By: Harry Alan Potamkin (1900-1933)
Eyes of the Movie by Harry Alan Potamkin is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between cinema and society. Potamkin delves into the power of film to shape our perceptions and beliefs, examining how movies reflect and influence the cultural and political landscape.
The author's analysis is both comprehensive and engaging, drawing on a wide range of cinematic examples to support his arguments. He also delves into the technical aspects of filmmaking, discussing how techniques such as lighting, composition, and editing can evoke emotional responses from viewers.
Potamkin's writing is clear and accessible, making this book an excellent resource for film enthusiasts of all levels of expertise. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a seasoned cinephile, Eyes of the Movie offers valuable insights into the art and impact of cinema. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the intersection of film and society. Book Description: "The movie was born in the laboratory and reared in the counting-house. It is a benevolent monster of four I's: Inventor, Investor, Impresario, Imperialist."
So begins Harry Alan Potamkin's The Eyes of the Movie, a posthumously published indictment of Hollywood. It is a savage socialist critique of the film industry, its practices, and products. Potamkin takes aim at the "conservative element" infiltrating Hollywood's dream factory, investigating mainstream cinema's double function as propaganda and "passing amusement."
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