Not Quite A Memoir

    

FEATURE by Harriet Robbins

I met Judy Stone at the Montreal International Film Festival in the early 1980s. I was inspired and impressed by her comments when she appeared on a panel discussing the role of the critic on the success or failure of films. She modestly said, "I give my point of view as a reviewer leaving it up to the audience to decide whether they like the film or not."

In NOT QUITE A MEMOIR--JUDY STONE, A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES (Silman-James Press) she explores the innermost thoughts and ideas of some of the world-renowned film personalities she has met over the years. Writing with candor and honesty, she investigates the human condition in all its aspects, affording us a better understanding of the world we live in.

Here is a typical and insightful quote from the South Korean director, Kwon Taek: "I believe that Korean culture must be revivived and brought into the international context," he said some years ago. This indeed did happen as we have seen from the recent acceptance and success of Korean films around the world.

Stone's book highlights the men and women of the film community in an important and fresh way, one that emphasizes their humanity and humility, their deepest thoughts and feelings.