Subject
Motion pictures Books
Best books
Gilbert Seldes
The Seven Lively Arts
"The Seven Lively Arts" by Gilbert Seldes is a critical examination of various forms of American entertainment written in the early 20th century. The text explores how these lively arts, including vaudeville and film, were often dismissed by the cultural elite, yet they uniquely captured and reflected the spirit of their time. Through an affectionate lens, Seldes argues for their significance and artistic value, featuring noteworthy figures such as Charlie Chaplin. The opening of the book sets the tone for Seldes' exploration by addressing slapstick comedy and its place in American culture. He reflects on the origins and evolution of the Keystone comedies, emphasizing their distinctive charm and vitality despite critical neglect. Seldes acknowledges the influence of great comedic artists, particularly Mack Sennett and Chaplin, while critiquing the broader societal perceptions of comedy as a vulgar or unrefined art form. Through an insightful narrative, he positions slapstick and its creators within the larger artistic landscape of American culture, advocating for a deeper appreciation of the genre.
Vachel Lindsay
The Art of the Moving Picture
"The Art of the Moving Picture" by Vachel Lindsay is a critical exploration of motion pictures as an emerging art form, initially written in the early 20th century and revised in the early 1920s. This literary work serves as both a critique and a guide for the aesthetic principles that should govern the making and appreciation of motion pictures, especially in the context of American culture and its evolving artistic landscape. Lindsay seeks to elevate cinema to a higher status among the traditional art forms, arguing for its recognition in museums alongside painting, sculpture, and architecture. The opening of the text introduces Lindsay's intent, emphasizing the need for critical discourse regarding film as an art form, particularly at a time when myriad art museums were emerging across America. He outlines the various aspects of photoplay criticism, showing a deep understanding of both the technical and emotional elements inherent in films. He presents various categories of motion pictures he plans to discuss, including action films, intimate plays, and those that focus on splendor, laying the groundwork for his exploration of how the cinema combines artistic expression with narrative storytelling. He reflects on personal experiences and observations about earlier films and their potential, while also advocating for a future where films can aspire to be as revered as other artistic endeavors.
Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot
Moving Pictures: How They Are Made and Worked
"Moving Pictures: How They Are Made and Worked" by Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the process and technology behind the creation of moving pictures, detailing advancements in photography and the intricate work performed by various pioneers in the field. It serves as both a historical account and an informative guide to understanding the mechanics and artistry involved in motion photography. The opening of this work introduces the concept of animated photography and the challenges overcome by early inventors in capturing movement. Talbot discusses the transition from lengthy exposure times that made capturing motion nearly impossible to the development of instantaneous photography, which paved the way for motion pictures. He emphasizes the significance of visual persistence—the way the human brain perceives rapid sequences of images as continuous motion—and outlines the inventions and experimentations that led to the inception of moving pictures, setting the stage for the later detailed chapters on the technical aspects of film production and projection.
Geoffrey H. Malins
How I Filmed the War A Record of the Extraordinary Experiences of the Man Who Filmed the Great Somme Battles, etc.
"How I Filmed the War" by Geoffrey H. Malins is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the experiences of Malins, who served as an official war cinematographer during World War I. It details his adventurous and perilous journey capturing live footage of the battlefield, illustrating the dangers faced by those in charge of documenting the war through film. The opening of the text serves as an introduction to Malins' narrative, where he reflects on his journey from a photographer to becoming an official war cameraman. He recounts how he was inspired to document the reality of the war, aiming to capture both the horror and the heroism he witnessed on the front lines. The beginning sets the stage for the tales of danger and adventure that follow, showcasing his relentless spirit as he maneuvers through treacherous conditions to secure footage that would educate and enlighten audiences back home.
Samuel Goldwyn
Behind the Screen
"Behind the Screen" by Samuel Goldwyn is a memoir written in the early 20th century. This work offers an insider's look into the early days of Hollywood and the development of the motion picture industry. Goldwyn reflects on his own journey from a humble background to becoming a key figure in filmmaking, detailing the rise of the industry and the personalities involved, such as iconic stars like Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Goldwyn's transformative experience in a small cinema that ignited his passion for filmmaking. He recounts how, after watching a film, he envisioned a new path for motion pictures, proposing longer, more sophisticated films to his brother-in-law, Jesse Lasky. Goldwyn describes their initial skepticism and his subsequent determination to establish a new standard in filmmaking, ultimately leading to the founding of the Lasky Company. This origin story not only highlights the early struggles and triumphs of Goldwyn and Lasky but also hints at the collaborative and competitive nature of the creative environment in Hollywood that would unfold in the chapters to come.
Walter Julius Bloem
The soul of the moving picture
"The Soul of the Moving Picture" by Walter S. Bloem is a critical examination of film as a new art form, likely written in the early 20th century. The book discusses the intricate relationship between the emotional essence of moving pictures and their narrative structures, advocating for the recognition of film as a legitimate artistic medium. Bloem explores various aspects of filmmaking, delving into the tools of the trade, the importance of gesture, and the intricate dynamics between art and commerce in the film industry. At the start of this work, the author establishes a strong premise about the significance of the moving picture in modern society, arguing that it has profoundly influenced the collective psyche of people across the globe. He recognizes the skepticism surrounding the nascent film industry from more traditional art sectors but argues passionately for its value, emphasizing the emotional power that films wield. The opening discusses the evolution of film, articulating the importance of feeling over intellect in creating impactful cinema, and sets the stage for a thorough exploration of cinematic techniques and artistic intentions in the subsequent chapters.
