of dialogues and behind-the-movie scenes.
This is treasure collection for the cinephiles but to me it is not that much parallelized to my likings of books. Such compendiums can only be interesting if the collection contains unknown facts, not the known stories. If there would be one on the reason for why such movies planned or who were initially cast for the respective ones, it could be more interestingly readable to me.
Quoting one such from the book;
“I’m the king of the world!” Titanic (1997)
"Inside the Shrine Auditorium, Cameron’s impression of starving
artist Jack Dawson (twenty-two-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio), standing
atop the ship’s bow and exclaiming “I’m the king of the world!” with a
crack in his throat, was met with applause. It would also plague the staff on
cruise ships and commuter ferries for years to come. “He’s not the king of
anything,” Cameron would later say of Dawson’s touching scene, “but he
felt like he was, at that moment.” On Oscar night, viewers at home seemed
to be witnessing a man whose self-admiration was out of control."
My concern was why such useless info, their could be story about how he planned to cast both the leads of the movie?, but Alas! there was none.
Though there is enough to read I would go with 2-stars, as these info can be arranged from googling articles on the lead cast or directors' interviews or IMDb.
My NetGalley review
This is treasure collection for the cinephiles but to me it is not that much parallelized to my likings of books. Such compendiums can only be interesting if the collection contains unknown facts, not the known stories. If there would be one on the reason for why such movies planned or who were initially cast for the respective ones, it could be more interestingly readable to me.
Quoting one such from the book;
“I’m the king of the world!” Titanic (1997)
"Inside the Shrine Auditorium, Cameron’s impression of starving
artist Jack Dawson (twenty-two-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio), standing
atop the ship’s bow and exclaiming “I’m the king of the world!” with a
crack in his throat, was met with applause. It would also plague the staff on
cruise ships and commuter ferries for years to come. “He’s not the king of
anything,” Cameron would later say of Dawson’s touching scene, “but he
felt like he was, at that moment.” On Oscar night, viewers at home seemed
to be witnessing a man whose self-admiration was out of control."
My concern was why such useless info, their could be story about how he planned to cast both the leads of the movie?, but Alas! there was none.
Though there is enough to read I would go with 2-stars, as these info can be arranged from googling articles on the lead cast or directors' interviews or IMDb.
My NetGalley review
January 10, 2025
A fun little read about the backstory of some of the most famous lines in movie history. Good context for film buffs.
December 4, 2025
Fantastic movie lines. Great to hear some of the background behind some of these lines.
July 5, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Workman Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this book on movies, filled with information on famous lines from movies, making of information, popularity of certain films, and other reasons why people love cinema.
I can remember the first movie that I ever saw. I was 3 or 4 and it was in a movie theater in the Bronx, next to a two level pizza place that we went to afterwards, which might have also been my first pizza. The film was Walt Disney's Robin Hood and I loved every second of it. Sir Hiss was my man and his line "Buster? You, sir, have taken my seat" was something that I repeated ad nauseam to friends, family and especially my Grandparents who has special seats when they visited and I was quick to make fun of them for this. Even now I have a smile, and am thinking of watching Robin Hood on Disney+ sometime soon. And that is the magic of movies. Even so many years later everytime I see a movie or flip to one on tv I still get a little bit of a rush. And if it has a great line in it, I am in heaven. Brian Abrams I think understands this feeling, and has the same emotions, especially when the writing is so so good. "You Talkin' to Me?": The Definitive Guide to Iconic Movie Quotes is a compendium not only of famous lines, but a comprehensive look at films, and honestly a book that film lovers really shouldn't be without.
The book begins with the advent of the talkies, The Jazz Singer with a line that seems so normal but was really at the forefront of change in the industry. Almost overnight careers were made or destroyed, the production of films was changed, and scenarists became screenwriters. The book moves forward chronologically from to about a few years ago, identifying key lines and phrases, and who said them. The book also looks into the movies themselves, writers , producers, actors and directors, discussing careers, or lack of careers after certain movies. There are numerous sidebars, featuring directors, specific movies like The Godfather, directors and screenwriters, or movies by theme. In addition the book is filled with film stills which really add to the writing.
Not just a book of quotes which would be easy to compile, but a real labor of love by Brian Abrams that shows on every page. Abrams loves movies, big or small, and great writing, and has researched the movies he lists, and provides a lot of information. Where a line came from be it writer or ad lib, more about the movie in general, its box office and legacy. Even if one doesn't like the movie chosen, readers learn much from what is presented, like a semester in film school, but with a real learning experience. The writing is very good, very informative and with a real style. One can read straight through or pick and choose and learn so much, and have fun while reading. Also Abrams is funny. Not funny hah hah, but with a light touch when needed, a little corn when merited, maybe a Dad joke or two. Again though, one can tell Abrams loves movies, and it shows on every page.
