Vibes From The Screen book

Description:

A enlightening guide for movie watchers of all levels, on how to recognize filmmakers visions and messages.

Bob Moss builds his book around the words of the great filmmakers. Through them, he introduces readers to the elements of a film, filmmakers’ techniques and how to find the meanings portrayed. This dynamic guide provides an understanding of how various people involved in making a film think about their craft. From these glimpses into the processes, the viewer will gain better insight into the meanings communicated by the images and sounds of a movie. The proven result is greater film enjoyment.

Moviegoers learn how to watch films in a way that will let them get more meaning and appreciate the art exhibited by the various filmmakers involved. Readers will learn to be cognizant of how the elements of a film (the art) are used to affect viewers and how to find and analyze the various themes that the director puts forth. Using the proven approach, they will be aesthetically stimulated and mentally challenged at the appropriate times. From those reactions will come an enhanced appreciation of the art of film. Written in easy to understand, conversational style. A fun read, this book is for film enthusiasts of all levels.

Sneak Previews:

Table of Contents

 Chapter 1 – Why People Watch Movies

         Chapter 4 – Significant Differences in European and American Films  (Published in The Immigrant Magazine)

Chapter 10 – Cinematography

Upcoming Events:

About the Author:

Photo by Susan McMillan Photography (OLLI)

After Bob Moss retired from the bench, he began enhancing his studies about filmmaking – his passion. Bob is a study group coordinator at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)  at Northwestern University in Chicago, and a member of  AFI, BFI and Cinema Chicago. Over the past several years, he has coordinated several film study groups at OLLI on topics such as The Art of Watching Films, Scene by Scene-Directors and Actors discussing their famous scenes and The Story of Film. In addition Bob leads a number of bi-weekly movie discussion groups in which the members analyze current feature films.  Moss has also lead post screening discussions at his favorite “art film” theaters.  This book came about because of the responses Bob received from the discussion group members who learned how to use the analyzation technique.

What Group Members Say:

“I love movies and have belonged to a number of movie clubs, where the major conversation is about the story and how well everyone liked the movie. Bob Moss opened my eyes up to the complexity of film and what to look for while engrossed in a movie. The music, cinematography, lighting to name a few of the areas that I now focus on when I am at the movies. I have also learned how to look for multiple themes. It has made my movie going a much richer experience.” D.L.

“Like reading Husserl, Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, listening to Bob Moss analyze, explicate, explore and evaluate movies brings previously undiscovered meaning and insight to things in my experience” J.P.

“Bob’s approach to film has allowed me to view them with a much more critical eye. I can now view a movie and also be looking at the acting, cinema photography, editing and the directing. A much more enjoyable experience. My appreciation for how a movie is ‘put together’ has increased enormously. I’ve seen more movies as a result of Bob’s groups than I ever did before, and particularly those that would not previously have been on my ‘to go list’ .. Bob’s passion for film is unmistakable! His enthusiasm for the art of film is catching!” K.H.

“I’ve “watched” movies since I was 6 years old but have actually “seen” films only since being made aware of what to look for in the frames. I’ve learned from Bob’s provocative and challenging insights and examples of the elements essential to reaching the emotional and believable response the director strives for…from the actor and audience alike. His formula works for me!” B.M.

“Learning the elements of films has been enriching. At first, it might seem to some that it detracts from the viewing of the film as one consciously focuses on the music, cinematography, editing, etc. However, with practice, this becomes second nature and substantially increases one’s appreciation of the film. As a couple, our post viewing discussions have become much more intense and interesting as we discover how the elements have clarified and magnified the character development and plot of the film. We are now more frequent movie-goers and can even appreciate movies that do not fit our previous criteria.” C. and J.R.