Ernest A. (Ernest Alfred) Dench
Advertising by motion pictures
"Advertising by Motion Pictures" by Ernest A. Dench is a comprehensive guide on the utilization of motion pictures as a medium for advertising, written in the early 20th century. This publication aims to inform advertisers about the various techniques, strategies, and effectiveness of using moving images to convey advertising messages effectively. Dench, an experienced journalist and industry insider, emphasizes the importance of leveraging the unique qualities of film to engage audiences and enhance commercial appeal. The opening portion of the book introduces Dench's motivation for writing this guide, specifically addressing the existing lack of concrete information regarding motion picture advertising. He highlights that despite the success of the film medium in entertainment, its advertising potential remains underexplored due to a scarcity of organized knowledge. Dench outlines key considerations for advertisers, such as the significance of visual storytelling, the need to avoid clutter in film advertisements, and how to captivate audiences through quality content. He emphasizes that successful advertising requires an understanding of how audiences engage with films, and a well-crafted motion picture can effectively convey a product's appeal without relying heavily on verbal communication.
Edward S. (Edward Sims) Van Zile
That Marvel—The Movie A Glance at Its Past, Its Promising Present and Its Significant Future
"That Marvel—The Movie" by Edward S. Van Zile is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the evolution of the motion picture, examining its past advancements, current relevance, and future potential as a significant cultural medium. The book contends that motion pictures have the capacity to transcend simple entertainment and serve as a universal language that could impact society positively. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the importance of learning from humanity's historical mistakes, suggesting that traditional books often fail to reach the masses. Van Zile argues for the motion picture's unique ability to visualize this collective experience, positioning it as a crucial tool for education and enlightenment in a modern world fraught with challenges. He emphasizes that the motion picture has rapidly evolved from a mere novelty to a powerful medium for reflecting on and shaping the human experience, underscoring the significance of properly harnessing its potential for the betterment of civilization.
Franz Paul Liesegang
Das lebende Lichtbild: Entwicklung, Wesen und Bedeutung des Kinematographen
"Das lebende Lichtbild: Entwicklung, Wesen und Bedeutung des Kinematographen" by F. Paul Liesegang is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the history, mechanics, and significance of cinematography, examining the development of early motion pictures and light projection devices. It provides insights into the inventions and pioneers that led to the creation of the kinematograph, highlighting its impact on education, science, and entertainment. The opening of the book presents the author's motivation for writing, stemming from various lectures on cinematography that revealed widespread public interest in the subject. Liesegang expresses the complexity of explaining the fascinating mechanisms behind cinematic motion, acknowledging that while his demonstrations were effective live, translating them into text while maintaining clarity poses a challenge. The introduction also includes descriptions of early image-making devices like the Thaumatrop and the Phenakistoscope, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of how these inventions laid the groundwork for modern filmmaking techniques.
John Emerson
Breaking into the movies
"Breaking into the Movies" by John Emerson and Anita Loos is a guidebook on entering the film industry written in the early 20th century. The work serves as an insightful exploration into the intricacies of securing a career in Hollywood, detailing various roles such as actors, directors, and writers while laying out the unique challenges and opportunities available in the burgeoning cinema industry. The authors discuss the paradoxical struggle between aspiring talent and the established industry, highlighting the ways in which newcomers can navigate these waters. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the overwhelming ambition of individuals seeking to break into movies, emphasizing a notable disconnect between aspiring filmmakers and the producers seeking new talent. Emerson and Loos illustrate the demand for fresh faces against a backdrop of a crowded industry that often favors established professionals. They stress the importance of understanding the variety of roles within the film sector and the necessity for newcomers to be informed and prepared, underscoring a detailed description of the initial steps required to begin a career in film. The introduction sets the stage for practical advice and insider knowledge that the readers can expect to gather throughout the text.
Hermann Häfker
Kino und Kunst Lichtbühnen-Bibliothek Nr. 2
"Kino und Kunst" by Hermann Häfker is a comprehensive discussion on the intersection of film and art written in the early 20th century. The text explores the artistic implications of cinema and its potential to elevate the representation of reality into a form of art. Häfker articulates a vision of cinema that seeks to resonate with genuine human emotions and experiences by employing authentic artistic expressions. The opening of "Kino und Kunst" situates the reader in a time of transformation, reflecting on how the exponential rise of visual media inundates society with art-like expressions. Häfker discusses the overwhelming influx of artistic stimuli experienced by modern individuals, particularly in urban settings, where traditional art forms seem to have lost their exclusivity and impact. He emphasizes the urgent need for cinema to reclaim artistic integrity, calling for a deeper understanding of its unique capabilities and advocating for the cultivation of genuine artistic expression within the medium. This sets the framework for a thoughtful exploration of the responsibilities and opportunities that come with the emergence of film as a significant art form.
Eadweard Muybridge
The Science of Animal Locomotion (Zoopraxography) An Electro-Photographic Investigation of Consecutive Phases of Animal Movements
"The Science of Animal Locomotion (Zoopraxography)" by Eadweard Muybridge is a scientific publication produced in the late 19th century. This work outlines the author's extensive investigation into animal movements through innovative photographic techniques, showcasing the various phases of locomotion in animals. The book is notable for its systematic use of photography to analyze and depict the mechanics of movement, marking an important development in the study of motion. The content of the book primarily focuses on the results of Muybridge's groundbreaking experiments that began in 1872, where he aimed to capture the dynamic actions of animals, particularly horses, in motion. Using a specially designed electro-photographic apparatus, Muybridge took thousands of sequential images that illustrate the distinct phases of movements like walking, trotting, galloping, and more. It features over 20,000 figures across 781 plates, demonstrating the movements of a wide array of subjects including humans and various animals engaged in both everyday activities and athletic performances. This richly illustrated work serves not only as a scientific reference but also greatly influenced artists and animators in their understanding of motion dynamics.
Recently surfaced classics