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

David Hakim, Filmmaker and Author, Posed Perfectly in Dreams
"A guide and a compendium covering every aspect of cinema but the popcorn."


Sam Scribner, Screenwriter, Delta Heat and Criminal Mind
"This is a primer of astute observations for movie goers. It's intelligent, insightful, expansive, and accessible."


Syd Harriet, Agents Inc.
"Guaranteed to change and enhance your appreciation of film."


Book Description
Movie lovers from school-age to seniors will enjoy the favorite classics, pop flicks, and lesser-known gems discussed in this lively introduction to film, which also details how different techniques have been used throughout cinematic history—and how modern filmmakers are adapting those traditions today. Avoiding technical jargon, the author clearly explains key aspects of film: shots, scenes, sounds, cuts, styles, setting, mood, and meaning. Covered are classic, popular, foreign, and independent films—most of which are available at local video stores. Filled with fascinating comparisons of movies and evocative still shots, this large volume will stimulate readers to watch movies with a new sense of understanding and enjoyment.


From the Publisher
In darkened theaters around the world, audiences laugh, gasp, and tremble together in record numbers. Most do not consider the months and years spent crafting the images on the screen. Still fewer interpret film's themes, symbols, and nuances. There can be no doubt that we enjoy movies, but do we get the picture? Author and film professor Jim Piper enlightens movie watchers with his spirited and engaging Get the Picture? The Movie Lover's Guide to Watching Films.


From the Author
Piper sets out to make his readers "cinematically smart," challenging film lovers to "start watching movies in two modes at the same time, the cinematic and the narrative." The author's energy and enthusiasm for his subject are contagious. While steering clear of technical jargon, Piper helps readers understand key concepts about film, including details on shots, scenes, sound, cuts, setting, mood, and meaning.


About the Author
Jim Piper is professor of English, film studies, and filmmaking at Fresno City College. He has written, produced, and directed award-winning short, dramatic films, and has organized film and video festivals featuring independent and foreign films. He is a former contributing editor of Super8 Filmaker magazine and the author of Personal Filmmaking. He lives in Fresno, California.


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Piper (English, film studies and filmmaking, Fresno City College) takes the voluminous visual language of film and breaks it down to the basics, isolating and highlighting masterfully produced films, filmmakers, and movie moments from the beginning of cinema to today. He covers a broad range of classic, popular, foreign and independent films, most of which are readily available at local video stores. He discusses key concepts including shots, character, cuts, dramatic build-up, sound, mood, scenes, setting, and cinematic style. The book contains side-by-side comparisons and numerous b&w photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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