Get the Picture?: The Movie Lover's Guide to Watching Films

by Jim Piper

Book Overview

An introduction to film, written by film professor and enthusiast Jim Piper. It offers explanations of how different techniques and styles have been used throughout cinematic history to tell a story... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581155131
• ISBN13: 9781581155136
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Allworth
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Book about films is far from boring

After reading Jim Piper's "Get the Picture? The movie Lover's Guide to Watching Films," I must say I was quite pleased with all that I read. Being a person who not only watches numerous films, but also creates films of my own, this book broke down the many elements of film into an easy, understandable, nd interesting book that describes to the avid movie-goer what everything they see on the big-screen actually means. From analyzing musical soundtracks, to distinguishing between different lighting techniques, this book gives a first-rate explanation for every nook-and-cranny the film industry throws towards and audience. What was great about this book was that not only did it tell me what a specially designed shot or thematic piece of music represented, but it also accompanies with such information with pictures, as well as lists of movies in which the chapter's discussion can be found for viewing. The author obviously is a first-rate independent filmmaker himself, and while all of the information is thoroughly explained, it is written in a context that all ages from high school and up will easily understand. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on realistic and formalistic film styles. I received this book as a Christmas gift last year, and while seeing the learning potential in it, I read it, and I was extremely satisfied with what is has to offer. I know that after reading this book, you'll never look at a movie the same way again!

A Good Read

This book could very easily have been a dry, scholarly Film Appreciation 101 text. Fortunately, it's entertaining and written in a breezy style. Another good point is the use of popular contemporary films as examples. Yes, Orson Welles and Akira Kurosawa are mentioned throughout, but so are The Fugitive and Enemy of the State. Highly recommended.

A Great Film Go'ers Handbook!

This is a fine film text, It shows the average film goer how to better to understand the sublety of story-telling that is employed in the medium of film, with engaging and easy to understand examples. that allowed me, the average film goer to better enjoy my film going experience. I highly reccomend this book.

Getting beyond, "The movie was good."

If you're looking for very readable guide that will help you gain better insight about movies, you can do no better than Jim Piper's Get the Picture? Jim is a watcher, producer, and teacher of movies. In his guide outlines what to look for in movies: cinematic aspects--various shots, frames, angles, lighting, dialog, music, art space; and literary (story) aspects--plot, point of view, characterization, setting, tone, and meaning. He covers these aspects of film by providing over an hundred references to early, comtemporary, modern, foriegn and independant movies. His writing is clear, sometimes personal, and well organized. I like how he included exercises using suggested movies you rent from the video stores. This book will be useful for those who may want to write movie reviews, teach about movies, old movie discussion groups, or even producer/directors of movies. It's also just a good book for lovers of movies in general. My only suggestion for a second edition is that he add a list of other books for those who want to delve deeper into the study of film. He could also focus more on ethnic films, particularly ones that don't get the attention they deserve in mainstream in media.

Just what the doctor ordered

Finally, A book that falls between a textbook and a scholarly journal. I loved the way Mr. Piper handles movie characters and describes how they are different from those of the theatre or literature. A must read for anyone who considers films more than entertaiment.