Film Style and Technology: History and Analysis

Book Description

The first and only history of motion picture style. The relation of film style to film technology. New methods for the formal analysis of films. A practical approach to film theory. The application of all this to the analysis and evaluation of the films of Max Ophuls. A complete rewrite of the first twenty-five years of film history.

Customer Reviews:

The best movie book ever........2002-11-17

The best movie book ever. If you're looking for just the facts and no b.s., this is the book for you.

refreshing alternative to theoretical film study.......1998-01-18

Barry Salt takes on the highly theoretical schools of film studies and wins! His argument rests on linking film style with technical improvements in technology. Fundamentally, this 'physicalist' angle functions as an important tool for understanding how certain film styles came to be. The book benefits from the fact that Salt has seen practically every Western film made since cinema began. Must have book for any cinema lover's library.

Book Description

Curious about veganism? Want to be a vegan? Already a vegan? Just wondering how to be vegan without going insane? In this informative and practical guide on veganism, two seasoned vegans help you love your inner vegan freak. Loaded with tips, advice, stories, and comprehensive lists of resources that no vegan should live without, this book is key to helping you thrive as a happy, healthy, and sane vegan in a decidedly non-vegan world. In this sometimes funny, sometimes irreverent, and sometimes serious guide that's not afraid to tell it like it is, new, long-time, and potential vegans will find: -how to go vegan in 3 weeks or less using the "cold tofu" program; -the arguments for ethical veganism; -how to get along with friends, family, and others, including other vegetarians; -tons of useful and practical tips for surviving the grocery store, restaurants, and dinners with omnivores; -how to respond when people ask you if you "like live on apples and twigs;" -how capitalism is implicated in animal and human oppression Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World is your guide to embracing vegan freakdom. Come on, get your freak on! About the authors: Tattooed leftist vegan freaks themselves, Bob and Jenna Torres both hold PhDs from Cornell University.

Customer Reviews:

I will soon be a Vegan Freak.......2007-09-27

I have been transitioning into veganism for a little while now (slowly removing dairy and eggs instead of doing it all at once). One of my biggest concerns with becoming a vegan is what my friends and family will say. Not that I care about their opinions, because it will not change my own, but I just didn't want to hear all of thier comments constantly. All of my friends have been supportive, but family members "who know it all" have been lecturing me on protein, vitamins, health, the "fact" that animals who are part of the egg and dairy industries "are not harmed" (which any vegan will tell you is not the case AT ALL), etc. This book gives you a lot of information about ways to deal with the comments of others and gives you a lot of knowledge about the different aspects of being a vegan (why vegans doing wear leather, wool, etc). I also like how they put in own personal experiences. This was a good book and I highly recommend it!!!

Excellent Vegan Intro.......2007-08-06

Being a newly minted Vegan, I was looking for a book that would give me a good introduction to the subject without burying me in propaganda. Vegan Freak is that and more. The authors are funny, intelligent, and well versed in the trials and tribulations of being a Vegan in modern consumer society. They give excellent tips, suggestions, and advice for dealing with family/friends/co-workers who may not understand your choice; all with a friendly and accessible narrative tone. Despite a somewhat brisk discussion of the moral basis for Veganism and the logical arguments that support it, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to adopt a Vegan lifestyle or who has questions on the subject.

not sure what about this one........2007-05-02

I read this book and liked it's style and the information was helpful but I feel like the authors need to revise this book and try a little harder to cut down on the opinions and repetitive info and instead pack in more of their valuable advise. I'm not sure how to better explain this but I will illustrate how I read this book. I Read the whole thing really fast first of all, and when i got to the end I was shocked it was over. So I thought maybe I missed a chapter or two. So I skimmed back through it searching for the lost chapters, but they were not there. I was so desperate for more that I read the appendix over and over searching for more info. I guess I fell that this book is incomplete

Being vegan doesn't mean you're a hippie and have to smell!.......2007-03-11

Being a vegan is a way of life and doesn't mean that you'll go around stinking, and that no one will like you. Being vegan is a life choice just like one that you make when you decide to get out of bed and/or brush your teeth. Going to college in a "hippie" town and running in to quite a few vegans this book made the life choice / life change easier for me when I was vegan. I still use this book for helpful insight and advice even though I am not vegan right now. Being vegan does not mean that you will go broke at the grocery store either. One of the first things out of people's mouths is - "I bet you spend a fortune on food!" It's not true. There are a lot of options out there for vegans to live on a budget and still be vegan, happy and healthy.

I support all outlooks on eating and I can say for myself that while I was totally vegan I was the most happy and most healthy that I've ever been. I hardly ever got sick, and could eat when I was hungry without worrying about carbs and calories all the time. I could munch on asparagus and make meals for potlucks that everyone was dying to know the recipe for.

Being Vegan is not easy - this book definitely points that out. Being something that is outside of the "norm" that we all see around us is definitely something that takes a while to get used to. By reading this book that "change" into being vegan is much easier. I've bought this book and shared it with people who were just interested on knowing exactly what being vegan meant.

I plan on going back to being "100% vegan" soon and I will use this book as one of my main sources of entertainment and pleasure reading.

I'm Glad I didn't Buy It........2007-02-25

I was really eager to read this. Sometimes I feel very alone in my veganism so I checked this book out. All I learned was don't make veganism sound difficult so non-vegans think they could never do it. (Like whining you miss cheese.) The book was repetitive and referenced a lot of other books during the reading. Now, that is appreciated when there is recommended further reading at the back of the book but not throughout the read. Also, plain English writing (how we speak aloud) is annoying in a book. I couldn't get past that.

Mysteries of the Bizarre Animals and Freaks of Nature (Strange Unsolved Mysteries)

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Mysteries of the Bizarre Animals and Freaks of Nature (Strange Unsolved Mysteries)
Phyllis Raybin Emert
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Curiosities & Wonders | Fun Facts | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Mystery & Wonders | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0812536304

Book Description

You thought they were just animals....Read about the horse that can predict the future or the prehistoric fish that still swims the ocean.Mysteries of Bizarre Animals and Freaks of Nature recounts the inexplicable and unimaginable powers of the pets and predators, mammals and marsupials who populate the mysterious world of nature.Read about real life vampire bats.Swim with the deadly Sea Wasp and not get stung!Learn the history of the killer African bee.Discover the amazing Archer fish and how it hunts long distance.All this, and much, much more awaits you in the pages of Mysteries of Bizarre Animals and Freaks of Nature.

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Callahan's Drawings
about the artwork quality
Buyer Beware

Freaks of Nature (Callahan, No 6)
John Callahan
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 068813338X

Customer Reviews:

Callahan's Drawings.......2004-10-30

John Callahan's drawings are intentionally simple and primitive. Even though he draws with a pen in his mouth; he can still draw beautifully, but chooses not to. The drawings are raw and crude, just like the humor they portray. Callahan is a genius! Read everything he's written!

about the artwork quality.......2002-01-26

I just wanted to clarify something in light of the previous reviewer's comments. The reason the art quality is less than stunning is that Callahan is a quadrapalegic and has to draw with a pen held in his mouth. And I've seen other professional cartoonists who don't draw any better despite having more experience and the use of both hands.

Buyer Beware.......2001-03-06

I made a gamble in buying this book as there were no existing previews on it and was disappointed with what I got.

John Callahan's drawing is pretty poor and is what you could describe as being a messy style almost like a doodle or something that you would expect someone in Year 8 or 9 to do whilst they were sitting in a boring class.

Being from Australia I also found some of the cartoons will not appeal to people outside the USA, as like me you might not know who he is referring to. An example of this is a cartoon of the three wise monkeys where he has one labelled Baily, one labelled Cochrane and one labelled Shapiro. There are other cartoons which refer to people such as Alan Dershowitz, Gerald Uelman etc. that many people outside of the USA have probably never heard of.

There are some genuinely funny cartoons in this book but considering the cost of this book it was overall rather dissapointing. But unfortunately the poor drawing detracts from it.

Book Description

Your best friend hates you. The guy you liked hates you. Your entire group of friends hates you.

All because you did the right thing.

Welcome to life for Mena, whose year is starting off in the worst way possible. She's been kicked out of her church group and no one will talk to her—not even her own parents. No one except for Casey, her supersmart lab partner in science class, who's pretty funny for the most brilliant guy on earth.

And when Ms. Shepherd begins the unit on evolution, school becomes more dramatic than Mena could ever imagine . . . and her own life is about to evolve in some amazing and unexpected ways.

Customer Reviews:

Not just a young adult book........2007-10-04

I second all the great things other reviewers have said about this book, but want to point out that it's a terrific read for thinking adults, too. The internal battle between science and religion exists in thinking people of all ages, as does the battle between individuality and conformity.

But don't just take my word for it. I've tested "Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature" on smart people from 9 to 75. They all loved it and couldn't put it down until they finished. Author Brande definitely transcends her genre categorization, and her book is bound to become a classic you will buy and keep for your grandchildren and their grandchildren. I'm looking forward to Brande's next book, and the next ...

great read!.......2007-10-02

I can usually tell how much I like a book, by how long it takes me to read it. I read "Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature" in one evening. Mina, the main character, gets kicked out of her church, loses her friends, and makes her parents angry for something that's not really her fault. When a teacher starts talking about Evolution, Mina gets a chance to fight back.

I think most teenagers are fighting battles of one sort or another, so it's great to read about someone else who's fighting. Good characters, good dialogue, and a story that moves along quickly makes for a fun book.

Great Read!.......2007-09-24

The Ultimate battle between Evolution and Creationism takes place in Robin Brande's debut novel, "Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature". The main character is Mena. A girl being torn in two by what she knows is right, and the expectations of her peers. A born Christian, and happy that way, Mena's life takes a turn for the worst when she decides to apologies for being involved in provoking a fellow student. But when he decides to sue everyone in her church Mena becomes the outcaste who is ill used by everyone she once trusted, even her parents can hardly stand to look at her, let alone talk to her.
Things start to look up when she meets Casey Conner, a would be geeky kid to her old friends, who ends up helping Mena through her exile and becoming her best friend with potential for more, In her science class. There she also meets the zany Mrs. Shepherd, a teacher that introduces Mena to the thought that both evolution and god could co-exist. When Mrs. Shepherd starts a unit on Evolution things really start heating up. Through all this Mena learns a lot about herself, and realizes what her faith means to her.
Robin Brande has done an exceptional job writing such a delicate subject, Evolution VS. Creationism, which she has depicted with such grace and delicacy that I don't think anyone could read this book and go away angry about the focus of the plot. Not to say that there wouldn't be any disagreements on it somewhere, as you can find on any subject today, but that she airs her views so lightly as to give an idea, not a lecture. Lovable characters, interesting idea, brilliant writing; everything you need for a great read.
Go out and buy Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature at your nearest bookstore today. You won't regret it.

I think this book will be a huge success.......2007-09-23

Robin Brande's Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature is the story of Mena, who starts her first day of high school in the face of outright hatred from her former friends. Her parents are furious with her, and she's been kicked out of her church. She hints at why on the first page:

"When you're single-handedly responsible for getting your church, your pastor, and every one of your former friends and their parents sued for millions of dollars, you expect to make some enemies. Fine."

A compelling start. Only gradually is Mena's exact action revealed, but it's clear early on that her former church friends are not treating Mena with much Christian charity. Soon, in addition to tormenting Mena, the group find a new target for their displeasure. Award-winning science teacher Ms. Shepherd is planning to teach a unit on evolution. This sparks protests and controversy, and a request to also teach "intelligent design", despite the legally mandated separation of church and state.

Fortunately Mena and Ms. Shepherd both find allies in the Connor family. Freshman Casey becomes Mena's lab partner, and awakens her interest in biology in more ways than one. Casey's older sister Kayla is a budding activist and journalist, who expands Mena's perspective. Mena's friendship with the Connors is a bit tricky, however, because her very strict parents would never allow her to go home to study with a boy after school. She's certainly not allowed to date, or even watch movies like The Lord of the Rings (or anything to do with magic). And so, despite being a "good girl", Mena lies to her parents. The lure of spending time with the Connors (especially Casey) is just too strong. She even becomes a guest columnist on Kayla's website, under the pen name The Bible Grrrl (there's now a real-world website for The Bible Grrrl, too).

The central element that makes this book, with it's church-going villains and questions about evolution, work is the fact that through it all, Mena maintains her belief in God. She struggles to reconcile her religious beliefs with her understanding of evolution. She likes church, and doesn't like being banished, but knows in her heart that she did the right thing (in the event that led to her banishment). She sees the people from her church doing things that are clearly wrong, under the banner of religion, but she doesn't blame the religion itself.

Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature reminded me a bit of the very funny movie Saved!! (starring Jena Malone), especially the behavior of the Christian teens. I would imagine that religious fundamentalists wouldn't care for the book, because they are portrayed in a fairly negative manner (especially the pompous minister). But this isn't an anti-religion book, either, because Mena's goal is to show that believing in God and believing in evolution are not mutually incompatible. She uses her Bible Grrrl platform to address modern-day issues through Biblical examples. I would say that this is a book for everyone in the middle, for people who question and seek enlightenment. It's for people who believe in science, but perhaps also like the idea of believing in something more divine. Because Mena's behavior is (despite a few lies to her parents) pretty straight-laced, I think that kids as young as 9 or 10 could safely read this book, but that it will appeal more to middle schoolers and high school kids. It would make a great discussion book for parents to read along with their children.

But beyond all of that, Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature is a fun, engaging read that I think kids will enjoy. My favorite character is Kayla. She's larger than life, a real force of nature. One of the quotes that I flagged was this:

"I widened my eyes at Casey and shook my head, but it was too late. His giant sister rounded on me.

And she smiled--I swear--this big, friendly smile like the one their mother had given me earlier. And it's like her whole personality changed right before my eyes. If I hadn't been so afraid of her, I would have loved that smile. Instead it was like staring into the teeth of a shark." (Chapter Nineteen)

I can so picture it! I love Mena, too, but in a different way. She frustrated me sometimes, because she didn't react the way that I would have. She's very much dominated by her parents, especially early in the book, and I simply couldn't relate. But of course that's what makes the book a success - Mena reacts in ways that are consistent with her upbringing and her growing maturity. The science teacher, Ms. Shepherd, is also a great character. She's strong yet quirky, and completely committed to making kids understand the joys of science. I like the way that Ms. Shepherd helps Mena, but also holds her to certain standards, and has no patience for the lies that Mena is telling her parents. Here's my favorite Ms. Shepherd quote:

"Ms. Shepherd couldn't take it anymore. "That's enough," she snapped. "Last time I checked, I was the one being underpaid to do this job. Visiting hours are over. It's time to get back to work. Open your books to page ninety-five. Ms. Bailey, you will read." (Chapter Twenty-One)

I love "I was the one being underpaid to do this job." Sharp and accurate. That's Ms. Shepherd. Ms. Shepherd has a website, too. This is a very modern story. Speaking of which, and in the interest of full disclosure, I should close this review by acknowledging that Robin Brande is a blog friend of mine. I participate in events on her website. But, never once has Robin asked me to read, let alone review, her book. What drew me to read it is that that I started hearing positive feedback several months ago, and it sounded like a book that I would enjoy. So I requested it from my library. And once I started reading, I pretty much forgot that Robin wrote it, and just concentrated on the book. I predict great success for Evolution, and I'm sure that it won't be Robin's last. I, for one, look forward very much to what she comes up with next.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on September 23, 2007.

Teens will love this fun, easy read!!!.......2007-09-17

Teens will enjoy this book!!! It's a question and predicament that happens in life. Robin does a great job of representing the joys and pains of starting high school! The book is clever, funny, serious and interesting all rolled into a nicely packaged, easy read! Enjoy yourself today!!! Moms, this is a must read for your teens!!!
Tanya, Austin, TX
Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature

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Anastacia: Freak of Nature (Pvg)

Manufacturer: Music Sales Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Control Freak Hormones, the Brain, And the Nervous System (Body Talk (Freestyle Express))

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Control Freak Hormones, the Brain, And the Nervous System (Body Talk (Freestyle Express))
Steve Parker
Manufacturer: Raintree
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1410926591

Control Freak: Hormones, the Brain and the Nervous System (Body Talk)

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Control Freak: Hormones, the Brain and the Nervous System (Body Talk)
Steve Parker
Manufacturer: Raintree
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Take a new look at the human body. Find out how your body's control systems work and how you can affect them. Using interesting photos and facts, this book will really make you think about your body and the amazing things that go on inside you every second. You'll never feel the same way about yourself!

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This one is a keeper
A Freak of Nature

A Freak of Nature
B. H. Bose
Manufacturer: A Freak Of Nature Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971181004

Book Description

With its zany drawings and intriguing quotes, A Freak Of Nature offers a unique and funny perspective of everyday life on this planet. Be it a housing development, a freeway, a clear-cut forest or a simple hiking trail, humans are having a negative impact on the natural ecosystem. This environmental cartoon book brings our “not-so-environmentally friendly” idiosyncrasies to light in such a way people are bound to not only stop and laugh, but stop and think. Through single-panel cartoons, the publication depicts everyday foibles and quirks of mankind, and the potential harmful effects on the environment around them. The drawings are complemented by quotes from well-known people (past and present) regarding humor, nature, and life in general. While the overlying theme is nature, not everything is a cartoon or quote with an environmental message. Some simply go straight for the funny bone. After all, as Abraham Lincoln once said: “...If I did not laugh I should die.”

Customer Reviews:

This one is a keeper.......2001-08-17

Funny and provocative. If you like comics, you'll like this. Many of the cartoons focus on our relationship with nature, but it's the critters who often take center stage. Whether depicting environmental degradation or group therapy for Peeping Toms, Bose's work is laced with wit and sarcasm. I've read it several times through and keep coming back to it.

A Freak of Nature.......2001-08-15

A delightfully ambitious viewpoint of a "world outside the box". Esp poignant in today's fast paced world depicting human emotions and desires impacting a disturbing & once quiet and seemingly impregnable slow evolution of Nature. Often quirky and sarcastically relentless, taking non-stop jabs at our own's societal demise with respect to nature and our limited natural resources. Animals are the main characters, but the flaws are all human in nature. Many provokingly dark snapshots from a sensitive & well meant, but highly comical perspective. Sort of a Far Side meets Non-Sequitor. Morality vs Humanity vs Evolution?! A smart book for a "not so smart society" intent on driving our human race thru the rat race of Darwinism.

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A Freak of Nature
Robert O. Barclay
Manufacturer: Beaver's Pond Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1592981399

Product Description

This is the story of a young couple, Theo and Kim, living in 1950, whose five-year marriage is in trouble. When the novel opens, Theo is in the bank with a lawyer. He has come to collect the contents of a safe deposit box which was left to Theo by his Uncle Gilbert. Kim and Theo are hopeful that this inheritance will bring them wealth, believing that money or the lack of it is at the root of all their unhappiness.

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