Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 91-94 of 94
 a wonderfully subtle information manuel May 6, 1998
scutler@nimbus.ocis.temple.edu (Philadelphia, PA)
4 out of 7 found this review helpful
Usually one should be skeptical of any book that claims to tell you how something should be written. Creative writing courses are essentially scams, intruments of brainwashing telling you what the proper way to write is supposed to be, and why you are wrong for showing any undilineated creativity. Syd Field, however, boosts the fundamentals of creativity, not telling you how to write your screenplay, simply making suggestions and proposing guidelines you should follow in the pre-writing period, how to outline your ideas so you won't forget or misplace something, how to structure your thoughts. This is almost a mathematical logic textbook, an 'I wish you luck' pat on the back. Syd never preaches, never says there is a wrong way to approach your story (although he does explain some of the cut-throat tactics of Hollywood and advises you how to skirt the single-minded, dictatorial machinations of Studio bosses.) Finally, Syd's technique is firmly in line with the era of Hollywood's final Golden age, 1967-1976 (the time when this book was written), when Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Network, Taxi Driver, Chinatown, and more were being flashed on the screen, letting the viewer realize that there is more to making a movie that good acting and slick direction. This book helps you to explore what you really want your movie to be about in that easy time, before the egos set in, before your script is changed or stolen and made into the mess that finally wins you an Oscar.
An oscar-winning performance. May 1, 1998
T. Brady (Casper, WY)
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
The first book I ever read on the art of screenwriting. Several years later, that timeworn book still sits next to my PC as I bang out my latest script. A well-rounded, beginner's tool for anyone wanting to learn the craft. Two-thumbs up, Syd!
Insightful July 4, 1997
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
The granddaddy of screenwriting how to's. It shows its age, but you'll be hard pressed to find a better book. Field, working as a script reader for various production companies, shows you what producers look for in a script. Insightful and inspirational
A screenwriter's primer. May 3, 1997
Alan C. Baird (Mesa Arizona US + Budapest Hungary EU)
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
You've seen ads for his seminars - now read his book, the grandpappy in the how-to area (a fine way for beginners to get their feet wet)
Showing reviews 91-94 of 94
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