Newspapers / Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.) / March 13, 2004, edition 1 / Page 22
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ut in print 'Idol Worship' examines the male^ form in American film by J.S. Hall Michael Ferguson’s “Idol Worship” is essentially a paean to the many gorgeous men who have appeared on the silver screen in various states of undress. While their acting abilities (or lack thereof) arc mentioned and career highlights (and nadirs) are considered, Ferguson primarily concentrates on why these men inspired thoughts both dreamy and carnal. Starting with the 1910s and continuing through to the dawn of the new millenni um. Ferguson studiously chronicles a cen tury’s worth of men who have quickened our hearts, put a sparkle in our eyes and lulled us willingly into fantasy. He also starts by recounting how the art of appre ciating male beauty has evolved since the advent of photography, cinematography and the Internet. His lists are admittedly personal favorites — and by no means a complete or definitive guide to male beauty on celluloid, just the same, they arc candid, honest and forthright. Many of the expected heartthrobs make the grade here — Rudolph Valentino, Errol Flynn, Montgomery Clift, lames Dean, Tab Hunter, Rock Hudson, Paul Newman, Richard Cere, Christopher Atkins, Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, lude Law and Colin Farrell. However, Ferguson devotes pages to for gotten and/or obscure hunks as well — such as Neil Hamilton (aka Commissioner Gordon in “Batman”), (effrey Hunter, Fabian, |an-Michael Vincent, Helmut Berger, Matt Lattanzi, Maxwell Caulfield, Rodney Harvey and Sasha Mitchell. Ferguson also keeps an eye on up-andr coming dreamboats like fared Lcto, Ryan Phillippc. Ian Somcrhalder and Paul Walker. Some might argue that Ferguson’s choices arc skewed towards Caucasians, but he also acknowledges the talents of Sabu, Sidney Poiticr, Bruce Lee, Denzel Washington and Taye Diggs. Amidst his praises, Ferguson peppers the pages of “Idol Worship” with tangents of varying quality — much of it bordering on rambling, but never boring. “Idol Worship” contains over 120 photos of half- naked celebrities, but unfor tunately the paper used in this book ren ders most of these photos dull and some what muddy, especially in the shadow tones. For $24.95, one would expect a better grade of paper and photo reproduc tion, not to mention some full-color plates for readers’ consumption and pleasure, but the only color photos to be found are oh the cover. Also, the paragraph spacing and closc-to-the-edgc margins makes reading more difficult than it should be, which is unfortunate. Despite these production flaws (and what some readers will inevitably see as omissions and/or oversights), “idol Worship” is an entertaining and thought- provoking collection of cinematic musings. it is also welcome proof that STARbooks Press has survived the death of its founder, lohn Patrick. info: ^ , “Idol Worship: A Shameless Celebration of Male Beauty in the Movies" Michael Ferguson STARbooks Press $24.95 Queer As Folk: The Complete Third Season List Price: $109.99 WHITE RABBIT PRICE: $84.99 , Available in a 5-Disc DVD set or a 4-Tape VHS set. Also available on DVD or VHS: Queer As Folk; Season 1 & Queer As Folk: Season 2 white rabbit charlotte 1401 central ave 704-377-4067 raleigh 309 west martin st 919-856-1429 wwwiwhiterabbitbooks.com
Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.)
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March 13, 2004, edition 1
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