Books

The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)

Average customer rating:

Hard-Earned Wisdom From a Master of Accomplishment
I expected more....
AWESOME & INSPIRING
what adds more weight to the measure of a man---fear, anger, or resignation?
Sidney -- Applause, Applause!!!

The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
Sidney Poitier
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0061357901
Release Date: 2007-01-26

Book Description

"I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite that contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questing. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set."
—Sidney Poitier

In this luminous memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure—as a man, as a husband and a father, and as an actor.

Poitier credits his parents and his childhood on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas for equipping him with the unflinching sense of right and wrong and of self-worth that he has never surrendered and that have dramatically shaped his world. "In the kind of place where I grew up," recalls Poitier, "what's coming at you is the sound of the sea and the smell of the wind and momma's voice and the voice of your dad and the craziness of your brothers and sisters...and that's it." Without television, radio, and material distractions to obscure what matters most, he could enjoy the simple things, endure the long commitments, and find true meaning in his life.

Poitier was uncompromising as he pursued a personal and public life that would honor his upbringing and the invaluable legacy of his parents. Just a few years after his introduction to indoor plumbing and the automobile, Poitier broke racial barrier after racial barrier to launch a pioneering acting career. Committed to the notion that what one does for a living articulates to who one is, Poitier played only forceful and affecting characters who said something positive, useful, and lasting about the human condition.

Here is Poitier's own introspective look at what has informed his performances and his life. Poitier explores the nature of sacrifice and commitment, price and humility, rage and forgiveness, and paying the price for artistic integrity. What emerges is a picture of a man in the face of limits—his own and the world's. A triumph of the spirit, The Measure of a Man captures the essential Poitier.

Customer Reviews:

Hard-Earned Wisdom From a Master of Accomplishment.......2007-07-02

Sidney Poitier exudes dignity, as both an actor and a man. Few are those in Hollywood who have received the admiration and respect which fans and colleagues alike bestow upon this man. Poitier is, indeed, one of our most revered cultural icons. So, when such a figure puts out a book detailing what it was that took him to become the person he is, it is worthwile to read it.

One of the joys in reading this book is its intimate style. Poitier writes in the same inimitable way he speaks, giving a reader the impression of somehow being alone and in conversation with the man as he shares some of his story and much of his wisdom. And what a story it is!

Sidney Poitier recollects the tale of a young West Indian boy who is the son of impoverished tomato farmers. One of many children, he went without most of the things we now take for granted and consider basic and necessary. But, as he tells it, he never thought to be in need of anything back then; rather he remembers this time as nothing other than filled with love and contentment. Such he credits to the hard work and good home provided by his mother and father.

The boy grows into a young man, leaving the Bahamas behind to find his own way initially in Miami and later on in Harlem, ultimately achieving success and celebrity in Hollywood. What he never could leave behind, however, were those lessons learned from his father. Lessons which enabled him to overcome the loneliness and the rising anger of a kid in a new and mostly cold land. According to Poitier, it was the role model provided by his Dad which gave him the strength to confront --and to eventually help diminish-- America's race and class prejudices. Interestingly, Poitier points out the two faces of American racism: The one which is explicitly ugly and in your face, and the softer, more subtle one that is often accompanied with smiles of condescension. The latter he would witness personified in the faces of certain producers, directors, co-stars and those with otherwise impeccable liberal credentials.

Poitier pulls no punches here. Rationalizing nothing away in telling this story. Some things will surprise you, other things will even shock you. For example, the time spent in the US army, and the things he'd done during this brief enlistment, aren't the actions one would expect from the distinguished gentleman we now know and admire. Also he makes no excuses for the troubles and failures of his first marriage, or for the emotional suffering this had caused to his beloved children. Unlike too many of us today, Poitier steps up and accepts the wrongs he has done without exceptions.

This leads to what Poitier found to be the most important lesson he'd learned from his father:
That it is what a man accomplishes in his role as a husband and a father which most clearly defines him. For his Dad --and for Poitier-- this is the true "measure of a man."

I expected more...........2007-06-27

With all the hoopla about this book I expected more. This was pretty mediocre as far as I was concerned.

AWESOME & INSPIRING.......2007-06-27

From the moment I started to listen to this autobiography (audio) I was immediately hooked. It not only gave me an insight into the authors life, his relationship with his parents, his own children and his journey to success. I was inspired and motivated by his tenacity to stand up and be counted against the odds, particularly in era and environment where you are judged not as a Man who is gifted with a talent to inspire others but by the colour of your skin.

Mr Poitier has not only been an inspiration to me, he has helped to pave the way for other African Americans.

Thank you

what adds more weight to the measure of a man---fear, anger, or resignation?.......2007-06-21

I want to start by saying that I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Sidney Poitier as an actor and artist in his industry. He is perhaps one of the greatest living actors of all time. I don't mean Black living actors. I mean one of the most accomplished actors, across the boards (he could be White, Latino, Asian or green with purple stripes, and this would still be my opinion). He received a well-deserved Academy Award, for his role in LILIES OF THE FIELD, high recognition for films including A RAISIN IN THE SUN, PATCH OF BLUE, TO SIR, WITH LOVE, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT and GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER. Just one word from Sidney Poitier, and who wouldn't melt?

