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Film Quake by Ian Haydn Smith (Quarto Publishing) 3 Stars

Publication date 4/1/22 (UK date format) Book 204 Pages


I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this book to read and review. All my reviews are honest.




Synopsis


Discover films that dared to be different, risked reputations and put careers in jeopardy. This is what happens when filmmakers take tradition and rip it up. FilmQuake introduces 50 movies that shook the cinematic world, telling the fascinating stories behind their creation, reception and legacy. From unbelievable developments in technology (Citizen Kane, 1941) to feminist triumphs (Wanda, 1970); films that kickstarted New Queer Cinema (Paris is Burning, 1990) to others that challenged lawmakers (A Short Film About Killing, 1988) – FilmQuake presents the movies that questioned boundaries, challenged the status quo and made shockwaves we are still feeling today. From film's first innovators, people like the Lumière brothers, whose short film of a train arriving was reported to have terrified audiences in 19th century Paris, through iconoclasts like Sergei Eisenstein and Luis Buñuel, to titans of 20th century cinema like Alfred Hitchcock and Jean-Luc Godard, discover the stories behind the films which incontrovertably changed the course of cinema forever. Into the modern day, this book examines how filmmakers have addressed themes of prejudice and inequality, from the Black Lives Matter movement and Jordan Peele's unmissable Get Out to Bong Joon-ho's cutting study of the lives of the wealthy in Parasite, as well as innovative new cinematic techniques emerging in films like 28 Days Later and Blair Witch Project. In telling the history of cinema through the works that were truly disruptive, and explaining the context in which each was created, FilmQuake demonstrates the heart of modern film, which is to constantly question boundaries and challenge expectation. This book is from the Culture Quake series, which looks into iconic moments of culture which truly created paradigm shifts in their respective fields. Also available is ArtQuake, which tells the stories of 50 pivotal works that challenged consensus and broke daring new ground in the world of art, inspiring shock and scandal as they did so, but ultimately cementing themselves as truly great works o modern art.


My Review


This was definitely an interesting read. It looks how the film making practice and peoples changing views on what they want to watch including great cinematic controversies. Starting from the very first films. Also looking at the change in sounds and technology used. I enjoyed the layout of the book. I thought the time line at the beginning of each chapter was very useful. Which looked at key events that occurred during that time period. I enjoyed learning about the different introductions of technology, and changes in film use and different director's. However, I didn't really know many of the films that were included and just wanted to learn more from each one. Just as it started getting interesting it moved on to the next film. I would class it as an introduction to films that cause quakes in the visual art of cinematography. I also really would of loved to learn about films that caused great controversies and feedback from some critics or from people who watch them. I finished the whole book and did learn quite a bit from it so that is always a good thing and im glad I experienced the book. I was just left wanting a bit more information. That is just my opinion and I am one person. I always recommend that you try a sample of the book to make up your own mind or get it out from your library and give it a go as I'm sure other people will love this title more than I did. Many thanks to the author and publishers for producing an Great insight into the changes in world cinematic.


Where you can buy this book


Amazon US Kindle $12.09 Flexibound $11.95



Waterstones Paperback £12.99



Google Books ebook £9.99



B&N Paperback $16.99 Nook $17.49



Kobo ebook £7.19



Amazon UK Kindle £7.99 Flexibound £10.99



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HAPPY READING

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