I have a few books on movie quotes, but most of those are either film series specific or genre related. Very few encompass so many different films, from so broad a swath of film history. This is a book for film lovers, and and film students. Also a good read for future and current screenwriters and people who love to read books on creativity. Trivia fans too. I really can't wait to read a sequel on this, or really anything Brian Abrams comes out with next. I am sure it will be a blockbuster.
I can remember the first movie that I ever saw. I was 3 or 4 and it was in a movie theater in the Bronx, next to a two level pizza place that we went to afterwards, which might have also been my first pizza. The film was Walt Disney's Robin Hood and I loved every second of it. Sir Hiss was my man and his line "Buster? You, sir, have taken my seat" was something that I repeated ad nauseam to friends, family and especially my Grandparents who has special seats when they visited and I was quick to make fun of them for this. Even now I have a smile, and am thinking of watching Robin Hood on Disney+ sometime soon. And that is the magic of movies. Even so many years later everytime I see a movie or flip to one on tv I still get a little bit of a rush. And if it has a great line in it, I am in heaven. Brian Abrams I think understands this feeling, and has the same emotions, especially when the writing is so so good. "You Talkin' to Me?": The Definitive Guide to Iconic Movie Quotes is a compendium not only of famous lines, but a comprehensive look at films, and honestly a book that film lovers really shouldn't be without.
The book begins with the advent of the talkies, The Jazz Singer with a line that seems so normal but was really at the forefront of change in the industry. Almost overnight careers were made or destroyed, the production of films was changed, and scenarists became screenwriters. The book moves forward chronologically from to about a few years ago, identifying key lines and phrases, and who said them. The book also looks into the movies themselves, writers , producers, actors and directors, discussing careers, or lack of careers after certain movies. There are numerous sidebars, featuring directors, specific movies like The Godfather, directors and screenwriters, or movies by theme. In addition the book is filled with film stills which really add to the writing.
Not just a book of quotes which would be easy to compile, but a real labor of love by Brian Abrams that shows on every page. Abrams loves movies, big or small, and great writing, and has researched the movies he lists, and provides a lot of information. Where a line came from be it writer or ad lib, more about the movie in general, its box office and legacy. Even if one doesn't like the movie chosen, readers learn much from what is presented, like a semester in film school, but with a real learning experience. The writing is very good, very informative and with a real style. One can read straight through or pick and choose and learn so much, and have fun while reading. Also Abrams is funny. Not funny hah hah, but with a light touch when needed, a little corn when merited, maybe a Dad joke or two. Again though, one can tell Abrams loves movies, and it shows on every page.
I have a few books on movie quotes, but most of those are either film series specific or genre related. Very few encompass so many different films, from so broad a swath of film history. This is a book for film lovers, and and film students. Also a good read for future and current screenwriters and people who love to read books on creativity. Trivia fans too. I really can't wait to read a sequel on this, or really anything Brian Abrams comes out with next. I am sure it will be a blockbuster.
October 12, 2023
Check out my full review here and subscribe while you're there!
This is a great book for any movie-phile, and especially one who loves to know the stories behind famous quotes, from the many takes behind Jack Torrance’s “Heeeere’s Johnny!” in The Shining to the off-the-cuff creation of the iconic “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” from Back to the Future‘s Doc Brown. There are about 200 quotes, most of them featured in a page-long entry that includes the movie title and year, followed by a narrative description that offers a tantalizing peek into the story behind the quote. The quotes are organized chronologically, starting with the first spoken words in the first major release talkie – “Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You ain’t heard nothing’ yet!” in 1927’s The Jazz Singer. The last entry? “Wakanda Forever” from Black Panther in 2018. A great gift for any movie lover (I bought two copies), and a lot of fun for those of us who enjoy movies and quoting the best lines. My thanks to Workman Publishing for the digital reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great book for any movie-phile, and especially one who loves to know the stories behind famous quotes, from the many takes behind Jack Torrance’s “Heeeere’s Johnny!” in The Shining to the off-the-cuff creation of the iconic “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” from Back to the Future‘s Doc Brown. There are about 200 quotes, most of them featured in a page-long entry that includes the movie title and year, followed by a narrative description that offers a tantalizing peek into the story behind the quote. The quotes are organized chronologically, starting with the first spoken words in the first major release talkie – “Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You ain’t heard nothing’ yet!” in 1927’s The Jazz Singer. The last entry? “Wakanda Forever” from Black Panther in 2018. A great gift for any movie lover (I bought two copies), and a lot of fun for those of us who enjoy movies and quoting the best lines. My thanks to Workman Publishing for the digital reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2023
Thanks to NETGALLEY and Workman Publishing/Hachette for eARC!
