Looking for a Particular Kind of Book

C

colebennett

Active member
I've got a fantastic book titled Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images. I've always enjoyed discussing images, and this book provides tools for critiquing photographs. The book goes way beyond technicality, and delves into things like Emotional Response as a criteria for judging an image. It was a text book for a class I took in College, Aesthetics and Criticism.

I'm looking for some resources (preferably one or two great books) that surround the process of critiquing films. I want to develop my understanding of the elements that make up a strong narrative and successful film - as well as the process for which critics respond and draw conclusions on a film.

Any suggestions?

- Cole
 
not sure this helps but the book, "Do the Movies Have a Future," by David Denby gave me some insight as to what he, a working critic, looks for in films. Are you hoping to become a film critic or write on film? Are you hoping to use this insight to engender critics' favor?
 
Thank you for the suggestions!

"Understanding Movies" looks like the kind of literature I'm looking for.

I don't have plans to gain the title of a film critic, nor am I trying to gain favour of critics with my own work. I want to gain a better understanding of the layers that stack up to create a film that's worth watching. And not only films, but also television shows.

One of my favourite TV shows right now is Breaking Bad. The cinematography, the character development, the unique story - and the fact that the main character slowly goes from being the antagonist to the protagonist (something that Vince Gilligan was very intentional with) all make it a series that I find worth watching. My judgement of the show is based on my limited understanding of how to judge film. I would like to expand on my understanding of these things in order to make educated judgements, with knowledge of the criteria I am using and a better ability to express myself. I think if I can do that well, I will be better equipped to apply my knowledge to my own work, and to provide other film makers and artists with insight that will help them do the same.

- Cole
 
I second "Understanding Movies". It is a text book and I read it in college. If you are looking for it on Amazon, get an earlier edition as the most up to date version (Edition 12ish) is like $90.00. I picked a 3rd edition a short while ago for like $10.00.
 
Thanks, that's exactly what I was planning to do! Gunna see if I can find an earlier version on eBay. Thanks guys!


David G. Smith said:
I second "Understanding Movies". It is a text book and I read it in college. If you are looking for it on Amazon, get an earlier edition as the most up to date version (Edition 12ish) is like $90.00. I picked a 3rd edition a short while ago for like $10.00.
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Understanding Movies has been a fantastic read - I'm now near the end and learning lots of great foundational concepts and theories behind film. It'll be one that I keep for future reference.
 
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