Cinephile - by Adnan Virk (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From red carpet chaos to VHS rentals in small-town Ontario, one man's life told through the movies that made him.

Cinephile is a sharp, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining celebration of cinema from ESPN broadcaster and podcast host Adnan Virk--part memoir, part movie-lovers' manifesto, and a full-on love letter to the silver screen. Whether he's recounting the surreal night Moonlight won Best Picture, reliving his first time meeting De Niro ("Can I call you Bob?"), or ranking Paul Giamatti's most underrated performances, Virk blends pop culture commentary with personal stories, film history, and laugh-out-loud insights.

Drawing from hundreds of episodes of his long-running Cinephile podcast, Virk captures the magic of movies--not just the films themselves, but the moments that surround them: the midnight screenings, the awkward celebrity run-ins, the times we felt seen by characters on-screen more than by the people in our lives.

Structured around iconic actors, unforgettable awards moments, and the emotional themes that connect us all--love, obsession, ambition, failure--Cinephile explores what it means to be a fan, a critic, and a human shaped by stories.

Inside, you'll find:

• A film-obsessed memoir full of behind-the-scenes stories from red carpet interviews, ESPN studios, and the Cinephile podcast archives
• Tributes to screen legends like De Niro, Pacino, Almodóvar, and Giamatti--and the unforgettable performances that changed Adnan's life
• Cinematic reflections on identity, faith, culture, and coming of age, from growing up above a gas station in rural Canada to broadcasting at the Oscars

If you've ever sobbed through Tokyo Story, argued about Heat, or felt seen by a character on-screen more than anyone in real life--then Cinephile is for you.

Review Quotes

"A wonderful book full of my favorite kinds of stories. Entertaining and insightful for fans of cinema, sports, or (ideally) both."

--J. K. Simmons, Academy Award-winning actor

"From one Eagles fan to another, buy this book. Go Birds!"

--Miles Teller, actor

"I always thought Adnan was an expert in sports, but after spending some time with him, he's one of the most knowledgeable fans of cinema that I've ever met. Love this guy and love this book."

--Josh Duhamel, actor

"Adnan Virk's zest for life is infectious, and his debut book is as enthusiastically refreshing and entertaining as any I've ever read."

--John Ortiz, actor

"I have always contended Adnan is something of a polymath, and Cinephile confirms my belief. I just wish his erudition had extended to my classic films Pootie Tang and BASEketball."

--Bob Costas, Emmy Award-winning sportscaster

"Adnan Virk is ill. Sick. Troubled. Diagnosed with acute Scorsese. His addiction to film is neither healthy nor sane. He really thinks the world needs more of his thoughts on movies. I hate that he's right."

--Dan Le Batard, Incredibly Successful Podcast Host

"Adnan Virk is the only person on this planet I have never stumped with one of my obscure movie references. If this doesn't confirm his knowledge of The Cinema, I don't know what could. Buy this book."

--Keith Olbermann, ESPN and MSNBC broadcaster

"Having covered several Academy Awards ceremonies with Adnan by my side, let me be the first to say that there is nobody who loves the movies quite like he does, and nobody I'd rather work with on the red carpet. Cinephile provides a glimpse into the mind of a man obsessed with cinema, whose passion for the art of filmmaking is palpable and inspiring. Well done, my friend!"

--Ben Lyons, broadcaster and producer

"From De Niro and Paul Giamatti to Billy Bob Thornton and Al Pacino, Virk rounds out these famous actors into real people, revealing aspects of their work you may have overlooked. He gives insight into what drives their work and takes the reader along on a swift journey you won't soon forget."

--Jeffrey Lyons, film critic

"I met Adnan through our shared love of baseball, but we connected over the movies. What a surprise--and a joy--to learn Adnan would rather talk Robert Mitchum than Bobby Meacham."

--Ben Mankiewicz, Turner Classic Movies

"Adnan Virk's knowledge and appreciation of film is on par with any human being who has ever analyzed the medium."

--Nick Khan, president of WWE

"Finally, all the names Adnan has dropped over a lifetime of Hollywood sycophancy--all in one convenient place! Whether listening to Cinephile with Adnan Virk or reading Cinephile by Adnan Virk, I count myself a proud member of the world's greatest AV Club."

--Scott Rogowsky, the Quiz Daddy a.k.a. the Kosher Kershaw