THE MEASURE OF A MAN: A SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY is exactly what it says it is. It is indeed spiritual and it is Poitier's autobiography, taking an intimate look at his trials, tribulations, joys and accomplishments in the field of acting (both, on stage and screen). Poitier's formative years were spent in the Cat Islands and Nassau, before relocating to Miami, Florida (where he was born, while his parents were en route to the Bahamas) and then took a train to Harlem, New York on a whim. Little did he know that this move would secure his path to acting. As a young boy, Poitier dreamed of going to Hollywood to become [in his words] "a cowboy." He didn't realize, at that tender time, that those cowboys were actually given instruction to learn how to portray those cow ropers, fighting for the honor of young maidens, while kicking aside bad guys and tumbleweeds, in the same breath. I found these early passages fascinating and wonderfully written. Poitier clearly has fond memories of his childhood. Though, he was poor, his parents instilled in him a great sense of dignity and a very strong work ethic. This served him well when looking for work, barely scrapping by as a dishwasher in New York. He endured racial epithets and had to stand tall in the face of great racism and oppression. Yet, he didn't take guff from anyone. In fact, he made a point of outwitting guff at every turn in the road.

The second half of the book, on the other hand, takes a decidedly diifferent turn. A--shall we say--more self-righteous Poitier emerges here. I won't argue that life threw him some very tough obstacles to overcome. His early upbringing in Barbados did not prepare him for the racial inequality he faced in the United States. I don't believe this was something he was ever able to accept. Poitier caused rifts between his White and Black audience members, because, although his characters exuded great dignity, class and eloquence, this was not enough to earn the respect of some of the more radical people who went to see his films. In fact, he came across as "white washed," particularly when Blaxploitation films were surging in popularity (SHAFT and SUPERFLY, to name a couple of examples from this genre). Poitier's characters were men who fought with words, and rarely with their fists, while his raging counterparts were blowing away villains with their pistols. I could feel Poitier's anger for people who mistreated him swell at this point in the book, especially. It's like he was sitting on a cauldron about to boil over with the heat of rage. Poitier's bout with prostate cancer most likely gave him the push he needed to write his life story, with full knowledge that he, too, was mortal and on borrowed time (not unlike everyone else on the planet).

My verdict? Poitier's legacy lives on in his beautiful body of work in film. His book is a very visceral portrait of a man burnt by the very industry that he drew his finest creative expression from. It is at once brutal, unflinching and (at times) ponderous. I leave it up to you to read this and derive your own opinion about this body of work. For me, it could have easily left out the last rambling passage, because it leaned more toward purging. And, though purging (as they say) is good for the soul, there is a fine line between catharsis and collapse.

Sidney -- Applause, Applause!!!.......2007-06-14

I could hardly wait to read The Measure of a Man, as I am a huge fan of Sidney Poitier. It was everything, and more, I had hoped. Sidney is an eloquent and elegant man who chose to turn his life's lessons into his "rock". Stubbed his toes here and there, but used it to further his drive to choose the right path. He never compromised those very basic, solid ethics and morals in life. No sell-outs for this man. It wouldn't hurt us to take a look at our own actions now and then to see how well we're measuring up!

Average customer rating:

Genius
Beautiful luxury item..
The Kubrick Experience
A Lifetime's Work
An incredible film book.

The Stanley Kubrick Archives

Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Kubrick: The Definitive Edition

ASIN: 3822822841

Book Description

Stanley Kubrick The first book to explore Stanley Kubrick's archives is also the most comprehensive study of the filmmaker to date

Part 1: The films
In 1968, when Stanley Kubrick was asked to comment on the metaphysical significance of 2001: A Space Odyssey, he replied: "It's not a message I ever intended to convey in words. 2001 is a nonverbal experience…. I tried to create a visual experience, one that bypasses verbalized pigeonholing and directly penetrates the subconscious with an emotional and philosophic content." The philosophy behind Part I borrows from this line of thinking: from the opening sequence of Killer's Kiss to the final frames of Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick's complete films will be presented chronologically and wordlessly via frame enlargements. A completely nonverbal experience.

Part 2: The Creative Process
Divided into chapters chronologically by film, Part 2 brings to life the creative process of Kubrick's filmmaking by presenting a remarkable collection of material from his archives, including photographs, props, posters, artwork, set designs, sketches, correspondence, documents, screenplays, drafts, notes, and shooting schedules. Accompanying the visual material are essays by noted Kubrick scholars, articles written by and about Kubrick, and a selection of Kubrick's best interviews.

Customer Reviews:

Genius.......2007-06-01

The book is definetely a work of art. Congrats, Taschen, for such a well done job. You will find photos, storyboards, interviews, texts, articles and sorts of wonders from the Stanley Kubrick universe. The strip from a 90mm copy of 2001: A Space Odyssey is a delightful gift for appreciators of his masterpiece.

Absolutely worth-having.

Beautiful luxury item.........2007-05-17

As others have mentioned, this is a tremendously well put together book, with the tab system making it easy to get to the sections on the particular film you've just seen or are interested in. The essays, for the most part, are well written and engaging, and do a good job of enhancing the movies and giving you a context for the circumstances under which the movies are made. I've been using the book while watching each of one of Kubrick's movies, and it's a great way to get more out of each.

