Grammar of the Film Language

Rating:
Summary: A magnum Opus, ......directors Elysium
Review: Are you an amateur film maker, prehaps you have not attended film school, and your looking for a book to guide you through the rudimentaries of directing? Well, look no further, this book is a directors panacea, a klodike filled with sound advice, superb diagrams and clear chapters taking you through all techniques.

It's 600 pages of diagrams that will explain in detail how to set up shots, what techniques one can utilise and unconventional methods of composing pictures, playcing actors etc.

I have bought numerous books on directing, this is the first one which actually helps a director transfer a scene from a script on to film/storyboard. It can be quite sophistocated and requires some effort to get aquainted with certain intricate techniques. Even seasoned directors would be advised to have a copy of this fine book.

As a college lecturer I have found this book invaluable. I recommend it, it's worth every penny.

Rating:
Summary: Very thorough and earnest with a lot of diagrams
Review: Covers every possible camera setup and editing technique. Not every bit is top notch, but the book is 600 pages and so there is a lot to be gained. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Very thorough and earnest with a lot of diagrams
Review: Covers every possible camera setup and editing technique. Not every bit is top notch, but the book is 600 pages and so there is a lot to be gained. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A strongly recommended addition to film school reference
Review: Grammar Of The Film Language by professional screenwriter, film editor, and director Daniel Arijon is a comprehensive, thorough, "user friendly" guide to the assorted visual narrative techniques used in professional filmmaking. From the basics of placing players and cameras in the right positions to sequencing patterns, clearly explained with the help of more than 1,500 black-and-white illustrations. A strongly recommended addition to film school reference library collections, Grammar Of The Film Language is a core practical reference for anyone with an interest in filmmaking, or who just wants to know more about what makes the craft of shooting movies and TV shows tick!

Rating:
Summary: A strongly recommended addition to film school reference
Review: Grammar Of The Film Language by professional screenwriter, film editor, and director Daniel Arijon is a comprehensive, thorough, "user friendly" guide to the assorted visual narrative techniques used in professional filmmaking. From the basics of placing players and cameras in the right positions to sequencing patterns, clearly explained with the help of more than 1,500 black-and-white illustrations. A strongly recommended addition to film school reference library collections, Grammar Of The Film Language is a core practical reference for anyone with an interest in filmmaking, or who just wants to know more about what makes the craft of shooting movies and TV shows tick!

Rating:
Summary: sexist guid in film language
Review: It would good guid, even perfect for students in film, if almost all examples would not be given on a basis of nude female running around usually well-dressed male.

Rating:
Summary: The best technical and creative book on blocking and shots
Review: Unequivocally the best reference for shots and blocking. Strickly for the professional director and cinematographer; this is a highly technical book. I refer to this book during my prep for each film, and no matter how many times I have read it, I am always reminded of something dynamic and valuable. Each page has storyboard drawings that show camera position, screen direction, and sequence of cuts. Also shown are dolly moves and character movement. These diagrams are accompanied by clear and detailed commentary. Do not be misled by the selected sample pages above. Fully 35% of the book is diagrams; the text explains the diagrams. The book is organized with the most basic coverage at the beginning, and each chapter thereafter presents increasing complexity of blocking. The shots presented are all from actual films, a factor that gives the material and the book an aliveness and vitality. Some of these films are complete unknowns, others are classics. Yet the source is inconsequential; what is amazing is that Mr. Arijon has essentially put into this book every possible combination of camera placement and character arrangement that has ever been done in cinema. Every director I have shown this book to has immediately gone out and gotten their own copy for reference. Anyone planning to direct or shoot a film will find this book an invaluable contribution to their ideas and creativity. Again due to its highly technical content, this is for professionals or serious students. The bible of blocking for cinema.