The first comprehensive examination of the cinematographer's art, Making Pictures presents incisive analyses of 100 visually stunning films-radical classics like Battleship Potemkin (1925), Jules et Jim (1965), and The Elephant Man (1980)-along with a complete technical and creative history of the cameraperson's unique craft. Illustrated with 500 images in both color and black-and-white, it features a wealth of location shots and expository stills. Contributions by such seminal figures as director Bernardo Bertolucci, actor Marcello Mastroianni, and Ingmar Bergman's long-term collaborator, cinematographer Sven Nykvist, make this a unique study.
This remarkable book examines 100 European films that represent the art of cinematography at its best; they were specially chosen by a panel of cinematographers to represent either technical or creative mastery by the cameraman. This book will be an essential reference for all film students and cinematographers.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
An Inspirational Book, April 17, 2006
By
C. Barraclough (Hereford, England)
This is such an inspirational book, and a must for any aspiring cinematographer and those with a real interest in cinema. It covers the history of Europeon cinematography and is wonderfully illustrated. At the beginning there are pieces from Jack Cardiff, Sven Nykvist, Guiseppe Rotunno and Bernardo Bertolucci.
One of the things I liked best about this book are the pieces on the 100 different top rated films. For each film we are given the story and this is told with the emphasis on how the film was shot, how light was used and how effects were created. It outlines each cinematographers approach. It made me want to watch all 100 of these films.
At the end there is a large section on 'Tools of the Trade' describing many different camera systems, lighting and filters and the history of many great camera companies, among others Panavision, Auri, Kodak, Fuji and Aaton. This is a truly fascinating book. Christie Barraclough
A "must have" book, January 26, 2006
By
Helga Martinez (Costa Rica)
Sometimes, seeing a movie is not enough for photographers. Sometimes it is better to freeze everything around us, and take the time one wants to admire a beautiful composition, or lighting or an unforgettable face. This is what I found in this book. As if it wasn't enough, it has the most interesting information about the cinematographers who achieved all this in the most sublime stage of cinematic art. I encourage all of you, interested or practicing photography to buy this book, You will never regret it.
A must buy for Cinematographers!, May 28, 2005
By
Alex Covier (Los Angeles, CA)
An extraordinary book on many levels. It examines in surprisingly great detail the cinematography on over 100 films by Bergman, Fellini, Kubrick, Lean to name a just a few. The gorgeous accompanying stills from the films and also of the DP's setting up shots sealed the deal for me.
