Books for/about - films

Publisher: Taschen
Authors: Alison Castle

ISBN: 3822822841
List Price: $200.00
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Summary: amzing
this is the perfect way to get to know perfectly Kubrick's ideas of his films. With fotos and texts real kubrick's fans are going to be amazed by this book that was done very carefully.

Summary: Worth the weight (and price)
While Kubrick has been gone for years, his films remain a testatment to how good and how diverse the work of a single director can be.

The Stanley Kubrick Archives is an unsurpassed collection of a life's work, perfectly broken into two distinct sections.

The first section undertakes a belief of Stanley's that (I'm paraphrasing poorly)"the image should speak for itself". This sees all of Kubrick's films being given the storyboard treatment (sans ANY text) with perfectly-graded stills from all the key scenes from all of his films. Truly, when looking over 2001's stunning imagery, it's impossible not to hear the classical soundtrack playing in your head.

The second section is the truly archival section of the book with in-depth analysis given to all of Kubrick's titles plus some of his work prior to becoming a feature filmaker. Projects unrealised by Kubrick himself, such as A.I. and Napoleon, are also given some print. This section is a wealth of information that will delight for years to come.

While the price & weight of the book (it's staggeringly heavy but comes in a cool-as cardboard carry case) are great, this is money well spent by any enthusiast of quality films. While Kubrick's films were not all masterpieces, as the present overall quality of film seems to be on the decline, his body of work is certainly worth remembering.

Summary: The 'Big Red Kubrick 'Book!
Astounding example of how certain books should be made. Obviously, there is a niche market for this kind of bookmaking.
Luckily, us dedicated Kubrick fans can now relish all of it.
The book contains amazing details and 'behind the scenes' views on the making of all of the Kubrick flicks. I'm positive that no other director and visionary would have their works commited to such a project other than Kubrick. The final touch is the inclusion of an actual strip of 70mm motion picture film from 2001 that Kubrick himself possessed. My copy shows Frank jogging in the centrifuge. The only caveat is the splitting of some wide screen shots between pages in the first half of the book. Other than that this book qualifies as one of the best examples of how a book should be dedicated, regardless of price, for a one of kind film director.

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	Handbook of Thin Film Materials Five Volume Set Publisher: Academic Press Authors: Hari Singh Nalwa
ISBN: 0125129084 List Price: $3,052.00 Amazon Price: $3,052.00 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: Reviews: Summary:

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	Sculpting a Galaxy (Limited Edition): Inside the Star Wars Model Shop Publisher: Insight Editions Authors: Lorne Peterson Rick Mccallum Phil Tippett
ISBN: 1933784105 List Price: $395.00 Amazon Price: $395.00 Not yet published Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: Reviews: Summary:

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Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)

Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions
Authors: Steven D Katz

ISBN: 0941188108
List Price: $27.95
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Summary: Great technical information, very useful resource
This book covers everything you need from the technical aspects of setting up shots and planning your action. It uses storyboards as an effective teaching device to convey the basic and some more advanced concepts and does a better job than most of explaining the 180 degree rule. Negative reviews of this book state that it is too focused on the technical aspects of filmmaking and not as much on the people skills needed, which is true, but can a book really teach you how to talk to people? A great addition to any filmmaking library but would need resources for the non-technical aspects of film. You could make a great looking film based just on what is in this book, but it might not be the most thrilling. The writer does a good job of focusing on the work and not in telling his own stories.

Summary: Visualizing
This book is the only one I have found that goes extremely in depth into shot composition. Great book. However, if you are looking for a book that will take you step by step into how to acctually produce the movie, this isnt what you are looking for. This book is all about properly translating your vision to the screen, what works and what doesnt. Overall, this book was an amazing resource.

Summary: WHY???
Why is it that in all of these film books there is such a huge focus on storyboards? That's what a third of this book covers. I should point out that many directors, including the two greatest directors of all time, Elia Kazan and Stanley Kubrick, as well as Woody Allen, Bernardo Bertolluci, Sydney Pollack, and many more do NOT storyboard their shots. Even Welles, later in his career, admitted to making up his mind on the set, and Hitchcock, famously known for storyboards, only storyboarded the BIG shots, not the entire film. I just wish these books wouldn't focus so much on pre-visualization when many major directors DONT PRE-VISUALIZE AT ALL.

