23 Nov

Posted at 13:00h in Reviews by

Review of How Horror Works in Books and Film When I stumbled upon How Horror Works in Books and Film, I felt an irresistible pull, intrigued by the idea of unpacking the eerie mechanisms that tantalize and terrify. The author, who previously captivated me with her insights in Wolves and Werewolves in History and Popular Culture, had set the bar high. Yet, with this course, she not only met expectations but soared beyond them. For someone like me, who winces at the faintest horror film, there's a...

21 Nov

Posted at 10:51h in Reviews by

Revisiting the Foundations: A Personal Reflection on Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting When I first stumbled upon Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field, I was drawn in by the promise of a “bible” for aspiring screenwriters, a title that comes with a weight of expectation. Having dabbled in writing myself, the idea of crafting captivating narratives has always been close to my heart, yet the daunting intricacies of screenplay structure felt like a formidable wall. It was here that Field's classic guide stepped in, illuminating the path...

12 Nov

Posted at 10:22h in Reviews by

A Short Guide to Writing about Film, Tenth Edition As someone who often finds themselves dissecting cinematic gems—whether it's the hidden layers in a classic noir or the intricate symbolism of contemporary art films—A Short Guide to Writing about Film by Timothy Corrigan caught my attention. Released just in time for film enthusiasts and budding critics, this tenth edition promises to be the guiding light for anyone eager to articulate their thoughts on the seventh art. From the moment I cracked open the pages, I was struck by how...

22 Sep

Posted at 01:06h in Reviews by

Review of Writing About Movies by Eric W. Smith When I first picked up Writing About Movies, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey as a film enthusiast and budding writer. The world of cinema has always captivated me, and I’ve dabbled in writing my own critiques, yet I often found myself lost in technical jargon and theoretical concepts. That's where Eric W. Smith’s insightful guide comes into play, and let me tell you, it is truly a gem waiting to be discovered. From the very beginning, Writing...

18 Sep

Posted at 15:50h in Reviews by

A Cinematic Symphony: Reflecting on A Short Guide to Writing About Film As a lifelong film enthusiast, the art of writing about movies has always intrigued me. It was the promise of enhancing my critical voice that drew me to David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson's A Short Guide to Writing About Film. This best-selling text hooks readers from the start, blending a fascinating introduction to film theory with practical advice on honing writing skills. Navigating the World of Film Critique This invaluable guide expertly encapsulates the essence of film criticism....

16 Sep

Posted at 00:39h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Craft: A Journey Through 'Scriptnotes' As a perennial student of storytelling, I often find myself perusing the shelves for resources that can elevate my writing craft, especially in screenwriting. When I stumbled upon Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters by John August and Craig Mazin, I felt a spark of excitement. Having tuned into their acclaimed podcast for years, it was thrilling to see their insights and expertise distilled into book form. It's like finding a well-stocked toolkit just when you...

31 Aug

Posted at 17:04h in Reviews by

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather - A Review When I first picked up "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" by Mark Seal, I felt an electric thrill coursing through me. As someone who counts The Godfather among my top five favorite films of all time, the notion of diving deep into its creation was irresistible. With each page, I found my love for the film reconfirmed, while also uncovering layers I had never considered. From the very outset, Seal...

22 May

Posted at 09:37h in Reviews by

Book Review: Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories When I first picked up Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories, I found myself brimming with anticipation. As a longtime fan of classic sitcoms like Cheers, Friends, and Frasier, I was eager to dive into the mind of the man behind the lens, an icon of television directing whose work has shaped countless unforgettable moments. At 81, James Burrows is a living legend, and I couldn’t help but hope that this book would offer the deep insights...