Customer Reviews

Movies and Meaning: An Introduction to Film, Third Edition

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had to buy this textbook for my second film class, and maybe it was because I was welcomed into the film world with a lot of depth, but this textbook one certainly did not live up to my expectations. Film books themselves are supposed to be a work of art! Movies and Meaning was stripped of color (95% of it) and the explanations were not as in depth as others I've been exposed to. Color and the meaning of colors/tones/lighting is EXCEPTIONALLY important in film! How are you supposed to visually demonstrate lighting techniques, color saturation or desaturation, or tones without color?
The only thing I did like is the few random pages in the middle of each chapter that they dedicated to a certain director.
Overall, I think that if you're trying to learn the basics of film, there are better textbooks out there.

My first recommendation: FILM: An Introduction; by Tom Wallis

this is a good book.actually I bought this book for the course I have taken in college.but that book includes interesting information.

The price for the newest edition was just too much for me, given that it mostly received poor reviews. But I actually LOVE this book. I only spent $8.00 and it was the best money I've spent in a while. The information is basic, but very informative and easy to understand. Each category is filled with examples upon examples of films and each chapter includes a special insert on a specific director. I am disappointed that it is all in black and white, but I love all of the information and insight this book has to offer!

This book is chalked full of information ranging from the very beginnings of film to today's mega blockbusters. This book is hard to put down, especially for those who appreciate film and cinema. Many of the greatest directors are studied and many of the all time greats are discussed. This book is not only well written, but also has many illustrations. Definitely a book I want to reach for when I'm at the book shelf!

I only bought it as a textbook but it is okay, every key term is well explained and easy going

First of all, if this book was about 75% cheaper, then maybe it would get 3 stars. But at its current price, it's really not worth it. Biggest problem is that the whole book is in BLACK AND WHITE! Except for a few specific pages. If you know anything about films then you'll understand why this is a problem. Also, they often don't even define the terms they use in the book. They just use them in a sentence and expect you to figure it out on your own. If I didn't need this book for class I'd return it. You can get way better books on film for a fraction of the price of this one. They do have some cool info on some movies, but nothing you couldn't find elsewhere.

Had to take a Film class and needed this book. Campus charged $92 new and $64 for used. I got this book almost like new for a lot less.

The book has a lot of useful information; much better than the History of Movies(MAST), I used for another film class. Unfortunately, my professor isn't a great film instructor--but the book is.

The book was in better condition than I had hoped for. And it was delivered proptly.

it was what i was looking for love the book, but took awhile to get it