Customer Reviews

Making Movies

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend recommended this book saying, "I'm not sure you want to learn about making movies, but this is a great project management book."

Well...I could see his point, but I didn't feel the same way about the book. There's a thin thread throughout about the way Lumet conducts his movie project, most evident in the book's best chapter (7) entitled "Shooting the Movie: At Last!" The pieces of the puzzle all fall together at that point, and you get a true sense of everyone's responsibilities and how Lumet plans and uses these resources. So yeah, that's project management.

But if you're going to buy this book, buy it because you're interested in how movies get made, starting right from how a script is chosen, through to the preview. From that perspective, it's a great book. Again, in the book's best chapter, you get a sense for just how draining - and unglamourous - it is to actually shoot the movie. Early pick-ups, lots of work with stand-ins to get the set (esp. lighting) right, multiple takes, late-night viewing of rushes. This is tough work, and Lumet describes it clear, concise language. And he pulls no punches as to where his frustrations lay in the process.

Roger Ebert's cover blurb states "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." I'd say that's a very accurate summation of what you'll find here.

I've read 'Making Movies' for my 'Visual Communication' class, in which we examined visual sources that ranged from pictorial representations to actual films. I must admit, however, that the book was a real joy to read, and Lumet a master to know closely.

As the other reviewers have mentioned, Lumet's style makes it easy for everyone to understand and get a grasp of what it takes to shoot a movie, from reading a scenario, to bringing together a cast, from dealing with actors to trying to stay within the budget. The book's procession is designed in such a way, that your curiosity increases as you flip through the chapters. (You begin to wonder if the film's going to get ready in time.)

Lumet, as the director of many films, should be considered as a real master in the film industry. He has worked with important actors such as Sean Connery frequently, and succeeded in putting together remarkable films, like 'Twelve Angry Men'. He tells the audience exactly how he's felt and what he's thought during the making of the movies. He expresses the stress he's had when the actors did not show up on time, when the weather conditions changed dramatically or when the production company announced to cut off a significant portion of the film budget. He also depicts his delight when he's got astonishing performance from his actors and actresses, when the cameraman managed to do a better job than he had even planned. His telling of these remarks are inspiring, indeed.

'Making Movies' is a great source, although not necessarily a technical source, for all people either working or interested in the film world. A wonderful book to both read and have in shelf.

Get this book if you want to know what a year-in-the-life of a powerhouse filmmaker is like. If you are a beginner with an indie, much of Lumet's experiences are not going to apply. They are simply going to make you want to work harder on your indie so that you can get where he got! However, Lumet does NOT deceive. He never promises you any how-to information. He simply calls his book "Making Movies", and that is exactly the subject matter to which he sticks. His honesty does not go unnoticed, although he maybe should have called the book, "Making MY Movies".

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.

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.

This novel was written for those who love movies, and for aspiring filmmakers. It gives the common person an insight and an appreciation for what it takes to make a film, and have it be successful. This is not a too technical book which only relies on "movie" terminology, but instead Lumet actually talks to the reader as if he was really in a conversation with you. He breaks down movie terms so they are easy to understand. Lumet also does not hold back any of his opinions on anybody. He will literally say how he feels about certain people on a film crew and how he reacts to everyone's ego. Lumet does not make himself out to be be the best filmmaker alive, yet he becomes a real person which anyone could be friends with. This novel can easily be read by one who has never seen any of his movies; but one who knows Lumet's work well can really relate to this novel. This is becasue Lumet talks about how he dealt with real life situations making his movies and not just some hypothetical situation. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would read it again and again. It is a necessary addition to anyone's library who truly enjoys movies and can appreciate its' artisitic qualities

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.

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.

Legendary director Sidney Lumet's "Making Movies" is a nice light introduction to filmmaking for fans that don't really want to get into a meatier education on how to make movies. Like a lot of past reviewers have mentioned, this is not the book aspiring filmmakers should read if they really want to gain some filmmaking knowledge they can use themselves.

If you're looking for a meatier education on how movies are made and how you yourself can accomplish your own filmmaking goals, I'd highly recommend checking out "First-Time Filmmaker F*#^-ups: Navigating the Pitfalls to Making a Great Movie." It walks new filmmakers through everything from getting financing and stars involved in your movie to strategies for successfully shooting, editing, and distributing your film. However if you're not a filmmaker but have a curiosity on how movie's are made, than might as well learn from one of the greats and read Mr. Lumet's book.

First-Time Filmmaker F*#^-ups: Navigating the Pitfalls to Making a Great Movie

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.