Whilst sitting comfortably and enjoying that latest Hollywood Blockbuster or independent film on the big screen or small we never tend to realise the effort, blood, sweat and tears that went in to bringing the latest feature to fruition. In fact, at times the drama off screen is more prominent than what we see in the finished article but is unknown to most viewers. It is only in the recounting of these tales in written format that we can truly get a feel of the real world of movie making and for that reason I have chosen five books that give a greater insight into the movie industry.
The first of two entries on this list by Peter Biskind, this book deals with a period of American film known for such iconic films as The Godfather, Chinatown, Taxi Driver and Jaws and follows Hollywood on the brink of the Vietnam War, when a group of young Hollywood film directors known as the "movie brats" are making their names. It begins in the 1960s and ends in the 1980s.
Another Peter Biskind book, this chronicles the rise of independent filmmakers and of the twin engines the Sundance Film Festival and Miramax Films that have powered them.Frank, unrelenting and controversial, Down and Dirty Pictures is a must read for anyone interested in the film world.
This autobiography of the late film critic Barry Norman, tells tales of an era that seems to have almost disappeared from sight from the movie scene that exists today. Norman recalls some amusing anecdotes from his encounters with some of Hollywood's biggest names and is refreshingly honest in his accounts making this a very interesting read indeed.
Hadley Freeman's love letter to 80's movies is a must read for anyone that pines for the era that gave us Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Top Gun and the Breakfast Club. The author's personal and infectious style will make this an entertaining read for all 80's film fans.
One of France’s most influential filmmakers, Francois Truffaut interviews one of America’s greatest directors results is an in-depth look at every Hitchcock film, featuring two men who simply love talking about cinema. This book acts as both an effective teaching tool for film students and also an insightful look into how the Master of Suspense views his classics.
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