The size of the book is impressive from a collector's perspective but frustrating from an reader's - you do really have to read the book in a particular position, otherwise you may damage it. That said, the size of the book does enhance the tome's first half, featuring shots from the movies themselves. This might seem a bit dull, but for Kubrick, who actually grew up a photographer, it's well worth the time to flip through and marvel at the compositions.

Finally, I had wondered before buying the book if it was still in its first run with the filmstrip - as of May 2007, it is. I recommend sending a question to Amazon to ask - they quickly got back to me to let me know that the book I was buying did have the film strip.

Of course, the book is a bit pricey, so you certainly do need to be a devoted Kubrick follower to make it worth it. There are a number of other quality books with similar essays to the ones you'll find here, but the whole package - filmstrip, largeness of the book, screen shots, and the essays - combine to make the overall item something very special, and well worth it for those who can't get enough of Stanley.

The Kubrick Experience.......2007-03-28

The other reviews of this remarkable book have more or less summed up what I would say so I've approached it from another angle: I've uploaded eight photos to give you an idea of what this highly visual (and costly) book looks like. Amazon doesn't display images numerically so you'll have to see them at random. Click 'customer images' under the cover.

If you are buying a used first-run copy do check with the seller that Mr Kubrick's film strip is in its sleeve and the CD is also included, photo one shows them in position. Some reviewers have rightly said that owning a bit of '2001' from Kubrick's personal collection gives the book extra kudos.

Photo two will give you an idea of how the book is organised. There are two sections, each with a series of colored tabs. His twelve movies have a tab each and in the first section there are eight hundred stills, black and white and color depending on the film. Photos three, four and five are some of the spreads from Dr Strangelove. The second part of the book covers each movie in detail with an amazing collection of visual material to back up the text. Photos six, seven and eight show some pages about the background and production of Dr Strangelove.

The back of the book has a fifty page Appendix A, B and C. A covers three unmade movies: Napoleon, AI and Aryan Papers. B has three essays. C is a chronology of Kubrick's life.

This is a BIG book, opening to thirty-three inches wide and at over fourteen pounds in weight it really can only be read on a table. Needless to say being a Taschen book it is beautifully designed and printed and if you do buy a copy the Kubrick experience will be quite overwhelming and long lasting.

A Lifetime's Work.......2007-01-16

As a big fan of Stanley Kubrick, I had very high expectations of this book. I was not disappointed. The detail in the book and the quality of the images used reflect the subject matter - they are as meticulous as the man himself. All 500 pages. The book comes in hardback and I was lucky enough to get a first edition with a cell from "2001" from Kubrick's own print. I'll check in again when I've finished the 500 pages to update this review!

An incredible film book........2007-01-06

Everything a Kubrick fan could want. Beautiful images, detailed notes - you name it. It's a big beast but is perfect as a coffee book you actually read.

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

Average customer rating:

Compiles all three previous books plus more
Loved by an 8 year old boy
A great reference book.
A Hit with Even the Youngest Star Wars Fan
The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars:The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0756622387

Book Description

Provides a complete, comprehensive overview of the Prequel movies (Episodes I-III) and the Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), this is the definitive photographic guide to the entire Star Wars saga.

Customer Reviews:

Compiles all three previous books plus more.......2007-05-25

I won't go too far into the basics of the book as there are plenty good reviews here that do that. I will say if you can only have one book go give you information on all sorts of details in the Star Wars movies universe this is the only book you need. It covers characters, events, equipment, weapons, ships, and the background histories of all this stuff too. It's a single source for fleshing out the Star Wars mythos and putting you further into the fantasy George Lucas creates so many decades ago.

This book is essentially collecting the pages of all four previous Star Wars Visual Dictionaries into a single volume. Great way to save space on the bookshelf or coffee table, that's for sure. Also a great way to save a little money for you first time buyers by getting just one book instead of three. The one thing about the book (or rather books, as they did it too) is that some characters are on every chapter. Mainly R2-D2... he gets these giant splash pages on every chapter. I mean I love the little, but c'mon!

Now between you and me there is more to this collection than reprinting the four previous books into one. There is extra information in here too. Now the chapters covering Episodes one and two are identical to the previous books with the exception of losing the pictures that were on the inside cover and title page. The chapter that covers episode three has an additional 12 pages on top of all the original pages (again... minus the side-photos). Now I never got the original Dictionary on the original trilogy, but I can confirm there are at least four additional pages of content from that section.

I'm sure this volume has ticked off devoted fans who bought the previous books, but if you ask me it can still be a worthwhile investment. I'm not just talking about the 16+ extra pages, but the smaller shelf space as well. Think of it this way. Most of you had a few years to enjoy those other Dictionary books before this came out so in the words of an accountant you have already built value from the depreciation. Even if you bought a previous book or three this would still be a great buy (sell your old books, save that book space).

I had three of the four previous books and I am glad I have the new volume. This book is a good buy no matter how you slice it.

Loved by an 8 year old boy.......2007-05-22

I got this for my 8 year old son, who loves all the Star Wars movies, but doesn't always like to read. I have been hoping to find him books that would capture his imagination, and this book absolutely did. He's been poring over it almost every day since I got it a month ago, and has practically memorized it. He also takes it with him to school to share with his friends, who also seem to love it. I highly recommend it.

