Stone Reader

Excellent film.

A classic documentary film.

A Satisfying Gem of a Film

Filmmaker Mark Moskowitz's inspired documentary, Stone Reader, begins with the singular notion of uncovering more of writer Dow Mossman's literary works. Upon discovering that Mossman's body of work began and ended with The Stones of Summer, a highly acclaimed but mostly forgotten first novel, Moskowitz sets out to learn how a writer, and a work of such promise, could have vanished with nary a trace. In the process, Moskowitz treats us to some delightful detective work that introduces us to an engaging cast of characters - critics, writing instructors and literary agents among them - who provide the clues to the puzzle that is Dow Mossman, but ultimately reveals the painful story of Mossman's creative odyssey. The search for Dow Mossman is at the heart of Moskowitz's story, but so is his love of great literature and the sad truth that talent is almost never enough to achieve literary success. It is a story told with sometimes ordinary, even mundane snippets from daily life - mostly Moskowitz's, his family and friends - that is at the same time deceptively complex. Stone Reader reminds us of our own lives and the daily struggle to make sense of the world in which we live. There are no happy endings, just the discovery of good ideas, great literature and the desire to create a thing that has truth at its center. Watching Stone Reader is not unlike receiving a present that, when opened, reveals other, smaller presents within which surprise and delight as we unwrap them, none more delightful than the present that is Dow Mossman himself. See this film.

spell-binding

Oh, of course, it is a Hollywooded version of a 'search' for an author who is finally 'found' at the home he grew up in. (Look at what wins Academy Awards if you want to see what is really silly in cinema.) But here, we have a beautifully woven story, with intrigue along the way to satisfaction. We have true characters, who are just playing themselves. We have the most important movie ever made, without exaggeration, about the importance not of movies but of books. Think about it. A great movie, worthy of more than one viewing. I enjoyed every moment.

A Warm and Wonderful Journey

'Stone Reader' is a gem of a movie, one that should be shown in schools across America. No other film so magnificently celebrates the importance of books and the unique connection between writers and readers. Director Mark Moskowitz takes us on a quiet, thoughtful, and moving journey in search of a forgotten writer. In so doing, he pays wonderful tribute to books, writers, editors, agents, book critics and, most importantly, readers. The movie is filled with wonderful people and wonderful moments, and will have you running to your nearest bookstore before the ending credits have finished rolling. Don't miss this one!

Learning to love letters.

Mark's documentary unearthed more than a reclusive author but the origin of many people's initial love of words, books and good old fashion yarns. The feeling i got from the movie is that it is never too late to rekindle passions, especially if they are lying close to the id. A great message within a driving theme, pick a book, any book and run with it.

Inspirational and entertaining

I purchased this DVD based upon the recommendation of a librarian friend of mine. I found Mr. Moskowitz's journey entertaining and enlightening. I disagree with the one reviewer who said that Moskowitz abused Dow in the end. I didn't see that at all. What I saw was an author thrilled that after all these years someone not only read his book but found it to be one of the best he'd ever read. I saw an author who'd been a recluse for years happy to have someone with whom he could discuss his work. And I saw a man so passionate about another man's work he was willing to do all he could to see the author's work reprinted. This movie is a must see for any lover of books or anyone struggling to become a published writer.

Completely amazing

I couldn't disagree more with the negative reviewer. I think he missed the point completely. This film is a must see for any fan of any literature. Not only did Mark Moskowitz manage to pull off an absolutely fantastic first film, but also managed to dig up and re-establish lost American literary genius - Dow Mossman. Watching Stone reader reminded me of what got me started reading fiction and watching films in the first place. Buy the movie and buy the book.

Fake documentary

I was surprised by how many critics (though not all) were taken in by this film. The film folows the 'search' for the Dow Mossman, who could have easily been found within minutes, rather than months, as in the film. Horrible recreations of Moskowitz and friends receiving the book by mail or Fedex--not exactly cinema verite. Though interviews with older critics are invariably interesting, Moskowitz has the habit of surprising his subjects or withholding infornmation from them, like some seedy version of 60 Minutes. By the end of the movie you wouldn't be surprised to hear him ask, 'What would you say if I told you I had Dow Mossman in the trunk of my car?' Mossman himself, when he finally appears, is a lovely man who evidently has had a lifelong engagement with literature. Also, for all the talk of literature, the filmmaker doesn't appear to realize that there are any books written by women.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing!!! great movie!!!

This has to be one of the top movies I have seen this year. It is a timeless masterpiece. This movie is for anyone that enjoys books. Even if you don' enjoy books this movie can show you why and how you can love books. The flim is beutifully shot and I recommeded it anyone, and everyone of all ages!!!

Pretention and Self-rightousness, alas

I'll Ceed the point that this movie excells in being a film about the love of books. However, it was so poorly done, its a better movie about human interaction. We see the director, here, who basically goes on this completely illogical search for this 'lost author,' who, when he finally locates the author, brutally mistreats the man. If you want to see how rich people can be unhappy and the destitute can be completely content, see this movie. If you want to see it because of the plot, do not. You will hate it.

If you love books, you'll love 'Stone Reader'

I just saw this film at the Daytona Beach Film Festival and it was fascinating. If you love to read books, you will love this film. I highly recommend it.

Calling ALL Book-Lovers!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this film! The director's fascination with 'The Stones of Summer' is rivaled by his fascination for the printed word! A true inspiration for all book-lovers!