Read it!
The Coen Brothers: The Story of Two American Filmmakers
by Josh Levine
ECW Press
  With a resume that reads like a broad sweep of the American cinematic scene in the '80s and '90s, the Coen brothers (Ethan and Joel) have firmly established themselves as two of today's leading filmmakers.
  Writing and directing smart, quirky vehicles like Barton Fink, Raising Arizona, Fargo and The Big Lebowski, the brothers have been able to successfully combine Ethan's love of language and dialogue with Joel's thought-through-process with regard to the images that end up on the screen.
  The book is not an analysis of the Coen brothers films, but rather the real story of how they write and shoot their films and how they raise the money for them, while maintaining the integrity of independence. This is not an easy thing to do in the high-wire act known as Hollywood.
Hear it!

Cecil B. Demented CD Soundtrack
BMG

  Despite some annoying industrial noise from The Locust and SubstAnce D, which works in the film, great "Whassup" rants from DJ Class and Mayo (both co-written by the film's director, John Waters) make this CD come to life in Waters' bent version of Hollywoodland.
  Interesting short cuts by Zoë Poledouris, Jerome Dillon, Moby and a soulful Karen McMillan round out this collection, topped off fittingly with a bizarre version of "Ciao!" performed by none other than the former King of Las Vegas, Liberace.

Autumn in New York CD Soundtrack
Universal Music


  This CD features the Jennifer Paige hit "Beautiful" and three other standout tracks from Madeleine Peyroux ("Getting Some Fun Out of Life"), Sydney Forest ("Our Love Never Ends") and Yvonne Washington ("Autumn in New York"). The latter two, unfortunately, aren't included in the motion picture, but are a bonus here. The rest of the score is by Gabriel Yared with vocals by Miriam Stockley.
- Gerry Young

Brave Films Wild Nights
by Brian D. Johnson
Random House
  One of the bittersweet joys of growing older is living long enough to celebrate anniversaries of special moments in our lives. The Toronto International Film Festival (aka The Festival of Festivals) is 25 years old this year, and this great time capsule of a book brings back fond memories of Hollywood North for anyone who has ever treasured a festival private party pass over the years.
  Featuring over 200 candid B&W photos, the Toronto International Film Festival is displayed in all its glory and goriness over the past quarter century, including behind the scenes gossip and shenanigans from the hosts and visiting "world class" stars alike.
- Gerry Young