Every Frame a Rembrandt: Art and Practice of Cinematography [Paperback]

Andrew Laszlo (Author), Andrew Quicke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 024080399X | ISBN-13: 978-0240803999 | Publication Date: May 31, 2000 | Edition: 1

This book examines the art and craft of motion picture photography through a veteran professional cinematographer's personal experiences on five major motion pictures, each selected to illustrate a particular series of challenges for the photographer.

"Every Frame a Rembrandt" is an expression heard on sound stages and locations the world over. While in most cases the expression is used lightly and not infrequently with a certain amount of sarcasm, its true meaning speaks highly of most cinematographers' commitment to producing the best, most interesting, unusual and memorable images for the screen. Through the five films he selected for this book Laszlo is able to show the broad range of complexity in motion picture photography, from the relatively simple "point and shoot" in the typcal western to complex in-camera effects. In recounting his "war stories" Laszlo is able to show the day to day activities of a cinematographer before, during and after filming the project, discussing equipment, film stocks, testing, labs, unions, agents, budget requirements, and working with the director and producer. The five films discussed are Southern Comfort, The Warriors, Rambo: First Blood, Streets of Fire, and Innerspace. The book is illustrated throughout with production stills from Laszlo's extensive collection (12 in a color insert).

The "war stories" of a seasoned Hollywood professional cinematographer
Explains how specific problems and challenges were overcome for each film
Illustrated with production stills from the author's personal collection

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Clearly and concisely written (and enhanced with additional material by Andrew Quicke), Andrew Laszlo's Every Frame a Rembrandt is a "must" for any inspiring cinematographer, and an essential reference title for professional and academic collections." - The Bookwatch, August 2000

"This one is a good beach read and a cinematography text." - Robert Goodman, Videography, July 2000

"..a stunning new book..." - Georgia Packard SOC, The Operating Cameraman

"Always one to follow through, Laszlo consistently delights his readers with an artistic approach to visual storytelling. Thoroughly entertaining. Extremely informative. A sparkling gem of pure " grade A" craftsmanship." - Georgia Packard SOC, The Operating Cameraman

"This book grew out of a series of two-day seminars on cinematography that Laszlo conducts at film departments around the world. It is not a nuts-and-bolts textbook on basic or advanced cinematography, but rather an impassioned exploration of the technical and artistic creation of the cinematic image." - American Cinematographer, October 2000

From the Publisher

"Every Frame a Rembrandt" is an expression heard on sound stages and locations all over the world. While in most cases the expression is used lightly and not infrequently with a certain amount of sarcasm, its true meaning speaks highly of most cinematographers' commitment to producing the best, most interesting, unusual and memorable images for the screen. Through the five films he selected for this book Laszlo is able to show the broad range of complexity in motion picture photography, from the relatively simple "point and shoot" in the typical western to complex in-camera effects. In recounting his "war stories" Laszlo is able to show the day-to-day activities of a cinematographer before, during and after filming the project, discussing equipment, film stocks, testing, labs, unions, agents, budget requirements, and working with the director and producer. The five films discussed are Southern Comfort, The Warriors, Rambo: First Blood, Streets of Fire, and Innerspace. The book is illustrated throughout with production stills from Laszlo's extensive collection (8 in a color insert).

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (May 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 024080399X
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803999
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #359,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Word a Laszlo, June 22, 2000

By 

J. Fauer (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Every Frame a Rembrandt: Art and Practice of Cinematography (Paperback)

The envelope please--best book by a cinematographer (or anyone else for that matter) about cinematography. Essential reading.

There are books of theory, there are books of anecdotes, and there are books on how-to. This has the best of all.

Andrew Laszlo, ASC is a wonderful storyteller, inspirational teacher, terrific writer as well as a distinguished cinematographer. His credits include Shogun, Owl and the Pussycat, One Potato-Two Potato, Newsies and many others.

The book is a wealth of film criticism, tricks of the trade, technical details, wonderful anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories.

For example, Laszlo discusses how he lit a scene from Rambo with one match, and then explains that a second one was hidden behind. He is funny and iconoclastic at times: "I hate dailies," or "Taking a stand in the film industry is not an everyday event." But behind every attention-grabbing statement is a complete and highly intelligent, articulate explanation.

The book covers five of his films: "Southern Comfort, The Warriors, First Blood, Streets of Fire, and Innerspace." There is insight into the politics, diplomacy and psychology of filmmaking--dealing with directors, producers, studios and crew members. Through the writing, we watch a truly masterful problem solver, consummate professional and talented artist at work and reflecting upon that work.

Interviews done by Andrew Quickie (Film and TV Professor at Regent Univ.) punctuate the chapters.

I eagerly await the sequel to this book, perhaps to be called "Son of Rembrandt," or "Every Frame a Laszlo." Certainly there would be enough anecdotes and information from his 42 or more other films to fill a dozen standard volumes.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the 'Great Books' in the Industry., October 27, 2000

By 

Sumner Jules Glimcher, emeritus professor,NYU (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Every Frame a Rembrandt: Art and Practice of Cinematography (Paperback)

I first met Andy Laszlo some eight or ten years ago when he gave a two day seminar on Cinematography at NYU while I was director of the Department of Film, Video and Broadcasting at NYU's School of Continuing Education. One or two hundred students enrolled the first day, and as word spread across the campus of Andy's insights and trenchant comments, the attendance doubled on day two. When I learned of the existence of his book, I purchased it immediately. It is of immense value, not only to cinematographers, but also to directors, producers and writers: in short to anybody currently in film and video, or anybody who aspires to enter this field. It is immensely readable, written in clear, concise English and amply illustraed with some extraordinary examples, and a treasure trove of practicle knowledge. It is highly, highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars oustanding cinematographer tells all, July 28, 2000

By 

paul lazarus (Coral Gables, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Every Frame a Rembrandt: Art and Practice of Cinematography (Paperback)

Laszlo's Hollywood career speaks for itself. Now, with great style and eloquence, he has set down a vital and helpful look at his field. As director of the University of Miami's Motion Picture Program, I can report that this book has proven useful and valuable to undergraduates and graduates. More than a technical manual, it will prove informative and rewarding to anyone who loves film.