May 102013
The Film Book
A comprehensive, fun-to-browse, and easy-to-use source of everything you want to know about the movies and the people behind them, The Film Book is a unique treasure trove of a guide that will appeal to anyone who loves movies. From the history of the art form to techniques, and then the films themselves, The Film Book provides an overview of cinematic styles and genres; the industry’s greatest and most influential directors, and their key works; as well as looking at filmmaking around the world
List Price: $ 25.00
Price: $ 8.95
DK does it again!,
Dorling-Kindersley brings its design genius to yet another beautiful reference work. “The Film Book: A Complete Guide to the World of Cinema” is a 350-page hardcover repackaging of its 512-page softcover “Eyewitness Companions: Film,” first published in 2006. That earlier volume was considerably narrower and thicker than the new one (8.75 x 5.25 x 1.25 inches versus 9.5 x 8 x 1 inches), so its print and photos were considerably smaller. “The Film Book,” on the other hand, gives its words the space they deserve and its photos room to breathe.
While no book can be truly comprehensive when surveying a field as vast as that of the cinema, the author does touch upon most of the important things one should know about the subject. He can’t possibly profile every contemporary filmmaker or popular film, but he does introduce readers to many varieties of the art form that they may be unfamiliar with. No one can come away from this book without learning something new and wanting to explore further.
Movie fans will rejoice in a well-written, copiously-illustrated overview of their passion, which comes in an oversized metal canister that resembles one for a film reel. The book concisely covers film history, production techniques, and major genres, 100 key directors and 100 classic movies, and filmmaking in every corner of the globe. A pleasure to browse, it includes a wide variety of sidebars, top-ten lists, suggested viewing, and rare photos. There are insightful quotes, intriguing trivia, a glossary, an index, and more.
One negative note: although the canister is a clever touch, its design seems flawed to me. Since the book is larger than the case (which is 10 x 9.2 x 1.7 inches), it rattles around inside unless you keep the cardboard inserts it’s packed with. The canister also consumes more space on a shelf than the book does and has the potential to scratch the shelf due to a sharp corner on its lid. On the other hand, the book is complete on its own, so if you don’t keep it in the case, this isn’t an issue.
Was this review helpful to you?
Getting More For Your Money,
The old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Contrary to this expression, there’s also an expression which is one of my all time favorites, “Great things come in small packages.” That’s exactly what this item is. This is a Christmas gift for my brother whose a screenwriter and knows just about everything there is to know about film, and this will be a great reference, nonetheless, ‘just in case there are a few things he doesn’t yet know.’
Came shipped in with two other gifts, but was wrapped well enough in foam wrapping. The collection is rather impressive from what I was able to see of it. The case is one of the more impressive features, being (out of steel/metal), whatever you wish to call it, which gives the book that “old-style reel look.” I was originally going to purchase this at a mall book store, but they were sold out.
Great thing about this collection, what I’ve heard from reviews that is, that this collection is really worth what the inexpensive cost is. I’m not one to judge from an entertainment-industry point of view, but as the brother to one who is, I believed it is most likely a great gift, especially with the references. Maybe he’ll even allow me to borrow it from time to time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Excellent book.,
It comes in a clever and protective metal box, as if it actually contained a reel of film. This used book was in pristine condition, better than the seller described. I was (again) disappointed it did not contain more of the classic films being shown on TCM and AMC, Having purchased several books of this type, I realize no one book can possibly encompass all the films we may want to find. This book is an excellent addition to those I have of this genre. Gaps within each book are filled in by others. I’ve learned not to expect one book to have it all, and am pleased to have several excellent books to reference. This is one of them.
Was this review helpful to you?