3.5 ★
Was this a lot of fun? Absolutely. I would continuously read off things to my husband. Was it the book I was expecting? No; I was lead to believe there was going to be more, more of a dive into the quotes, like who thought of the line or why, etc, things of that nature. That doesn't mean this nifty trove of trivia isn't worth reading, because it is worth the read. It's worth a buy, honestly, but I think the description (which states the author, "...(D)raws on interviews, archival sleuthing, and behind-the-scenes details to tell the story of more than 175 classic Hollywood movie lines...") could use some tweaking. Or maybe I just read too much into said descriptor. Still, this is a nice movie lovers' companion!
A sidenote - My eARC had watermarks on a lot of images, which was distracting and somewhat tacky. I am assuming these will be removed for the final product, because they're a needed visual addition.
3.5 ★
Was this a lot of fun? Absolutely. I would continuously read off things to my husband. Was it the book I was expecting? No; I was lead to believe there was going to be more, more of a dive into the quotes, like who thought of the line or why, etc, things of that nature. That doesn't mean this nifty trove of trivia isn't worth reading, because it is worth the read. It's worth a buy, honestly, but I think the description (which states the author, "...(D)raws on interviews, archival sleuthing, and behind-the-scenes details to tell the story of more than 175 classic Hollywood movie lines...") could use some tweaking. Or maybe I just read too much into said descriptor. Still, this is a nice movie lovers' companion!
A sidenote - My eARC had watermarks on a lot of images, which was distracting and somewhat tacky. I am assuming these will be removed for the final product, because they're a needed visual addition.
June 7, 2024
This is a great book on movie quotes and I am glad my daughter got it for me. Now I am a fan of movies quotes and believe there is one for just about any situation in life. This book is not just a list of those quotes but is about the quotes and the story behind them. We all have our favorite little gems from the movies and this book addresses some of the lesser known ones with the ones we all love to hear and say when needed. From the macho ones like "I'LL be your Huckleberry" to the romantic ones like "you had me at hello" our memories are stirred but not shaken with the fun times in a darken theater when we were entertained. So if you love the movies and the lines that made them great then check out this book and remember.
September 23, 2023
Thank you to the author, Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read, looking back to the advent of the "talkies" and through to the present day and unpacking a key quote from each movie, giving some background for each movie/quote. The chapters are short and a quick read - some with new-to-me details, others warming up well-known stories. Obviously the author's choices of which movies to include are subjective - I skipped over some that didn't much interest me, others sent me down a rabbit hole to find out more. Overall, well worth a read for movie buffs.
This was an enjoyable read, looking back to the advent of the "talkies" and through to the present day and unpacking a key quote from each movie, giving some background for each movie/quote. The chapters are short and a quick read - some with new-to-me details, others warming up well-known stories. Obviously the author's choices of which movies to include are subjective - I skipped over some that didn't much interest me, others sent me down a rabbit hole to find out more. Overall, well worth a read for movie buffs.
August 27, 2024
There's no lighter summer reading than a book about movie quotes. Yet, write Abrams does a great job going deeper into the origin, context and execution of some of the most beloved lines uttered in American films. I'd like to say that they're all here but, since he only selected one iconic line per film, we get "You had me at hello" instead of "Show me the money" as well as other similar omissions. Either way, his 'inside baseball' approach, where we learn that some lines weren't even written (they were improvised) will delight both casual and hardcore movie fans.
September 25, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.
I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but it greatly exceeded them.
I appreciated the learning the history of the lines and the actors who said them. I also enjoyed how it focused on the professional lives of the actors and not private.
It's a book that made me want to re-watch my favorite movies again and check out ones I haven't seen before.
I
I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but it greatly exceeded them.
I appreciated the learning the history of the lines and the actors who said them. I also enjoyed how it focused on the professional lives of the actors and not private.
It's a book that made me want to re-watch my favorite movies again and check out ones I haven't seen before.
I
November 15, 2023
Love, love this book. Really took me back to places and times that I really forgotten about. So many marvelous lines that really created a folk following. Well written, full of fabulous background information and many iconic movie quotes that had not heard of before. A book to read over and over, and tell your friends about.. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DR .
September 18, 2024
A very fun read that covers a lot of the best movie quotes from the beginning of movies with sound (aka talkies) all the way up to Black Panther. You might not see quotes that you feel are the best of all time, but I think the author did a great job gathering most of the major ones and giving a quick backstory about the origins of the quote and their lasting cultural impact.
November 1, 2023
I loved this book. I’m not really a movie buff but these are iconic movies so even I knew them. It was really cool to hear more about quotes that are so popular (still) & the person that delivered the line.
September 30, 2023
Calling anything definitive is risky, and there are some notable omissions here (Pulp Fiction rates only a cursory mention), but this is OK as a reference guide.
January 18, 2025
Great bathroom book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews