Nicholas Haeffner provides a comprehensive introduction to Alfred Hitchcocks major British and Hollywood films and usefully navigates the reader through a wealth of critical commentaries. One of the acknowledged giants of film; Hitchcocks prolific half-century career spanned the silent and sound eras and resulted in 53 films of which Rear Window (1954); Vertigo (1958) and Psycho (1960) are now seen as classics within the suspense; melodrama and horror genres. In contrast to previous works; which have attempted to get inside Hitchcocks mind and psychoanalyse his films; this book takes a more materialist stance. As Haeffner makes clear; Hitchcock was simultaneously a professional film maker working as part of a team in the film factories of Hollywood; a media celebrity; and an aspiring artist gifted with considerable entrepreneurial flair for marketing himself and his films. The book makes a case for locating the directors remarkable body of work within traditions of highbrow; middlebrow and lowbrow culture; appealing to different audience constituencies in a calculated strategy. The book upholds the case for taking Hitchcocks work seriously and challenges his popular reputation as a misogynist through detailed analyses of his most controversial films.
2015-04-10 2015-04-10File Name: B00VXZWRFC
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. its hard to find this level of love and respect for the art of photographyBy Marie KazAfter watching a YouTube video of Harold Davis present his photographic art to a live audience (perhaps at BH; I forget) and found his work to be exceptionally creative. Mr. Davis also talked about his books in this video and so I looked for his books on ; and decided to try this one. Im more than half-way through the book and have read many of the workbook exercises and have begun to fill in some of the forms. It will certainly help any photographer at any level to read this book; and would not hurt any photographer no matter their goals or practice.I studied film photography in a fine arts college when I was much younger; and have switched over to digital. With my fine arts background; I especially like this book since the author is at heart an artistic photographer and understands the importance of art and design in his approach and in the manner in which he writes about the practice of photography. This is what is needed; since the art of photography; or art and design in general in relation to photography; are the most important aspects that should drive any photographic practice.Much of what is in this book reinforces what I already know and understand and even expands upon it via the nuances of ideas presented. (In other words; it may not be particularly new info for an artist who reads this book; but there is a love and respect for the art of photography that comes through and that is hard to find!). The author isnt jaded; burned-out or apologetic; and more than that; he obviously has sincere intentions to instruct; inform and help others to grow and move forward with their photography using his own thought-provoking experiences and samples of his own photographs along with details on how he made each image. (As opposed to many videos and books where other intentions are apparent).The book is intelligent; sincere and a good companion for me since Im in a rural remote location. I would have given this five stars but I didnt need the trite Rule of Thirds that the author probably found necessary to include for various reasons that have to do with putting together a book that will no doubt be available for many years.As I said; Ive only read to page 132 so far and the main part of the book goes a few pages over 200 (not counting the Workbook section).4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. There are billions of pictures taken every day. How can you make ones that compete?By Gregory W. EdwardsThere are billions of pictures taken every day. How can you make ones that compete?Over a billion pictures uploaded to Facebook/Instagram/500pix/etc. every day. How can yours stand out?A better camera/lens? No; as almost all modern cameras and high end cellphone cameras are enough to make excellent pictures.A tripod? A tripod can help; but think of Ansel Adams "There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept". More is needed.Concept. Imagination. Practice. Knowing your camera. Knowing post-processing. Curating. Finding your audience.This book isnt a quick fix to improve your photography. Rather it provides guidance and exercises on your journey to improved photography in areas most photography books dont.Recommended!Disclaimer: I have taken a number of Harolds workshops and I think Ive bought all of his books. I like Harold and have found his advise the most useful of any photographer in improving my photography. Strongly recommend.Greg Edwards http://www.viewbug.com/member/gregedwards19 of 21 people found the following review helpful. Achieving Your Potential As A Photographer - is within your reach!By GailIf you want a quick read that will magically make you a better or great photographer; then this isnrsquo;t the book for you. But if you have a desire to be the best photographer that you can be AND the wherewithal to work through the exercises in the included workbook; then this is the book for you.Harold Davis obviously put his heart and soul into producing a ldquo;road maprdquo; that can provides you with the tools and techniques; which will help you to be the best photographer you can be. Mr. Davis starts by helping you evaluating your own images ndash; not an easy thing to do. He encourages you to ldquo;unleashrdquo; your imagination. He will show you how to tell a story with your photographs and lead you through important techniques. You will discover how to listen to your inner voice; set goals for yourself; and what it means to draw a line in the sand.At the end of the book is a 46-lesson/exercise plan. It may take you a several sessions to read the book. Doing the exercises will take much longer. I suggest reading the book through; then going back and rereading each section and completing the appropriate exercises. This WILL take you a long time.I have read the book and completed the first twelve exercises. I suspect it will take another six months (or more) to complete all the exercises. I know unequivocally I will be a better and more creative photographer for having put the time and effort into reading the book and working through the exercises.Again; if you want a quick fix; skip this book; if you truly want to reach your potential as photographer and be the best you can be; run; donrsquo;t walk; to your computer and order Achieving Your Potential As A Photographer. You will not regret it.
