Book Description
The screenplay for the cult film that took audiences by storm
Memento is a remarkably layered, psychological-puzzle film that explores the narrative possibilities of noir, turning its detective into a surrogate for the spectator while forcing the audience to embark on the same kind of sleuthing its main character is involved in. Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) is a former insurance investigator who since his wife's rape and apparent murder has suffered from a condition that renders him unable to form new memories. Despite his affliction, he's vowed to find his wife's killer and keeps track of his search with scribbled notes, Polaroids, clues tattooed on his body, and sheaves of documents. But as the film progresses everything Leonard holds as fact is undermined in a heart-pounding narrative that will keep audiences guessing until the final reel-and beyond.
Also contained in this volume is the screenplay for Following, Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed debut. The film follows an aspiring writer who finds an unlikely ally in a burglar who claims he breaks into houses only to experience other people's lives.
Customer Reviews:
Two excellent screenplays.......2004-02-09
I thought MEMENTO was good, not great, and pretty much forgot about it right after seeing it. Someone bought me this book a while back and I just got around to reading it.
I have to say, I have a new found respect for Christopher Nolan and will another look at MEMENTO. These are two excellent screenplays that go well beyond experimentation in narrative structure to tell two solid (almost old-school film noir) stories.
I'll start with FOLLOWING, which I've never seen. It's a twisty little number about a would-be writer who likes to follow people. The writer makes the mistake of following a cat burglar one day and gets sucked into his world. The timeline is fractured, but it's a compelling read all the way through, and a great example of no-fat, pure-story screenwriting.
MEMENTO, for anyone who doesn't know, is a story told backwards to mimic the disability of the central protagonist, who is incapable of making new memories. It's a mystery told in reverse, not unlike the structure of OEDIPUS REX (think about it) albeit without patricide or incest. Ultimately what I got out of it by reading it not seeing it is the fun of trying to figure out the story, of using clues to work backwards to causes. Without the extraneous visual information of a film, the naked story on the page seemed to accumulate greater dramatic force. Since it was a while since I saw the movie, I found myself wondering what was going to happen next (i.e. before) -- it was the gripping mystery experience many people had who first acclaimed the film.
Even though the stories aren't told in a linear fashion, for aspiring writers this book is worth looking at for more than structure. This is quality writing. The stories are lean and full of metaphysical implications (in the least pretentious sense). Good stories, well told.
The book also includes an interesting interview about the making of FOLLOWING and a less interesting "piece" about MEMENTO's conception, which is just two juxtaposed paragraphs of Chris and his brother Jonah's conflicting memories (get it?). They are icing on the cake of what has to be one of my favorite recent Faber screenplay releases. 5/5 stars
What a gimmick!.......2002-04-17
In a conversation with a friend of mine a while back, he told me he didn't understand why people liked "Memento" so much, he said all the film had was a "gimmick."
To which I replied, "it may be a gimmick, but YOU try writing a script with a gimmick like that."
The "gimmick" is the non-linear progression of the story that Christopher Nolan uses in both of the scripts in this book, "Memento" and "Following." It's an experimental style of storytelling, to be certain, but it's a successful experiment. Both scripts, "Memento" in particular, show events not in the order they happen, but in the order of importance, and it's a brilliant way to tell the story. Nolan's a magnificent screenwriter -- can't wait for his next one.
I Loved Every Word. The Best Screenplay I Have Ever Read!.......2002-01-31
I have been saying this for a few months: "Memento" is my favorite movie. As soon as I found out that you could buy the screenplay for the movie, I knew that I had to have it. Normally, I wouldn't care to see the screenplay for many movies, but this was a very big exception. I loved the movie so much that I wanted to see how it looked on paper.
A little warning: The script is NOT word for word to the movie. Some parts are different in many ways. The order of events are a little different and a lot of good lines that were in the movie were not included in the screenplay. Is this a bad thing? OF COURSE NOT! In fact, it was a great surprise. This was what the movie was going to eventually lead up to looking like. It was a rough layout of what could happen in what order. Of course, things change when you're filming the movie. Certain scenes are changed or cut out, lines are either trimmed or dramatically changed, and so on. The story in no way is changed and the resolution is still very much the same as the movie. The point is that it's fascinating to see how the script developed into the finished product, which is a masterpiece of a film that should go down as one of the greatest films in history. I loved reading the screenplay, and it makes me admire how the film turned out in the end even more.
Another movie that is included in this wonderful book, a movie you might have never even heard of, is "Following." This script was a little more similar to the movie in most parts than "Memento" was. I also enjoyed reading that part of the book. I have seen the movie before hand, so I kind of knew what I was in for. Again, this screenplay is filled with sharp and witty dialogue and life-shattering consequences that won't appear visible until the shocking conclusion.
Another cool feature of this book is that it includes an interview with Christopher Nolan and one of the stars from "Following." It also includes some photos from both movies and how the idea for "Memento" came about.
Christopher Nolan has a talent when it comes to forcing characters to face severe consequences and ugly truths, as well as coming up with great dialogue that can only be created by a pro. He can also manipulate time and make it confusing for us as well as for his characters. If you have seen the movie or movies, get this book as soon as you can. I recommend that you see them first, then read the book. All in all, this was a terrific read and I look forward into reading it again and again.
JUST AS ENJOYABLE.......2001-08-10
I picked up this book after seeing Memento and while waiting for it to be released on DVD. All I can say is that I enjoyed it just as much as watching the movie. Don't skip over Following to get to it though. It is just as engaging as Memento and you can catch a preview of it on the Memento DVD. Also, don't let the fact that these are screenplays deter you from making this purchase. If you are a true Christopher Nolan fan, this is the book for you.
"Memento" Memento.......2001-06-21
I haven't read the "Following" half of this two-screenplays-in-one book yet--that'll have to wait until I manage to find the movie itself--but it's well worth the price just for the "Memento" half, assuming you're a fan of said movie. The slight differences between this screenplay and the finished movie provide one with both a clearer understanding of Nolan's intentions, and an appreciation of what fortuitous circumstances had to come together to result in such a perfect end-product: this brilliant screenplay (which I can sit and read and imagine being performed by utterly unsuitable actors, dream who'd have been the most ill-chosen director), ideal actors and director, fantastically fitting sets and cinematography, music, and so on.
Book Description
The final book in this power-packed mandolin method continues with a study of advanced harmonies and provides mandolin chord forms in all twelve keys. In-depth studies of important forms such as the 12-bar blues and "rhythm changes" are included as well as chord/melody playing and chord substitution. The book also takes an exhaustive approach to melodic studies, covering the modes of the major scale, the pentatonic scales, the chromatic scale, the whole-tone scale and improvisation.
Product Description
Mastering the Guitar is an innovative, exciting way to learn the guitar. Co-authored by William Bay and Mike Christiansen, this extremely comprehensive method applies the array of musical styles and techniques found in today's music. Written in notation and tablature, it covers a vast array of guitar solo and accompaniment styles. A special feature of this method is that it teaches both flatpicking and fingerstyle solo and accompaniment techniques. We feel that Mastering the Guitar is the most comprehensive approach to guitar technique repertoire and performance to be found anywhere. Volume 1A: Presents the essential foundational studies for contemporary guitar performance; Immediately introduces the student to the concept of playing contemporary music through the creative use of tablature; Logically and methodically teaches note-reading, utilizing the notes in first position on each string in numerous pages of playing material (over 155 solos and duets in the keys of C, A minor, G, and E minor); Contains more than 140 scale and picking studies, chord etudes, and accompaniment pieces; teaching contemporary techniques such as the slur, hammer-on, pull-off, vibrato and slide; Includes in-depth sections on back-up guitar and rhythm; Incorporates guitar duet material. The companion recording is for the first volume of the comprehensive Mel Bay method of the same title. These CD's contain almost all of the solo and duet settings found in the book as performed by William Bay, Mike Christiansen, and Corey Christiansen. The recordings present an eclectic assortment of guitar styles played on steel string guitar, nylon string guitar and electric guitar. Some of the selections feature fingerpicking; others feature the use of the flatpick. Both CD's contain over 100 minutes of recorded guitar solo and duet material.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent guitar book for begginner adult or child........2006-11-06
I have been using this guitar book with all of my students for about 4 years. I use it with adults and begining children starting at age 7. This is the best book that I have found and it can take students more than a year to complete. The students learn how to read chords, music notes, and guitar tab. The book has so many songs to practice for every new thing a student learns. They also touch on musical styles, blues, rock licks, finger picking. I also have the same book for Master Class. You can order it spiral bound. It's alittle different and I am not sure if you can get a CD with it. It is an excellent, excellent investment. Get the CD's with this one, they are well worth it!
If you want to learn guitar but don't know where to start.........2002-04-10
Note: This book/2cd set is the first of the Mastering the Guitar series (book/cds - 1A,1B,2A,2B,2C).
For anyone who wants to learn guitar but isn't sure which style of music to focus on (or would like to learn a wide variety) this series fills a void. Even compared to other guitar method books I have a high opinion of this series. From the very beginning a solid grounding in reading music is introduced - string by string, note-by-note along with songs to practice. Tablature is also included but it is definitely to any guitarist's advantage to take the time to learn how to read traditional music notation too. The 2 cd's provided with each book in the series makes learning even more fun. You can play along to the backing tracks or along with the lead guitar which is helpful in associating what's on the printed page with the sound listeners will hear.
The genre's of music in this first book cover traditional folk songs, rock, blues, jazz, rockabilly, boogie, celtic, classical, country and bluegrass. And though fingerstyle is given it's due (most of these songs can be learned both ways) the unspoken preponderance of songs assumes a beginner will start out with pick. I also liked how the songs were organized by keys. A beginner starts to learn some basic music theory early on. The first book focuses on the keys of C, A minor, G and E minor. Plenty of finger studies and pick studies are included. Simply focusing on these studies alone has improved my pick-style playing tremendously. I simply start out the picking scales at a slow beat (about 70 bpm) and go no further than I can while playing without tension in my right and left hands and without missing a note.
Recognizing chords both from chord diagrams and more importantly from their standard music notation form is introduced and given plenty of coverage. Power chords, blues progressions, time signatures, various strum patterns, sharps, flats, vibrato, free stroke, rest stroke, are just some of the things covered. The fingerstyle section introduces classical guitar technique as one the representatives of fingerstyle with beautiful music that is standard for any beginning classical guitarist's repertoire. And all of this is a delight to play along with the backing studio tracks on the 2 cds. I enjoyed many of the compositions - especially toward the latter half of the book. Most are originals from the 2 authors. But even if you don't care for much of the music in this book the actual lessons taught will help anyone play any style of music they might want to practice later. For anyone wanting to learn the guitar and actually willing to take the time to devote to everything this book provides they will have a firm foundation. I am definitely looking forward to getting the rest of the books in this series. It definitely deserves an A+ !
Book Description
Mastering the Guitar is an innovative, exciting way to learn the guitar. Co-authored by William Bay and Mike Christiansen, this extremely comprehensive method applies the array of musical styles and techniques found in today's music. Written in notation and tablature, it covers a vast array of guitar solo and accompaniment styles. A special feature of this method is that it teaches both flatpicking and fingerstyle solo and accompaniment techniques. We feel that Mastering the Guitar is the most comprehensive approach to guitar technique repertoire and performance to be found anywhere. Volume 1A: Presents the essential foundational studies for contemporary guitar performance; Immediately introduces the student to the concept of playing contemporary music through the creative use of tablature; Logically and methodically teaches note-reading, utilizing the notes in first position on each string in numerous pages of playing material (over 155 solos and duets in the keys of C, A minor, G, and E minor); Contains more than 140 scale and picking studies, chord etudes, and accompaniment pieces, teaching contemporary techniques such as the slur, hammer-on, pull-off, vibrato and slide; Includes in-depth sections on back-up guitar and rhythm; Incorporates guitar duet material.
Customer Reviews:
Guilty.......2007-03-25
Steve writes that this is just average and people have been writing great reviews - I'm guilty. But I've reviewed this based on what it can do for your music rading. I'm a guitar teacher and I found I could never get anyone started or enthused by using this book - too much standard notation, and no current chart songs. But what it does do it does well - teaches students to read standard notation - at which most guitarists are terrible. As the teacher I have to write other contemporary material to help students through all these traditional tunes and cheesy melodies - but that's a copyright problem for the publisher that will never be resolved. That's a role a good teacher can fill. If you're learning on your own you'll have to take what's in the book and start writing your own new melodies from the tunes you really like - but that's not a bad thing - it will reinforce what your leaning in this beek.
Bottom line - if you want to learn standard notation, here's the first of a series of 5 books to develop your reading. From that standpoint its successful.
Just OK.......2006-09-01
I sometimes teach guitar, and I am always interested in finding good method books. Many of the reviews here claim that this method is "the best" and "great." I purchased it based on these reviews. I found this method to be average at best. There is nothing remarkable about the songs or the way it teaches technique. Also, be aware that this book does not include the accompanying CD; perhaps it can be ordered separately. If this book included the CD for the same price, I might be willing to recommend it to a beginner.
Excellent Foundation.......2006-05-20
I haven't seen a book better suited for learning the guitar. This is a comprehensive approach teaching all modern techniques with beautiful arrangements of a wide selection of music. IMO this is how one should learn, adopting a wide and firm foundation in music and technique upon which you can build when pursuing your special interests. If your aspirations are very limited then there are other books that can get you there quicker, but if your aspirations are greater and are willing to improve over years this is where you should start IMO.
I started with the Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method Series but switched over to this series when I had almost finished Book 1 - glad I did even though I lost a little time catching up with the techniques only covered in the Mastering The Guitar, such as fingerstyle, hammer ons and slides.
Get the spiral bound addition which lays open nicely on a music stand and is easy to leaf through. The other bindings are a pain.
great book.......2005-12-04
This is THE best guitar learning book if your interested on learning on your own. Be prepared to spend alot of time on this series because they are LOADED with material. This book is
excellent in teaching the necessary fundamentals and music theory of the guitar. The music is really "corny" but the intent is there...and effective. I would strongly recommend if you buy this book to also buy the cd to make sure your playing what you're supposed to play. Also, don't worry about playing the same speed/tempo as as what's on the cd. That's not what it's for, only to make sure you're playing the right music.
Exellent Purchase.......2005-10-03
This textbook exceeded my expectations. It arrived quickly and in very good condition. The spiral factor comes in hand often. I am happy with my purchase.
Product Description
On-the-go Instrction Because your time is valuable... All Audio All on the go! Beginning level instruction is presented in an all-audio format on 4 digitally-recorded CDs. You have the opportunity to learn on the go, taking advantage of time normally wasted. Study in your car, while exercising, doing yard work anywhere you can safely listen to a CD player. No accompanying books are needed to help you complete the lesson activities. Why can t learning be fun? It can! Linguaphone has chosen to present the allTalk series in an entertaining, soap-opera format. No dry old teacher with a monotone voice putting you to sleep, you follow the adventures of a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country as she interacts with individuals in a variety of interesting situations, learning the language and beginning to understand the culture. Actually learn the language Tired of spending money on language courses that don t work? Did you ever think the problem could be with the course and not you? With Linguaphone s unique learning sequence: Listen, Understand, Speak, you will find yourself actually using the language in no time at all! You are presented with a unit of the language, it is then broken down and explained to you, then you put it back together with greater understanding than just repeating what you may not have understood in the first place. . . . and learn it well! The all Talk methodology not only teaches well, but will have you speaking and understanding basic spoken Spanish in no time at all. Other popular all-audio courses require four times the cds, four times the money and four times the time to do what Linguaphone s allTalk Basic does with 4-one hour CDs.
Book Description
Mel Bay's latest series, Guitar Journals, is the ultimate reference guide of studies and solos in several different genres. This fantastic journal dedicated to reading covers studies on each string, studies on each key (each of the 12 major and minor keys is presented in four different positions on the fingerboard and a study is presented for each), and four major and minor studies are presented in each position. This is a must-have for the student to professional musician's library and is ideal for everyday use! Hard cover, covered spiral binding and premium stock paper make this a volume so beautifully printed and bound and containing so much valuable information that you will treasure it for years to come!
•Ultimate guide for reading and mastery of the fingerboard and perfect reference manual for everyday use
•Covers studies on each string, studies on each key (each of the 12 major and minor keys is presented in four different positions on the fingerboard and a study is presented for each, and four major and minor studies are presented in each position
•Ideal for the student to professional musician
•Beautiful hard cover with covered spiral binding and premium paper
Book Description
Learning to play an instrument can be intimidating. While many of us dream of reaching rock star status, it seems that the ability to get the hang of even basic guitar chords is well out of our reach. Luckily, The Everything Guitar book makes it easy. Filled with clear, step-by-step instructions, finger positioning disgrams, and tons of professional tips, anyone with a guitar can be playing rudimentary songs in no time.
Guitar legend Jack Wilkins and former guitar instructor Peter Rubie walk you through the basics- from buying the right guitar to playing your favorite songs. Starting with the names of the strings, this easy-to-follow book teaches you how to tune and strum your guitar, read music, and develop an ear for the right chords. The Everything Guitar Book also explains what gear to buy and how to use it, including cases, picks, capos, amplifiers, effects pedals, straps, and strings.
Featuring:
Easy-to-understand instructions
The basics of reading music
Chords and chord families
A complete introduction to famous guitar styles, from classical to folk to jazz and blues
Techniques for creating a home recording studio
Customer Reviews:
Way too much filler........2003-10-01
Justify the cover price by making the book thick:
75 pages of the history of the guitar ("the lute had a number of drawbacks") and famous guitar players -- 12 pages of glossary, several pages of blank music staffs, an overly inclusive index--there's too much air in this book.