A great reference book........2007-05-18

This book allows you to go in depths of the characters of Star Wars and some who are not mentioned often. Find the many devices that R2-D2 has that makes him a lovable driod. It has detail descriptions of weapons, data files, and much more.

A Hit with Even the Youngest Star Wars Fan.......2007-05-17

I purchased The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars as a gift for my 2 year old grandson after I had bought him the action figures from the movies. He had watched the movies with his dad who has been a Star Wars fan since he was a youngster. I chose this visual dictionary because of the great photographs of all the characters, creatures and even the weaponry as well as the explanation of each character, etc. All are dealt with in great detail and help to explain to my grandson about each character. This 2 year old carries this book around with him and sits and explores the book by matching his figures with their pictures in the book. He can tell you on which page each character is found and knows them all by name. I have been amazed by this little boy's interest in this book. He is continually wanting someone to "read Star Wars to me" and, of course, we oblige him. This book is a super hit with the entire family. It is the best book of its kind I have ever seen. The book is written on an adult level, but you can be assured it is colorful, well-written, and entertaining to all who pick it up. I will probably buy myself a copy now, so I can learn more about all the world of Star Wars. It is a great coffee table book, also, and invites every visitor to reach out, open the book and become totally engrossed in it! I highly recommend the book for ALL!!!

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars:The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga.......2007-05-12

Includes every bit of the Star Wars Saga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pictures are the same as in the movies!!! Divided into section of the movies! A STAR WARS FAN MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A STAR WARS FAN MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A STAR WARS FAN MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature

Average customer rating:

What a Ride
Not sleazy at all
Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature
Great Book
Great book for fans of GRINDHOUSE!

Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature
Quentin Tarantino , and Robert Rodriguez
Manufacturer: Weinstein Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1602860149

Customer Reviews:

What a Ride.......2007-06-27

Talking about the movie, the girl riding on the hood of the challenger was quite a stunt and I have to admit that it was original and very edgy.
The girls in this movie were well cast and Cherry is hot.I can't wait to buy the DVD, hurry up and release it!

Not sleazy at all.......2007-05-25

Great transaction! No SLEAZY here! The book is great. The shipping was super fast. Thanks a whole bunch!

Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature.......2007-05-18

fantastic book with interviews, heaps of behind the scenes info and photos, screenplay for Planet terror and the trailers a very comprehensive book for any movie lover

Great Book.......2007-05-18

This book -- like the movie -- is tons of fun. The production teams commentaries throughout are very interesting, and they all have a lot of great stories. The pictures are great, as they follow along with the description of the techniques used to make the movie.

Great book for fans of GRINDHOUSE!.......2007-05-12

If you're that kind of person who really likes to know how movies are made and want a sneak peak behind the scenes of how GRINDHOUSE was made. this is the book for you. The book chronicles the making of both Planet Terror and Death proof. It includes many behind the secene photos, a breig history on grindhouse movies, and many production stills.

If you liked the Rodriguez/Tarantino doubl feature GRINDHOUSE, and want to know more of how it was made this book will most likley intrest you!

Average customer rating:

A great companion...
Newsflash: Persians are Real People!
WOW
not very happy
incredible

300: The Art Of The Film
Frank Miller , Zack Snyder , and Tara DiLullo
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1593077017

Book Description

What does it mean to turn one of the great graphic novels of our time into a major motion picture? In 1998, Frank Miller shook the comics world with his groundbreaking series 300. Marking Miller's first collaboration with watercolor artist Lynn Varley (Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns) in over a decade, 300 was a gritty reimagining of a battle in which 300 Spartan soldiers fought to hold back the entire Persian army. The series won five Eisner Awards, including Best Limited Series, Best Writer/Artist (Miller) and Best Colorist (Varley). 300: The Art of the Movie takes you behind the scenes as director Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead) adapts 300 to the silver screen. With 200 pages of production photos, concept art and much, much more, 300: The Art of the Movie is sure to delight Miller fans and movie buffs alike.

Customer Reviews:

A great companion..........2007-05-28

A great companion to a great movie and a great graphic novel.
Not often do you get to see behind the blue (or green) curtain to see how a movie is made.
This book gives you that insight!

Newsflash: Persians are Real People!.......2007-05-16

This is an interesting making-of book about an interesting movie based on an interesting graphic novel. I bought this book to see if I could get a clue as to why the Persians were portrayed as inhuman Orc-like mutant monsters, and while the book has something to say about the 'how,' it is curiously silent on the 'why.' Unlike fantasy creatures like Orcs, Persians (also called Iranians) are real people. They were regular folk in the days of the Battle of Thermopylae, and they continue to be regular folk today. I would think that Christians in particular would take issue with the misrepresentations of Biblical history detailed in 300: The Art of the Film. The Xerxes in "300" is the same Xerxes as in "One Night with the King"!!!

WOW.......2007-05-13

If You really Like this movie and besides you LOVE VFX, this book is just made for you, is the perfect combination of Art and CG Effects.
A "Must Have" For Movie Lovers.

not very happy.......2007-05-13

I still have not recieved this book and am wondering what has happened to it? Could you please let me know
Karen

incredible.......2007-05-13

This goes beyond the movie and helps you see all the work and creativity involved with the scenes. Definitely recommend this to anyone who is a 300 fanatic!!!

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

Average customer rating:

Write the truth...
THE book for understanding story
Creativity along with practical steps
You wanna write.... read and learn.
The bible of Writing.

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting
Robert McKee
Manufacturer: Regan Books
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ASIN: 0060391685

Amazon.com

Writing for the screen is quirky business. A writer must labor meticulously over his or her prose, yet very little of that prose is ever heard by filmgoers. The few words that do reach the audience, in the form of the characters' dialogue, are, according to Robert McKee, best left to last in the writing process. ("As Alfred Hitchcock once remarked, 'When the screenplay has been written and the dialogue has been added, we're ready to shoot.' ") In Story, McKee puts into book form what he has been teaching screenwriters for years in his seminar on story structure, which is considered by many to be a prerequisite to the film biz. (The long list of film and television projects that McKee's students have written, directed, or produced includes Air Force One, The Deer Hunter, E.R., A Fish Called Wanda, Forrest Gump, NYPD Blue, and Sleepless in Seattle.) Legions of writers flock to Hollywood in search of easy money, calculating the best way to get rich quick. This book is not for them. McKee is passionate about the art of screenwriting. "No one needs yet another recipe book on how to reheat Hollywood leftovers," he writes. "We need a rediscovery of the underlying tenets of our art, the guiding principles that liberate talent." Story is a true path to just such a rediscovery. In it, McKee offers so much sound advice, drawing from sources as wide ranging as Aristotle and Casablanca, Stanislavski and Chinatown, that it is impossible not to come away feeling immeasurably better equipped to write a screenplay and infinitely more inspired to write a brilliant one.--Jane Steinberg

Book Description

Robert McKee's screenwriting workshops have earned him an international reputation for inspiring novices, refining works in progress and putting major screenwriting careers back on track. Quincy Jones, Diane Keaton, Gloria Steinem, Julia Roberts, John Cleese and David Bowie are just a few of his celebrity alumni. Writers, producers, development executives and agents all flock to his lecture series, praising it as a mesmerizing and intense learning experience.

In Story, McKee expands on the concepts he teaches in his $450 seminars (considered a must by industry insiders), providing readers with the most comprehensive, integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen. No one better understands how all the elements of a screenplay fit together, and no one is better qualified to explain the "magic" of story construction and the relationship between structure and character than Robert McKee.

Customer Reviews:

Write the truth..........2007-06-26

In my experience books tested and proven before being written tend to be the best. A prime example - Angela's Ashes, won the Pulitzer Prize, fine tuned by the author McCourt doing a one man show talking about his wicked cruel childhood, growing up in Limerick, Ireland.

In the same way, Story evolved out of McKee giving lectures, and now, he continues to spread the word.

McKee is definitely an antagonist as opposed to a protagonist, and in person a funny and engaging fellow, and an excellent teacher. As you might expect, he does know how to tell a funny story, and he had a little fun at the expense of some of the sacred cows in the industry. I particularly liked his rant about Roger Ebert, who took his name in vain once but never again.

Anyway, the book shines a bright light on the elements of story. Conflict is to story what sound is to music. Story trumps dialogue in importance. Setups, payoffs, turning points, structure, inciting incident, protagonist vs antagonist, resonating and contrasting subplot, negation of the negation. Emotional value of scenes. Arc of the character. Act structure, rhythm and pacing. Text and subtext, beats, exposition. Character, dimension, step outline. All this and so much more.

Perhaps the most important single thing I learned from McKee is..treatment. The character treatment may be twice as long as the screenplay. This is the key difference between aspiring screenwriters, and successful ones.

I open my book, and look at his personal inscription to me, which I am sure he has written to many others... "Write the truth." I will, Mr McKee, I will.

If you were to find this review helpful, please click yes.

THE book for understanding story.......2007-06-24

If one were to read Joseph Campbell's, A Hero With a Thousand Faces, and Story, you would have the foundations (not formula) for understanding why story telling is such a powerful medium for communicating eternal truths. McKee says all people have an insatiable appetite for story. We can't get enough of them.

Creativity along with practical steps.......2007-06-11

When I wrote my first screen play it was fun and then I realized I needed education but didn't want to go to school. This book was the right read. McKee is a master - giving wonderfully reasonable examples of what works or doesn't. Certainly a novice screenwriter will benefit greatly.

You wanna write.... read and learn........2007-05-06

Being a playwright, I had had many reservations about transferring my interior visions into a potential movie.
This book covers the basics and gives details as to the 'what' and 'how' of script writing.
I enjoyed his explanations and candar on the theories about what each extreme (artistic vs commercial films) on the cinematic scale thinks and supposes of each other.
It cuts through every excuse one has for not getting to the plotting and writing; a fantastc sense of equality.
I am a believer!
The key is a good story.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.

The bible of Writing........2007-04-29

It's a page turner. Not only does it talk about story structure , but the real joy is discovering McKee's insights into human nature .

Through reading this book I have been fortunate enought to write 7 plays and have them publicly produced. It is the best book to read if you have interest in writing. I have since bought many other writing books and still it is McKee's book that I go back to, to read when I'm struggling with a play or screenplay.
It's my writing bible, my copy is all dogged tailed and has marks all over it. If you're serious about writing this is the book for you. I have like bought it over half a dozen times and given it to friends.

