Review

The rating might not seem to reflect this, but I really enjoyed “Making Movies,” by one of our most prolific directors, Sidney Lumet. Chapter by chapter, he takes you through the process of making movies; from how he decides on a project, to dealing with actors, to the ridiculous conversations with Studio-types about how to sell the “art” he’s spent eighteen months creating.

While Lumet’s step-by-step process is both enlightening and valuable (to me, as a filmmaker), what makes this book so enjoyable are the anecdotes sprinkled generously throughout. Difficult actors, brilliant editors, crazy suits and drama both in front of and behind the camera. He’s been doing this for half a century, and has worked with legends. Good stuff!

The only thing keeping this book from really shining is a feeling that it’s all a little dated. Published in 1996, it IS a little long in the tooth when you consider all the technological change that’s occurred in the last decade. The Business has changed dramatically, and the actual filmmaking process has evolved as well. This is most apparent in the later chapters as Lumet describes the various elements of Post Production.

The old man’s still making movies though, so perhaps a second edition is in the works. I’d be interested to see how his process has (or hasn’t) changed since this book came out, and THAT tome would likely rate an 8 or 9 for me. All things considered, “Making Movies” is a fine read on the nuts and bolt of filmmaking, with some wonderful stories thrown in for good measure. I learned quite a bit and was duly entertained in the process.