The Art of Watching Films

by Dennis W. Petrie, Joseph M. Boggs, Dennis Petrie

Book Overview

The reader is invited to hone his or her skills in the fields of critical analysis and evaluation of narrative film. The author uses contemporary popular American film as working material to help the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0072556269
• ISBN13: 9780072556261
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Langua
• Length: 538 Pages
• Weight: 2.13 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent beginning film book

This book provides insight into the many aspects of movies. It focuses on the details that you don't consciously think about when viewing movies. Any beginning film student (or anyone interested in getting more out of the movie watching experience) will find this book very helpful. I also enjoyed the references to movies young and old.

"INFORMATIVE!"

This textbook was purchased to fulfill a required "humanaties" course, while attending college. It's informative, easy to read, and guides you into becoming a "trained observer" in the art of watching films. As part of the curriculum I was instructed to watch several films selected by my professor. Some of the assigned films I would have never viewed by choice, including classics. However, this textbook has definitely given me a whole new perspective when attending a movie theater or at home watching a DVD. I've also acquired a deeper appreciation and understanding for all the hard work that goes into film making. Buy it for school or as a guide to help you enjoy your next movie experience.

outstanding!

product was exactly how seller describe. the book gives great insight to understanding all the components and theatrical elements of a film. Every element in a film is purposely selected in order to catch the audience attention and emotions. Highly recommend this book.

Informative

Used this book in an intro to film class. I will keep it on the shelf as a reference book. For class it has smooth reading that is cohesive, didn't seem like it has filler information in it. It was fun to read. The context was very helpful in class for lectures, and movie analyzation. Goes over key aspects of film as well as very detailed examples of what to look for, how to see it.

Why did I like that movie so much?

A lavishly illustrated textbook, this book will delight anyone interested in the movies. The reader will be equipped to watch movies with a more critical eye--and may enjoy the experience all the more for knowing why something is appealing. You can open this book to any page and become engrossed in the text and pictures.