Book Review: ‘A Sudden Flicker of Light: A Revisionist History of Movies’ By David Thomson

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Books | 0 comments


The book is in stores on Tuesday, July 7th. Click on the link to buy a copy. https://amzn.to/3R0SkRJ

If you are looking for a timeline of movie history compiled by one of the foremost film historians, and if you find text sprinkled with harsh opinions from a pompous expert to be an added benefit, then David Thomson has written the book for you. The British-born octogenarian has contributed thoughtful film criticism to most every major publication, and this is his 45th published book – some biographies, some based on television, most on cinema, and all with ties to the industry that supplies moving pictures for entertainment. This latest book covers the entire history from Eadward Muybridge’s galloping horses in 1887 to the Best Picture win for Sean Baker’s ANORA at the 2025 Oscars.

Mr. Thomson has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and the years have not softened his approach in the least. It’s important to note that this book serves as an overview of an industry that’s well over one hundred years old. Rather than drop a brief synopsis on thousands of movies released, he instead opts to pick the highlights and then dig a bit deeper on those topics, films, and contributors. Never do we doubt Mr. Thomson’s knowledge, nor are we left wondering where he stands on a particular movie, actor, writer, director, producer, or studio head. His clarity can be blinding and abrasive, while also being informative and thought-provoking.

True cinephiles will find value in the historical commentary. Thomson takes us back to the days of the Lumiere brothers and Georges Melies, and through the “new” waves – the studio systems of Selznick, Mayer and Thalberg; ‘talkies’; followed by the French directors Truffaut, Godard, and Rohmer; and then the 1970’s brats of Coppola, Lucas, Scorsese, and Spielberg. What Thomson spells out are the eras involved as cinema reinvents itself. Of course, technological advances played a role in filmmaking changes, and so did societal and cultural differences. Pre-Code, the Production Code, and the morality shifts post-code have all influenced who makes movies and what we see on screen.

Mr. Thomson has a recurring comparison throughout of movies versus books – watching versus reading. The difference between plopping down in your favorite chair and quietly escaping through the page-turning is one thing, and yet, the darkness of a spacious theater and the illumination of the silver screen is yet another escape that brings pleasure. It’s not surprising that Thomson is no fan of watching movies on personal devices, or even screening movies at home. Nothing replaces the communal experience of a packed theater for opening night of the latest release. Perhaps this is just the latest shift in movie watching, and we will learn to accept, regardless of how much nostalgia is lost.

At times, reading Thomson’s latest is a bit of a downer as he dwells on a particular film or topic of which he’s no fan. However, as soon as we begin to label him a “hater”, he will eloquently describe his admiration of a particular film or filmmaker. His respect for THE GODFATHER and CHINATOWN is as clear as his understanding of the vital advances from those early days as the industry was building and developing. Segments on DW Griffith, Thomas Dixon, Erich Stroheim, Francois Truffaut, Frank Capra, Hitler/Riefenstahl, CASABLANCA, CITIZEN KANE. Alfred Hitchcock (especially PSYCHO), OUT OF THE PAST, SUNSET BOULEVARD, BONNIE AND CLYDE, the 1970’s are among the most interesting. Personally, I embraced the connection of Norman Bates to Hannibal Lecter, as those are two characters (and movies) I’ve watched numerous times. Many other films, directors, and actors are referenced, though the value is in the highlights throughout the timeline of movies.

In this book, David Thomson does what we’ve come to expect David Thomson to do. We even depend on it. He will shoot straight with us about his opinions, no matter how strongly many movie-goers may disagree. Pointed zingers are common in the book and often aimed at specific filmmakers and their final products. Thomson even shares his thoughts on Donald Trump a couple of times. David Thomson has devoted many decades of his life to an industry that he’s not hesitant to criticize. Disagreeing with Thomson on a movie, or debating him on the merits of a scene, are what keeps his work relevant after all of these years. He doesn’t seem to mind at all if we believe he’s wrong about something … just be prepared to defend your stance. A book that recounts history, provides insight from an expert, and encourages thought from the reader, is one that isn’t for everyone, but you know if it’s for you.

David Ferguson
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