Customer Reviews

Film: An Introduction (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Phillips has written an accessible, up-to-date, and lively book suitable for anyone who wants a basic understanding of the art of film. It is arranged so that a discussion of film techniques is first, liberally illustrated with shots from numerous films (including newer releases). One of the nice features of the book is it identifies and points out the differences between publicity stills and frame enlargments. The rest of the book discusses how movies are developed, their sources, genres, and characteristics. There is a detailed chapter on alternatives to live-action films (especially focused on animation). The book's final section addresses the social meanings of films, and provides a sample analysis of Altman's "The Player." Throughout the text are sample student papers, to demonstrate how to write about film in a critical way. In the introductory film appreciation class that I teach, students preferred this book to Bordwell and Thompson's "Film Art." For them, all the examples and photographs enhanced the concepts, while the marginal definitions helped them remember key terms. Students also appreciated the inclusion of recent movies they have seen, as well as classics like "Citizen Kane." From this college professor's point of view, the book is best for beginners, who just want to know more about film techniques and analysis. However, even advanced students would find it a useful summary of film concepts.

FILM by William H. Phillips has as its strongest point its relevancy to current events in light of past film endeavors. Recent films are discussed in the 3rd Edition as well as other editions with clarity and insight. Also, it is a rare film book that discusses the economics of film making and marketing of film in theaters and video formatting.

This work shows that other countries than the US also have an important cinematic history. This book encompasses both the American scene and the world historical perspective with its extensive chronology 1895-2003, and the relationship and mirroring of world events in film. This is a book to add to any collection of film reference guides. It is prime value for the money with 669 pages of prolific color plates and black and white photos of actual film shots.

Received the book within the 2-4 days which is great when ordering for a class. The book was in the condition the shipper mentioned. Thanks!

As a college student this book fulfilled my expectations and more. It has online study exams and materials to supplement the chapters.

This is an older edition of one of the greatest film books ever written. This book is massive and helpful. Gives insight to hundreds of different film concepts, acknowledges countless incredible films, and jump starts your brain's creative and analytical film knowledge. Great buy!

-Dr. Kenneth

Very helpful book. ordered it a few years ago on amazon and I still refer back to it.
Overall, it's VERY VERY helpful.

When I bought this used book the detailed description of this book said acceptable, and the price $1.25. Let me just say I was more than satisfied when I received this book. I was expecting an okay book, but it was in excellent condition, and the price amazing! I wouldn't have even known it was a used book. It even arrived earlier than expected. I highly recommend this seller. Thanks a million.

In Film: An Introduction William H. Phillips of the University of Wisconsin gives a very comprehensive and enormously broad view on the art of filmmaking. Every aspect imaginable of film is addressed, although most of the time in a very introductory manner. This book is clearly mostly intended to an audience of future film critics, then to aspiring filmmakers. Nevertheless it succeeds very well in its main purpose of giving an introduction to film.

I bought this book for a film course at school. Contains many helpful images demonstrating film technique and cinematography. I do feel, however, that better books on the subject exist which can compare and relate classic films to modern.

well this book came in around september 3rd?.. something like that. I ordered it around august 8th. and its in good shape- I found like two underlined words in the whole book. Good quality, just sucks that I got it in between my 2nd and 3rd week of school. I suggest you order it at least a month in advanced.