David Thomson - 'A Sudden Flicker of Light: A Revisionist History of the Movies'

David Thomson - 'A Sudden Flicker of Light: A Revisionist History of the Movies'

From Awards Chatter by The Hollywood Reporter

July 3, 2026 · 1h 29m

About this episode

David Thomson discusses his career as a film critic and historian, reflecting on his latest book and the impact of anti-heroes in cinema.

The revered British writer on film — a critic, historian and author of more than 40 books, most famously one first published in 1975 under the title ‘A Biographical Dictionary of the Cinema’ and updated and reissued five times since as ‘The New Biographical Dictionary of Film’ — reflects on how a childhood stammer led to his fascination with words and desire to speak out; the happy accidents that led to his dictionary, and why there won’t be a seventh edition; and why he believes — and asserts in his latest book, out July 7 — that the proliferation of anti-heroes on screens big and small may have led to the presidency of Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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