If you are serious about creating a STORY, in the real sense this book is for you.

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great book
Photo Book Review
If you like to take pictures, you MUST read this book
I still continue to read...
Bryan Peterson's books are great!

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
Bryan Peterson
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0817463003

Book Description

For serious amateur photographers who already shoot perfectly focused, accurately exposed images but want to be more creative with a camera, here's the book to consult. More than seventy techniques, both popular and less-familiar approaches, are covered in detail, including advanced exposure, bounced flash and candlelight, infrared, multiple images, soft-focus effects, unusual vantage points, zooming, and other carefully chosen ways to enhance photographs. The A-Z format make sit easy for readers to find a specific technique, and each one is explained in jargon-free language. Top Tips for each technique help readers achieve superb results, even on the first attempt.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-06-29

I'm new to photography, so this was a great book that explained the basic concepts while providing full page photographs to illustrate the difference in settings. Its nice to see two versions of the same photo, one with a certain setting and another without. It really helps you understand photography basics. This was exactly the type of book I was looking for.

Photo Book Review.......2007-06-28

Great book, can't say enough about this book. Loads of great info to help you shoot better photos.

If you like to take pictures, you MUST read this book.......2007-06-28

I am a prothusiast photographer. I have done some professional work and a lot of personal work. The best photographs I have taken are deliberate pictures where I have focused on perfect exposure. Exposure is broken down into two aspects, iris and shutter. For many, particularly novices, it is difficult to know to understand how to leverage the power of proper exposure. Understanding Exposure, the book by Bryan Peterson, dispels the mystery of shutter speed and iris. This book puts you in control over your camera. With the principles taught in this book, you can quickly go from photo luckout artist to photographer.

Bryan teaches everything you need to know in order to take pictures on your terms. One of the most exciting aspects of Understanding Exposure is Bryan's photo samples. The book is full of pictures taken by Bryon himself. He lists his aperture and shutter settings for each photograph next to the images. This in itself is a wealth of knowledge.

If you hope to consistently take excellent pictures, you must understand how exposure works. Bryan Peterson's book, Understanding Exposure, is the perfect way to go from photo novice to prothusiast, or to increase your knowledge of photography even if you are a professional.

-Craig Nybo, author of Total Human: The Complete Strength Training System

I still continue to read..........2007-06-26

I still continue to read this book. it is a great book for beginners. and the more you shoot the more the books makes even more sense.

go get it now if you are new to photography!

Bryan Peterson's books are great! .......2007-06-20

Second book of Bryan Peterson's I've read. He does an amazing job of explaining the different methods and really taking the mysticism out of exposure control. ISO, Aperture, Shutter speed, lighting, and many other topics are really explained in a clear and simple way so as to not leave any confusion.

It's funny, I noticed a huge different in my pictures after just reading the first couple of chapters.

Highly recommended.

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

Average customer rating:

Mind-opening, even if you aren't interested in directing
Useful, pleasurable
Learning the Rules Before You Break Them
Good book
Great technical information, very useful resource

Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)
Steven Katz
Manufacturer: Michael Wiese Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0941188108

Amazon.com

Film Directing Shot by Shot offers a good introduction to the rudiments of film production. Steven D. Katz walks his readers through the various stages of moviemaking, advising them at every turn to visualize the films they wish to produce. Katz believes that one of the chief tasks of filmmaking is to negotiate between our three-dimensional reality and the two-dimensionality of the screen. He covers the number of technical options filmmakers can use to create a satisfying flow of shots, a continuity that will make sense to viewers and aptly tell the film's story. Katz provides in-depth coverage of production design, storyboarding, spatial connections, editing, scene staging, depth of frame, camera angles, point of view, and the various types of stable compositions and moving camera shots.

Book Description

A complete catalogue of motion picture techniques for filmmakers. It concentrates on the 'storytelling' school of filmmaking, utilizing the work of the great stylists who established the versatile vocabulary of technique that has dominated the movies
since 1915. This graphic approach includes comparisons of style by interpreting a 'model script', created for the book, in storyboard form.

Customer Reviews:

Mind-opening, even if you aren't interested in directing.......2007-06-30

I've worked in the graphics design business for years, but more recently I've grown interested in working with video, primarily shorts and documentary work. I was looking for a book that could help teach me the "language" of motion and visual storytelling, and this book fit the bill. In fact, I found it to be incredibly inspiring as a student of art in general. It's extremely well-written, chock full of practical examples, and contains numerous time-worn techniques as well as cutting-edge experimentation. One funny thing: since it was written a few years before the desktop digital video revolution began, it talks about some of the difficult aspects of shooting which are now in many ways moot. But it's good to hear about the history of the craft.

If you have any interest in all in shooting, directing, or producing any kind of motion picture, show, or short, you'll definitely want to buy this book. However, be forewarned: you'll never be able to watch movies the same way again. You'll begin to pick up all the subtle nuances of filmmaking without even realizing it, so don't feel bad if you have to force yourself to re-engage with the actual story as you're watching!

