Making Movies

Rating:
Summary: Bought for the wrong reason...still worth it
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: A great read whether or not the subject matter interests you or not. I especially enjoyed his memories of the young Al Pacino and comments on the way audience expectations have changed.

Rating:
Summary: If you want to know about filmaking, this book is for you!
Review: I've always wanted to make movies and this is the perfect guidebook. Sidney Lumet shares his sucesses, mistakes and methods in this very well written book. Anyone who wants to work in the film industry should read this book to learn about all the creative outlets open to some one willing to learn. Mr. Lumet's book is the perfect gift to an aspiring director.

Rating:
Summary: Director's On The Line.
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Honesty and a love of movies
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Indispensable
Review: Lumet's writing is totally informative yet completely devoid of pretension. A brilliant opportunity to learn the real mechanics of the filmmaking process. Candid, honest and indispensable.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Film Study
Review: Making Movies is a very good book that any student filmmaker should read. It takes the entire process of making a film and analyzes it step by step. Lumet is a wonderful filmmaker who is a master of the craft; reading this book is like assisting to a lecture given by one of Hollywood's finest.

Lumet takes every single film he has ever done and talks about them from every point of view possible; lighting, directing, acting, editing, sound, score... Every aspect of filmmaking is touched upon and explained in explicit details for the reader. Lumet leaves nothing out. Although he can at times seem a little pretentious, his writing is top-notch and his intelligence always welcomed. This book really gives you an idea of all the work that goes behind the making of a film and it is a book that any young filmmaker - or anyone who loves movies for that matter - should read.

Rating:
Summary: A film class taught by a master
Review: Making Movies, is one of only a handfull of books that I read in film school, that actually taught me how the industry works. I enjoyed it so much that I went ahead and bought the latest edition Sidney Lumet has made some of the finest films of all time. Films like 12 ANGRY MEN and DOG DAY AFTERNOON are unforgettable and they still resonate with intensity decades after I first watched them. Like most of his movies, the book is well thought out and has a real honesty to it. The book may only be 218 pages long but it is still very comprensive. It is vey well witten and could easily be on both a new and seasoned filmmaker's bookshelf. Folks who just have a casual facination with the process will also get a lot from the book .The book has 13 Chapters in all. It talkes about everything from the story idea to the final cut. I especially found the part about the film studios most informative and enlightning. If you are into making your own films or just want to see how its all done, then, this book is for you. I also recommend that you watch some of Lumet's films as well. You will gain vaule that can't be measured. This well written, no holds barred book, will make filmmakers out of anyone who reads it

Rating:
Summary: If you are a filmmaker BUY THIS BOOK
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: meaningfull experiences
Review: This book talks mostly about a personal experience. But is a great shearing that can tell a lot about the making of a movie (no kidding). The last chapter is the best. I sure recomend it to any person intrested not just in movie making but in Movies in general.