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Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting

Publisher: Regan Books
Authors: Robert McKee

ISBN: 0060391685
List Price: $35.00
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Summary: If you're a writer, study this book!
Bob McKee has done us all a favor. He has unpacked for us not only the elements of good storytelling in film, but why it is that when we view movies, we are so disappointed so much of the time. (It's as if he's got the great carcass of the 'bad movie' splayed in front of us on the table, and he goes about an autopsy). He makes movie-watching a mindful experience, not just an emotional one.

McKee sets about defining and explaining the construction of scene, action, character, idea, theme and beat; and in a medium that rewards perimeter-pushing innovation, McKee reminds us of the larger purpose of excellence, all the while grounding his ideas in history of story-telling: the Greeks, the classics - the proven. Then he backs up every one of his propositions with well-reasoned examples. He tells us, for instance, why an 'art film' should be more than just "anything goes," and he details the difference between character and characterization. Movie reviewers, take note: he pulls together and clarifies, finally, a standard by which to measure all the elements of film.

This book is already a classic, transcending cultural whim and current fads in movie-making, and I am certain it will become a textbook for serious writers of the medium called 'film.' (And maybe it has already!)

A note: I listened to the book on CD and although McKee himself is a wonderful writer (succinct and colorful both), he reads his own work, and his voice and delivery is a little... unyielding (for lack of a better word, Bob), but on the plus side, very authoritative - he certainly kept me wide awake on my commutes.

Summary: Profound Insight From Robert McKee
This is one of best the books I've ever read! I love this book!

Robert McKee breaks down the fundamentals and subtleties of story design masterfully. In the most matter-of-fact tone, he explains the basics of screenwriting form. From beats to acts, from character to characterization, from negations to the negation of the negation; it's all here.

Rarely verbose and often humorous, McKee's writing is a delight to read. Anyone can enjoy this book. It will change the way you watch films, read stories, and develop your own projects. You will walk away from this book with greater understanding and confidence in the craft of screenwriting.

I enjoyed Writing The Character-centered Screenplay, but this book is a knockout! Like so many others, I was inspired by to pick up Mckee's book by the film Adaptation. The book is an enlightening read and a great reference.

I found the index card suggestion extremely helpful! McKee's breakdown of story and character arcs is elegant. His references to Aristotle's Poetics are useful.

I've read this book once and I'm sure I'll read it many more times. Go ahead and read other screenplay books, but if you want real help on how to write compelling, quality screenplays, this book is your guiding light.

This book is great on a variety of levels. It will make you laugh hard, and it will move you. It will spark your intellect and creativity. This is one of my most important reads. I learned so much from this book. I recommend it to everyone.

Summary: Story is about Principles
Everyone is a storyteller. We are biologically hardwired to communicate through stories. Stories are all around us - we enjoy listening to and telling stories (Ever wonder why you take so much pleasure in those gossips at work? Well, they are stories about the life of somebody somewhere). However what makes the storytelling experience memorable is not the story itself but how you tell the story.

In a reader friendly format and with plenty of examples from the movie industry McKee presents in this magnificent book the eternal and universal forms of a well-told story.

If you feel you have something to say, regardless of what industry you want to be in, this is a MUST READ book.

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	Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) Publisher: Amphoto Books Authors: Bryan Peterson
ISBN: 0817463003 List Price: $24.95 Amazon Price: $14.97 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: Absolute must-have I absolutely recommend this book to anyone in need to improve his/her understanding of camera techniques. This book is awesome! Peterson does a really down-to-earth way of discribing aperture/shutter speed...etc...and the correct and best use of those in a very simple to understand way. The book is a joy to read. He gives great tips and tricks and even assingments you can do if you like to really see what he's talking about. I just got this book last week and am already a firm believer that with the help of it you can improve your knowledge and end result of your exposures/pictures. A+ Summary: A Must-Have Book For Any Photographer This book demystifies the complexity in the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, digital or film ISO and takes you through several practical exercises that establish clear and simpler guidelines for your photography goals. "Choice" is the keyword in this book, as he wants you to understand the difference between a proper exposure and a creative exposure and the choices of lighting conditions you can make and how to use and measure them. This is a definite must-have for the serious hobbyist to pro photographer and you can't beat Amazon's price of $14.97. I highly recommend it. Because his written teaching style is so good, I am going to buy his other book "Learning to See Creatively" from Amazon, while their price is so low. Summary: Talk about simplifying exposure! Bryan Peterson explains exposure in plain english. I have many books on photography and this book has probably been one of the easiest to understand and most informative books I have come across to date. His quirky, fun sense of explaining exposure keeps your interest in the book too. Highly recommend!! Summary:

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The Man Who Heard Voices: Or, How M. Night Shyamalan Risked His Career on a Fairy Tale

Publisher: Gotham
Authors: Michael Bamberger

ISBN: 1592402135
List Price: $27.50
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Summary: Like Mike!
I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be--like Mike...Bamberger, that is. This is a brilliant piece of work, virtually impossible to put down. It is the storyteller's--maybe every storyteller's--real story, finally told.

I believe! Can you hear me? I'm clapping my hands!

Summary: Outstanding
This is a terrific book by a versatile author. I have read Bamberger's books on golf and a suburban Philadelphia high school, and he's done it again here -- rich, complex characters, riveting plot, great storytelling. A "must-read" on any 2006 year's best list.

Summary: Wow -- did those critics read the same book I did?
...Or did they even read the book? I like reading books that stir controversy, and we sure have one here! In one corner, your establishment studio types who can't stand the fact that moviemaker M. Night Shyamalan dared to pursue his dream, and that -- heaven forbid -- a gifted writer decided that a book about his thought processes and, yes, egocentricities would be a compelling drama to write over the course of a year. In the other corner, well...I guess...me, a guy who likes to read about filmaking and filmakers, and about what makes interesting, quirky, successful people do what they do.

Unlike, I gather, most Americans, I knew very little about M. Night Shyamalan when I opened this book (it was a housegift this past weekend from a guest). Having read the book, I would observe two things: First, I can't say I'd want him as my boss. Second, since he's not my boss, I can objectively report that this book is a hum-dinger -- beautifully written, outstanding character development and very personal, as the author confesses his dilemma in writing it in the first place. But he does a great job -- I couldn't put it down.

I feel badly for those folks who channel their negative views about the film maker into negative reviews of this book -- anyone who reads this book objectively will really enjoy it.

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A Princess Remembers: The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur

Publisher: South Asia Books
Authors: Devi Gayatri

ISBN: 8171673074
List Price: $29.95
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Summary: Good for insights on pre-independance Indian royals
This book gives a detailed picture of personal life of Maharani Gayatri Devi. Kind of gave me more thoughts on how the India could have evolved had it been not given to the hands of Nehru(subsequently to Indira Gandhi). The book has details of early childhood, adolecense, after marriage and post independance aspects of the life of Gayatri Devi.

I think the book needs a updated version, with one or 2 chapters dedicated towards her life in 80's and 1990's. This is one of the best auto-biographies I have ever read.

A must read for some one interested in Indian history just before and after independance; also for folks interested in dwelling into royal lifestyles.

Summary: Lifestyles of the Indian rich n famous
I read this book over a span of 2 days, which leads me to conclude that the prose and sequencing are comparable to any best seller fiction. For a person born in independet India, it was fascinating to read about the jet setting lifestyles of the royals 80 years ago. The author has a selective memory and chooses to speak about the non-controversial aspects of royal living, which was immensely enjoyable. However I wish she had devoted some more pages on the cultural differences between Cooch Behar & Jaipur, for instance what language did she use to communicate with her husband , his other wives....english?? How did she adjust to the lifestyle in post independence India.

Summary: a princess remembers
it is an amazing book if u want to have an insight to the lives of our so called indian royalty...a life full of nothing but parties and balls ... going to france for shopping the sarees...amazing..especially for a woman who was born in the times when the whole country was struggling against the britishers...and all the country was involved except theses so called royalty who are interested in showing off their close relations with the british..i am amazed when they claim their love for the country yet they didn't do anything to make this country independent..all they are lamenting is their loss of titles when millions lost their lives ...complete apathy and lack of feeling for the land they were born in...it is eye opening.. a must read book

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