Useful, pleasurable.......2007-05-07

I'm a college student, not at film school, who makes videos as a serious hobby. I thought this book was much better than other titles in the same market, because it's so specific. Instead of telling you what anyone with common sense knows, like "keep continuity" and "composition can affect the mood of a scene," this film lays it all out in detail. I recommend this for everyone who wants to improve. Even if you're not particularly interested in storyboarding, you'll learn how to think about your sequences in advance much better.

Learning the Rules Before You Break Them.......2007-01-13

Even though many of the great filmmakers may have not utilized storyboards, every one of them has pre-visualized their films.

Pre-visualization is the essence of what it means to be a director. A director can only be effective if he/she properly prepares for each scene. Even if one does not have every shot precisely planned out, they will still have an idea of the look and the flow of the process.

There are certainly many people who feel directing should be intuitive, that there should be no structure to the process or else creativity is stifled. This is a valid point from the perspective of the artist.

What is wonderful about this book is that it gives extensive insight into WHY one should cover a scene in a certain way. Directing as a profession requires a certain amount of preparation and PROOF that you have a handle on the film. Producers want reassurance that you have a vision worth pouring tens of millions of dollars into. Armed with the ability to properly express yourself in regard to your vision, you will have a much easier time convincing others to follow you.

So, in the end, if you are interested in studying the language of film and the methodology behind classic film composition and editing, then this book and the accompanying Film Directing: Cinematic Motion are essential.

Good book.......2007-01-11

This book goes a little overboard with all the storyboard info in it, but its still a highly educational book for novices. This book really wants you to develope technique for visualizing your film before you start shooting. That is beneficial for writers and filmmakers alike. I also have Katz' "Cinematic Motion" which a very good film directing book as well. I recommend buying them as a combo.

I wish the books were more aimed at video instead of film, but it really dont make much difference. The rules still apply.

Great technical information, very useful resource.......2006-06-01

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.

The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap

Average customer rating:

Buy it. Read it. Make a better movie.
THIS BOOK STINKS!!!!
Tarentino better watch out.
THE book
The title says it all

The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap
Stu Maschwitz
Manufacturer: Peachpit Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321413644

Book Description

Written by Stu Maschwitz, co-founder of the Orphanage (the legendary guerrilla visual effects studio responsible for amazing and award-winning effects in such movies as Sin City, The Day After Tomorrow, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), this book is a must-have for all those budding filmmakers and students who want to produce action movies with visual effects but don't have Hollywood budgets. The Orphanage was created by three twenty-something visual effects veterans who wanted to make their own feature films and discovered they could do this by utilizing home computers, off the shelf software, and approaching things artistically. This guide details exactly how to do this: from planning and selecting the necessary cameras, software, and equipment, to creating specific special effects (including gunfire, Kung Fu fighting, car chases, dismemberment, and more) to editing and mixing sound and music. Its mantra is that the best, low-budget action moviemakers must visualize the end product first in order to reverse-engineer the least expensive way to get there. Readers will learn how to integrate visual effects into every aspect of filmmaking--before filming, during filming and with "in camera" shots, and with computers in postproduction. Throughout the book, the author makes specific references to and uses popular action movies (both low and big-budget) as detailed examples--including El Mariachi, La Femme Nikita, Die Hard, and Terminator 2.

Customer Reviews:

Buy it. Read it. Make a better movie........2007-06-27

So you want to make a low budget (digital) action movie, right? Buy this book. Read it. OK, now you are going to either make a better movie, or spend less money doing it. It's really that simple. I work on low budget movies in Brazil, and when we say "low budget" we mean it; this book is a must-read piece of wisdom and inspiration. Not the most comprehensive, but sure to give you the right directions. In short, best 30 bucks I've ever spent on a filmmaking book (and I have spent a lot). Thank you Stu Maschwitz, for sharing all of this with us.

THIS BOOK STINKS!!!!.......2007-06-11

Ha, made you look. The heading was just an optical illusion designed to get you to read my review. As one reviewer put it, this is THE BOOK if you want a useful bible on doing action movies on a low budget. Just the introduction alone got me into it and I have not been able to put it down. Other reviewers pretty much sum up the meat of the beast. Just pick it up and read.

My only regret is that this book didn't come out in 2003, when I first started working on my own action low-budget (no-budget) flick and I'm still working on principle photography to this day. But then, it probably would've been a different beast. Also, it's primarily about After Effects 7, but I use After Effects 5.5 and 6.5. I'm sure I can still apply a lot of what he is talking about to these earlier versions though. I am so glad I got this book.

Tarentino better watch out........2007-06-09

This book gives the reader a great foothold in the world of action movie production. Effects, stunts, digital compositing, storyboarding, etc. It comes with a DVD of examples of the author's work and useful explanations of different effects from key action sequences as well as some files the reader can use in their own material. Plenty of useful information.

THE book.......2007-06-08

What a book! I think all has been said about it. If you like movies, if you like vfx&sfx, want to learn how to do it? Then you must buy this book.
Stu did a wonderful job of writing even complex stuff easy to read and understand. If he writes another book I will buy it based on the impression this book has left on me.

