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Dian Ying, Wo Lue Zhi Yi Er (Movies, I Know a Thing or Two)

Dian Ying, Wo Lue Zhi Yi Er (Movies, I Know a Thing or Two)

[Mainland China] Jia Zhangke
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Following the "Jia Xiang" series, Jia Zhangke's latest book, a director's film study notes, is the first general film course for the general public. It explores film history, drawing on over a hundred classic films as case studies; it also returns to common sense, sharing nearly three decades of professional experience. "Join me to understand and discover the beauty of cinema." — Following the immensely popular "I Know Only a Few Movies" audio program on "Watch Ideal," director Jia Zhangke meticulously revised and added five new chapters, expanding the scope to include scripts, audiovisual language, post-production, and a documentary filmmaking case study. This book covers, but is not limited to: Why use long takes? What is the kinetic DNA of film? How to understand innovation and rebellion? What is auteur cinema? How to create mise en scène? Isn't documentary a film? What kind of language is film? ... Director Jia Zhangke's personal film history and catalog of masterpieces also serves as a contemporary guide to film aesthetics. "Films don't exist for the 'beauty' you hope to see; they exist to touch people's hearts." — Jia Zhangke's profound influence includes De Sica's "The Bicycle Thief"; Ivens's "The Rain," a poetic, otherworldly, and transcendental portrayal of human existential consciousness; "The Arrival of a Train" and "The Factory Gate," which marked the beginnings of the documentary tradition; "A Trip to the Moon," considered a pioneer of science fiction; Charlie Chaplin's silent films, which maximised the allure of cinematic movement; and the prose-like structure of "Once Upon a Time in America," steeped in nostalgia. From the perspective of a world-class filmmaker, Jia Zhangke meticulously unravels the secrets of these films' moving moments, leaving you utterly captivated. Director Jia Zhangke deeply analyzes the thoughts and stories behind classic masterpieces like "Xiao Wu," "Platform," "A Touch of Sin," and "Ash Is Purest White," meticulously presenting his filmmaking concepts and filming experiences. Details from the scripting process to the performances and filming of "Xiao Wu," the film's motivations and sound recordings for "Platform," and the script inspiration, structural awareness, genre elements, character modeling, and filming details for "A Touch of Sin"... "Filmmaking is a job of 'creating something out of nothing,' the closest human endeavor is to God. You give the screen image, color, sound, and weight." Over 100 precious stills and images, printed in four colors throughout, are featured on elegant, soft-touch paper. The cover, designed by renowned designer Lu Zhichang, is remarkably simple, featuring a silver-stamped square resembling a miniature movie screen, inviting visitors into Jia Zhangke's cinematic universe. “Movies don’t exist for the ‘beauty’ you hope to see; they exist to touch people’s hearts.” "Movies, I Know a Few" is director Jia Zhangke's film study notes and a general film course for everyone, consisting of seventeen lectures. Using over a hundred classic films as examples, he begins with a discussion of cinematic concepts, exploring topics including, but not limited to: Why use long takes? What is the dynamic DNA of film? How to understand innovation and rebellion? What is auteur cinema? How to create mise-en-scène? Isn't documentary a film? What kind of language is film? Why is acting considered everyone's job? And so on. Directing is a job that requires constant decision-making. A director's responsiveness and quality during the creative process are underpinned by a deep understanding of film. Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or a film enthusiast, it's worthwhile to join Director Jia Zhangke in pondering these fundamental questions about film, which are the very foundation of cinema's status as the most important mass medium of our time. This book offers both an accessible introduction to film history and cinematic concepts, a summary of Director Jia's nearly three decades of experience in filmmaking, and a guide to film aesthetics, imbued with the spirit of contemporary cinema and a distinctly personal style. It's a valuable resource for all literary and artistic creators and audiences.

Publication Date

2024-05-01

Publisher

上海三联书店

Imprint

Ideal Country

Pages

308

ISBN

9787542684202
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