Making Movies

by Sidney Lumet

Book Overview

ONE OF THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER'S 100 GREATEST FILM BOOKS OF ALL TIME - "Invaluable.... I am sometimes asked if there is one book a filmgoer could read to learn more about how movies are made and what to look for while watching them. This is the book." --Roger Ebert, The New York Times Book Review

Why does a director choose a particular script? What must they do in order to keep actors fresh and truthful...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679756604
• ISBN13: 9780679756606
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

No greater insite into the mind of a great director...

Sidney Lumet is a tremendous director who has worked with some of Hollywood's finest. In this book, Making Movies, Mr. Lumet allows the reader into his mind and method answering any question one might ever think to ask. He is candid, honest, and inspiring -never once leaving the ground to fabricate or falsify the reality and responsibility of making a movie. It is as though he were passing his knowledge on to a family member. If you are thinking about becoming a director, actor, writer, or producer I recommend this book to you; read into the traditions of Mr. Sidney Lumet.

Honesty and a love of movies

I've read other books about directing. But I didn't understand what a director did until I read this book. Written lucidly and intelligently, with a true love of a good film story, Lumet's book is a valuable inside account of making movies. There are stories about stars (though not gossip) and about incredible disasters. But mostly it's about going out there, day after day, and getting the best shots you can, the best sound, the best cut.Lumet lays it out step by step with absolute honesty (film-making can be boring!) but also with a great love, a love for a good film story. Lumet believes that the authorship of the film belongs to all the people who help make it-- the actors, the writer, the set designer, the cinematographer, etc.-- The proof is in the pudding: Dog Day Afternoon, 12 Angry Men, Network. He let's today's spoiled-child 'auteurs' know that humility pays dividends. All in all, an essential volume on the craft of directing.

If you are a filmmaker BUY THIS BOOK

Sidney Lumet's book has to be one of the greatest reads I have ever found on the art of making movies. He takes a stand on all of the hard issues that a director must face. Additionally, he is candid in admitting what he has done right and what he has done wrong. It is seriously the most educational experience I have ever had from a book, and far better than 90% of my classes at USC film school... Rush out and get this one. It is not only enjoyable, but is also very educational.

Excellent! One of the best!

Lumet's book is one of the best film books I've read. It explains all the technical terms, and has diagrams to accompany the text. It explains the process of making movies step by step, and shows the glamorous and not so glamorous parts of the industry. This books is definately for people who are interested in the art of filmmaking, for fun or for work.

if you love movies....

you'll want to read this book . . . as you'll find behind-the-scenes information that you won't find elsewhere . . . gave me a better appreciation of what goes into making movies.