Advice on buying a guitar: 'bring along a friend who knows about guitars'
The beginning songs presented are the same old 'twinkle twinkle' 'merrily we roll along' 'jingle bells' that are in EVERY old, not-very-good guitar book--this wasn't written for children, why all the children's songs? The bits and pieces of music theory are not well organized. The general tone of the writing is condescending. And there's way too much filler: you've just learned "twinkle twinkle" -- do you really need a chapter (well, a couple of pages) on recording yourself in a studio?
If you have ANY beginning guitar books already, then 90% of the actual guitar-playing information in this one is redundant.
Book Description
The Everything Guitar Book, 2nd Edition with CD makes learning how to play acoustic or electric guitar easy. With clear, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and practice tips, this practical and helpful manual will have you playing simple chords and songs in no time.
Written by professional musician and educator Ernie Jackson, this completely updated guide includes sections on:
- The history of guitar music
- Genre styles: classical, rock, country, blues, jazz, and more
- Tips on how to play with friends--the first step to forming a band
- Guidance on picking a teacher to take instruction to the next step
This revised edition contains new information on the latest innovations in software amplifiers, USB guitars, and online guitar instruction sites. An audio CD provides examples and interactive exercises. With Sibelius trainer Jackson at your side, The Everything Guitar Book, 2nd Edition with CD serves as the perfect introduction to this popular instrument.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Way to Get Started.......2007-06-27
The Everything Guitar Book, now completely re-done in this 2nd edition is a wonderful resource for any guitar student. Mr. Jackson has written an easy-to-use, fun-to-read guide for both beginner and intermediate students. Peppered throughout with pictures, music and TAB, students will find a wealth of information to sink their teeth into. The book concludes with important talks about guitars, buying them, and selecting a suitable teacher. It's a great book, one that you will enjoy working through, and coming back to months later. The audio CD is another great addition, and allows you to model your own performances after a professional.
This book is a very complete and well-designed package. It's light years beyond what the first edition was (not authored by Jackson). As a fellow guitar teacher, I highly recommend it.
Product Description
Absolutely the best, most comprehensive new method available for guitar." Introducing the innovative new "Zone Concept" for learning position playing. Over 150 solos and duets in the keys of C, G, D, and B minor. Companion compact disc is available. Musical styles: bossa nova, Latin, fiddle/tunes/ hornpipes/reels, Celtic music, ragtime, baroque, jazz, swing jazz ballads, American folk ballads, rock, early-American hymnody, be-bop, blues, samba, and tango. Concepts presented: basic improvisation, rhythmic variation, velocity studies, sight-reading, passing tone studies , chord progression studies, arpeggio studies, dropped-D tuning, blues, blues turn-arounds, licks/fills/ breaks, bass runs, principles of memorization, chord studies, minor pentatonic scale, principles of successful practice, priciples of successful performance, movable power chords, and rock comping. New Composers featured: J.S. Bach,Carcassi, Moaazni, Giuliani, Carulli, Vivaldi, Handel, Sor, Galilei, Tarrega, Debussy, H.L. Clark, St. Jacome, Corelli, Johann Krieger, Wohlfahrt, Jeremiah Clarke, plus guitar duos on selections from Handel's Water Music, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and selected Bach cantatas. 2 CD's included.
Books:
- Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American Movies
- Myth & the Movies: Discovering the Myth Structure of 50 Unforgettable Films
- Once More With Feeling
- Prospero's Books: A Film of the Shakespeare's The Tempest
- Re/Search #10: Incredibly Strange Films (Re-Search # 10)
- Reading Race: Hollywood and the Cinema of Racial Violence (Published in association with Theory, Culture & Society)
- Reel Views: The Ultimate Guide to the Best 1,000 Modern Movies on DVD and Video
- Remarkable Changes: Turning Life's Challenges into Opportunities
- Roman Polanski: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series)
- Round Up the Usual Suspects: The Making of Casablanca : Bogart, Bergman, and World War II
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty
- The Company They Keep: C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien as Writers in Community
- Invisible Advantage: How Intangibles Are Driving Business Performance
- Once More With Feeling
- Probability Methods for Cost Uncertainty Analysis : A Systems Engineering Perspective
- The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk About Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politic
- Statistics of Income, Corporation Income Tax Returns 1994
- Objective Test, Century 21 Acct 1st Yr
- Neural Network Time Series: Forecasting of Financial Markets
- Annual Review of Neuroscience: 1993
General
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
The Making of Memento
The Prestige - Screenplay
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Script Series)
Following
American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts)
