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

Summary

In this episode of Awards Chatter, host Scott Feinberg interviews David Thomson, the prolific British film historian and critic. With a career spanning decades and over forty books, Thomson discusses his lifelong obsession with cinema and the evolution of his unique, opinionated voice. The conversation explores his early life in post-war London, where a childhood stammer pushed him toward a career in writing, ultimately shaping his analytical approach to film. Thomson reflects on his transition from a brief stint in film school to becoming one of cinema's most respected historians. He recounts his time in academia, including his tenure at Dartmouth College and his pivotal role in reviving interest in filmmaker Michael Powell. A significant portion of the discussion centers on his magnum opus, The Biographical Dictionary of Film, which he describes as a deeply idiosyncratic and evolving project. The two also discuss his latest work, A Sudden Flicker of Light. In it, Thomson argues that the modern fascination with on-screen antiheroes has contributed to current societal challenges, including the rise of political figures like Donald Trump, illustrating his enduring commitment to examining the profound impact movies have on the human experience.

Updated Jul 7, 2026