Customer Reviews

Thinking in Pictures: The Making of the Movie "Matewan"

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"Thinking in Pictures" is a very good guide to the processes involved in making movies. Sayles writes about the germination of the movie and then the myriad decisions and compromises and joys that went into realising it on screen. If you've ever wondered about the tensions between the creative and the logistic and financial, here's a book that lays out, with wit and detail, the ups and downs of an interesting small production. It's also relatively ego free.

"Matewan" was an interesting small film, but this book is a gem.

I thought this book was very effective in taking me on the journey that John Sayles took while making the movie Matewan. I love movies and was fascinated with this book. Other books of this kind that I have enjoyed are Robert Rodriguez's Rebel Without a Crew.

I teach American History and Film, my goal being how to get students to critically evaluate American history as portrayed by Hollywood. I have used John Sayles'"Matewan" about the West Virginia coal field wars and learned much from his discussion of how he created the film. It is possible to learn about history from films, but it must be done with a critical eye, and Sayles helps explain how one does that--as a film maker and as a viewer.

This book really gives an insight on the world of struggling independent film-makers. Following every compromise Sayles is forced to make between his creative ideas and the options that are actually feasible, one can realise the impact of every cent in the budget on every choice and consequentially on the finished film.

John Sayles book is a master class in independent filmmakers for companies like my CoyoteMoon Films. Look at how he worked on the script and worked with soon-to-be famous actors. As good as the production values are in his production diary, he confirms getting a great script and great performances is at least as important.