Rating: 
Summary: Wow
Review: To be honest, at first I was a little skeptical of Rodriguez's filmmaking theories, but when I started reading it, he really started to make sence. As a film student myself it helped redefine my goals as a filmmaker and a student. I wanna meet this guy! It really gives focus on not only what filmmaking is all about, but also how the Hollywood system can be influenced, or influence you. I am impressed. -Erik Messerschmidt
Rating: 
Summary: Read this book, before you make your first movie!
Review: The is a must read for the first time filmmaker! Having read the section "The 10 minute film school" in Robert's book, prepared me more than most of my film classes ever did. That short chapter alone put me light years ahead of other students. Learing to make films can be a hard, but with Robert's book it really can be very simple.
Rating:
Summary: Great Story that Inspires us Poor Latin Filmmakers.
Review: I read the book thinking it would be a good read. It turns out I got alot from it. I am a aspiring latin film maker and I loved it, I want to follow in his footsteps. I got many ideas and will put more effort into my movies now.Great Read + alot more
Rating:
Summary: The Bible
Review: I won't recount again what a superb book this is, I'll just say one thing. It's so very funny the amount of people who having read this book, lament the fact that they themselves are not in Rodriguez's position, truly believinng that with his 'fortune' they could have 'made it'. Because Rodriguez makes it all sound so easy and straightforward, it is easy to overlook the fact that he is one damn talented guy.
Rating:
Summary: This book shows the heart and soul of a true filmmaker.
Review: Robert Rodriguez kick started a Hollywood film career without film school...without connections and without money. He simply had passion and the love of telling stories on film. After reading this book I rented "El Mariachi" and watched it several times. Rodriguez is a true master of visual story-telling and his ability to direct action is truly amazing (so what if they're not realistic...they're entertaining). I strongly suggest this book to ANYONE who has dreamed about becoming a filmmaker...or doing ANYTHING that seems to require "the right connections". Rodriguez proves that you can follow your dreams and the "system" can go to h**l.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for anyone who's ever wanted to make a movie!
Review: I bought this book from Amazon and it was one of the best buys I ever made. Not only because of a great price and prompt shipping, but also because this book has inspired me to get off my duff and make a low-budget feature. I've been to film/tv classes and have worked in television and video production for almost 20 years. I've been hampered by conventional production techniques and restricted by the corporate mentality that things are only done a certain way and that way only. Well Rob Rodriguez sounded a lot like I was 20 years ago, only he acted on a few ideas, limited resources and a positive attitude that resulted in a finished film. His personal story on what he went through before his production began is a great back story to the day-to-day moviemaking experience. The value of this book is that Rodriguez gives a candid view of what's going on in his mind as he takes us on this journey. Sure, there could be more technical details, but if you have any previous experience or just some basic ideas of how movies are made, his descriptions and explanations are easy to follow and appreciate. If you want more technical stuff, there's a lot of other resources you may want to check out first. But if you've ever thought of making your first feature and wanted to control everything by doing it yourself, this is a great book by someone who did just that.
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful and entertaining
Review: Robert Rodriguez's journal-style entries detailing his journey to making El Mariachi were interesting, especially with the knowledge of its success. Many of his ideas were helpful, and he gave the reader an idea of how hard he worked. However, I wished that Robert would go into further detail about his inspiration for the story, why he shot scenes in a certain way, what angles he found effective in certain scenes, etc. Also,with the increasing usage of digital camcorders, many of his money-saving tips are not so relevant.
Rating:
Summary: The will to succeed, the means to create.
Review: Robert Rodriquez has written a fantastic book that draws a line between the can's and cannot's of independent filmmaking today. His humorous accounts and ideas of the art are inspiring to say the least. A MUST for anyone dying to pick up a camera on their own. The only book to illustrate the ludicrous business that Hollywood is today, which we all would like to be a part of.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and easy to read
Review: I enjoyed the journal style of the book, especially with the knowledge of the immense and enexpected success of El Mariachi. I was somewhat disappointed that Robert did not go into further detail his shooting and directing style; nevertheless, Rebel was a good read.
Rating:
Summary: up-lifting view on pursuing one's dreams to create
Review: The text was so fast paced and interesting it was hard to put down. The writing style enables the reader to experience the obstacles and relate to the situations he finds himself in. The motivation Rodriguez has for filmmaking was so inspiring. It is a definite reader for anyone who has a dream to be creative but is afraid. His confidence is exuberant and inspirational. It reminded me of how important it is to have "ganas" - a will to accomplish. His writing and experiences speak to the Chicano/Latino experience of optimism and the familiarity of one's own resources. I will definitely recommend his book to students. Adelante con tu pasion.
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