Julie A. Turnock tracks the use and evolution of special effects in 1970s filmmaking; a development as revolutionary to film as the forms transition to sound in the 1920s. Beginning with the classical studio eras early approaches to special effects; she follows the industrys slow build toward the significant advances of the late 1960s and early 1970s; which set the stage for the groundbreaking achievements of 1977.Turnock analyzes the far-reaching impact of the convincing; absorbing; and seemingly unlimited fantasy environments of that years iconic films; dedicating a major section of her book to the unparalleled innovations of Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She then traces these films technological; cultural; and aesthetic influence into the 1980s in the deployment of optical special effects as well as the "not-too-realistic" and hyper-realistic techniques of traditional stop motion and Showscan. She concludes with a critique of special effects practices in the 2000s and their implications for the future of filmmaking and the production and experience of other visual media.
#2036536 in eBooks 2013-07-29 2013-07-29File Name: B00IPLYCLO
Review
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful. THE DEFINITIVE STORYBy Edward B. Hanel Jr.Andy Neill tells the Faces story well. Like any good book about music; his text encourages the reader to dig out the original albums; 45s; or newer CDs he references and then play them loud. Not as background music; but as the essential part of the tale of a band that became huge in the states and then splinted into various factions like a planet torn apart by the gravitational pull of near-by stars. The break up of a rock band is hardly surprising; but Andy does readers a huge favor of weaving the various factions into a cohesive and compelling narration that unfolds logically and brings into focus side stories and events such as "Long" John Baldry or The Whos impact on events. Considering the conflicting pull of supergroups such as The Rolling Stones or the egos of just about everyone in the band; it is interesting to read how the band ended not so much with a bang; but a whimper. (Efforts to ressurect a 2011 Faces remain to be proven as a worthy additional chapter to the history of the band that faded away by 1976.) Well researched and well written; this book will remain the definitive overall review of the Faces; and its members; for a long time. It is a must read for anyone who is a serious fan of early 70s rock and a great read for the casual fan of rock history in general.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. True rockBy Dr. E. Douglas PrattAfter the multi-faceted Small Faces faded; the new Faces emerged with torches focused on rock. Roots-based rock. Unpolished; unproduced; unpretentious. Thank goodness. Rock was beginning to explore exciting new directions like Art Rock and Glam Rock. And with Disco just round the corner; the Faces stood up to keep the old flame burning. Unfortunately; their disregard for fashion cost them the good fortune they deserved.This band-bio tells their story with great respect for the music and with respectful candor for the musicians. Not a pretty tale; either. For those who have a serious interest in the evolution of rock; this book covers important personalities and bands through several generations of rock history. And gives The Faces all the respect theyre long overdue.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. At last; the confusion is solved for meBy Deborah TEven though my teen years were filled with the sounds of the Small Faces/Faces/Rod Stewart with The Faces; I could never quite get the connections sorted back then. This very well-written biography not only sorted it; but gave so much background information that it was a pleasure to read from start to finish. The relationships between the band members is a well detailed view into the rock scene during that era. Its true that a Faces concert was the most like a party with the fans at that time. They brought so much joie de vivre to the stage. Truly one of the cornerstone bands of rock for me; along with Led Zeppelin; The Stones and The Who.