The title says it all.......2007-06-08

This is a great book, especially if you're just starting out. The narrative is friendly and easy to follow, and the DVD is loaded with extras (including the author's own film). It is, as the title says, an all digital approach to filming, editing in particular. This book isn't like others, in that it's strategy for keeping costs low is by teaching the filmmaker how to create nice production value using digital tricks in post. Nevertheless, there are tons of tips for the actual filmmaking process (great section about the dreaded airsoft problem). This is nice because it turns the book into a field guide as well. However, some of the sections are a little vague, often leaving the reader to figure out how he should go about creating an effect. Example: in the "Cleaveland for Paris" section the author talks about how to use digital mattes to create exotic backdrops for your film. But that's all he says. He never talks about just how one would go about doing this. That said, there is still a lot of great information that everyone can find useful, even if you do have to pick your way through it.

White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s

Average customer rating:

Thank You For Sending Me This Book
White Bicycles
Not long enough
Next Decade, Please
Engaging book by Joe Boyd.

White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s
Joe Boyd
Manufacturer: Serpent's Tail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1852429100

Book Description

"This is the best book about music I've read in years, and a gripping piece of social history."-Brian Eno

When Muddy Waters came to London at the start of the 1960s, a kid from Boston called Joe Boyd was his tour manager; when Dylan went electric at the Newport Festival, Joe Boyd was plugging in his guitar; when the summer of love got going, Joe Boyd was running UFO, the coolest club in London; when a bunch of club regulars called Pink Floyd recorded their first single, Joe Boyd was the producer; when a young songwriter named Nick Drake wanted to give his demo tape to someone, he chose Joe Boyd.

More than any previous sixties music autobiography, Joe Boyd's White Bicycles offers the real story of what it was like to be there at the time. As well as the sixties heavy-hitters, this book also offers wonderfully vivid portraits of a whole host of other musicians: everyone from the great jazzman Coleman Hawkins to the folk diva Sandy Denny, Lonnie Johnson to Eric Clapton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Fairport Convention.

Record and film producer Joe Boyd was born in Boston in 1942 and graduated from Harvard in 1964. He went on to produce Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, R.E.M., and many others. He produced the documentary Jimi Hendrix and the film Scandal. In 1980 he started Hannibal Records and ran it for twenty years. He lives in London.

Customer Reviews:

Thank You For Sending Me This Book.......2007-05-25

A brief confession: I have a deep passion for music of the 60's and when I read a review of this book in the New York Daily News I knew I had to read it. And I wasn't disappointed. Not being familiar with many of the performers mentioned(except for Nick Drake, and that's because of the Volkswagon commercial)I think I might buy that companion CD one of these days. Joe Boyd has been gifted with Memory and he uses it to the fullest here. White Bicycles is a fascinating and engrossing read, especially for anyone wondering what all the fuss was about. Thanks again!

White Bicycles.......2007-05-09

I bought this book for my husband, a musician, and he devoured it.

Not long enough.......2007-05-08

This book is an interesting look into the swinging London of the 1960's from the viewpoint of an American looking to make a name for himself in the music biz. Like fellow American Shel Talmy Joe Boyd was involved in many of London's top bands by running the UFO club and producing the Pink Floyd's first single, producing and managing Fairport Convention and Nick Drake and capitalizing on the new interest in the British folk music scene. This book starts with Boyd's childhood and his experiences working for the Newport Folk Festival, Elektra records, and his own Witchseason Productions. It is very well written and it makes me wonder why he has not written a definitive book on Nick Drake but that's for another time. If you love reading about music in the 1960's or just music in general this is a great book albeit very short.

Next Decade, Please.......2007-05-08

I hope Joe Boyd decides to continue -- he either kept incredible journals or has an astonishing memory. Either way, this is one of the best accounts of the era I've read. To have a producer discuss how drugs influenced/changed the music of individuals and bands while he was working with them, the role politics played in his and various partners' efforts, and provide his completely candid assessments (I don't agree with him all the time -- but he sure doesn't mince words) is just great. If you have the LPs, make sure your turntable is in working order. You'll want to relisten to far more than is on the companion CD. Now it's time for the Hannibal years!

Engaging book by Joe Boyd........2007-03-16

White Bicycles, by Joe Boyd, is a "pick up and don't put down all weekend" type book. Boyd has great storytelling style, here telling us about his career and where it took him with various recording artists, his escapades and participation in London in the "60's", and his professional development as a producer. I got the book primarily because I am a Nick Drake fan. The two existing Nick biographies, while diligently researched, and containing info based on many interviews, still have that degree of detachment that necessarily exists when the authors have never personally met their subject.I certainly wasn't disappointed-as Boyd's few chapters on Nick brought this departed artist to life for me more than the two existing bios. He conveys his interactions with the shy artist, and writes about him in a way that lets us see the person as well as the artist. Yes, it is very funny to read as Boyd describes how Nick answered his telephone (as if it had never rung before) and his first meeting with him after the intro by Ashley of Fairport Convention, then moving in to the production of Five Leaves and Bryter Layter, and Nick's decision to take a new direction w/Pink Moon, which Boyd did not produce.

But there are also so many other artists! The book is a fascinating journey through the emerging rock/pop/folk scenes of the 60's early 70's on both sides of the Atlantic, with some gigantic names, and some not so well known on one shore or another. My feeling upon finishing the book was a Question: I wonder what he'll publish next? I want to be there.

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