Making Movies

This is the most fascinating book currently available on how a movie is made. It is a pleasure to read a book by a world-famous director who is so down to earth and friendly. Sidney Lumet makes you feel that you are a friend, and he wants to put you in the know about what it's like to make a film. You couldnt ask for a more experienced guide, Lumet is one of the world's greatest directors and he knows all about it The book is very engagingly written, and conversational in style. It is divided into topics such as 'Actors', and 'Editing', and he takes you through every fascinating aspect of of making a movie from start to finish. Lumet vividly describes his own working day during shooting, and this is sometimes so realistic that you feel as if you are looking over the director's shoulder at significant moments during the job. Lumet knows just how to describe what happens. For example his description of the morning when the actors meet for the first read-through of the script is unforgettable. If you are in any way interested in how a major film gets made, you will probably enjoy this book enormously, it's a classic.

Looking forward to reading the book. Recommended by a blind actor on the tube. So had to buy it

Good book, but I was surprised to discover coloured highlighter pens had been used extensively on it. There was no mention of that in the description. But it's all still readable, so I'm not complaining. Grumbling a little bit, but not complaining. (I'm English, I can't help myself) Thank you.

Enjoyed the book from an admired Director. His tales and stories interesting and his method techniques were in some cases similar to tradition but many other enlightening moments and the Hollywood system. Great read for all film-makers.

One of the best books about films I've read.I'd always loved all the Sidney Lumet films I'd watched, and now I want to watch the rest of them because he gives great examples.Written in a sympathetic and pretty objective manner.

I find myself analysing movie shots just from reading this book. A great reading for people interested in movie photography

Impressive insight into the art of film making from one of the very best storytellers within the medium.

Essential reading for film making students and those interested in the complexity and creative process which exists behind the screen presentation.

Arrived on time in a very good condition! Loved the contents the author describes in the book. A great book for young, aspiring entertainers in the movie making industry.

👍

Es un obligado para estudiantes de cine o simples fanáticos. Bastante entretenido, te adentra en la experiencia del director en el proceso de creación de películas desde la elección del guión hasta la fecha de estreno. Muchos datos interesantes a lo largo de la narración.

This stuff is awesome it’s a must read.

As has been abundantly stated by other reviewers, this is an interesting book for both movie lovers & movie makers. It is eminently readable, in a flowing, non-technical style that is surprisingly effective at delivering practical information about Lumet's filmmaking choices & philosophy through the decades of a legendary career. Many how-to manuals seem to put the cart before the horse. Refreshingly, rather than providing instruction in equipment-driven decision making [here's how you use this particular lens, camera, fill light, etc.], Lumet talks about his story-telling goals then how he worked with his team to identify the proper technology to achieve them, resulting in such stylistically varied successes as the hyper-real video & dialog quality of "Dog Day Afternoon" & the Rembrandt-esque look of "The Verdict". This book has a fly-on-the-wall quality that almost makes you feel like you are participating in a long dinner conversation where the filmmaker discusses his day, reliving his experiences, revisiting his ideas & choices, evaluating whether they worked or not, even racking on the unprofessional Teamster who made him late to rehearsal, then pillaged the craft services cart. Something that hasn't been stated by other reviewers is how remarkably humble the author comes off. Far from validating the "auteur" status that many would grant him, Lumet appears to have a sincere appreciation for the complex team effort that results in a major motion picture, rather than an inflated perception of the supremacy of the director's role. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the filmmaking process & manages to share that knowledge clearly & concisely. He has profound respect for the contributions of the players who typically get nothing but abuse: the studio execs, writers, post-production, the stars. Lumet even seems honestly enraptured by the emergent qualities that blossom from a group effort where "everyone is making the same movie", & he takes his responsibilities for vision, coordination & budgeting very seriously. This guy just comes off as the consummate professional & his book is a joy to read.