The Language of the Lens explores the expressive power of the camera lens and the storytelling contributions that this critical tool can make to a film project. This book offers a unique approach to learning how lenses can produce aesthetically and narratively compelling images in movies, through a close examination of the various ways lens techniques control the look of space, movement, focus, flares, distortion, and the “optical personality” of your story’s visual landscape.
Loaded with vivid examples from commercial, independent, and world cinema, The Language of the Lens presents dozens of insightful case studies examining their conceptual, narrative, and technical approaches to reveal how master filmmakers have harnessed the power of lenses to express the entire range of emotions, themes, tone, atmosphere, subtexts, moods, and abstract concepts.
The Language of the Lens provides filmmakers, at any level or experience, with a wealth of knowledge to unleash the full expressive power of any lens at their disposal, whether they are shooting with state-of-the-art cinema lenses or a smartphone, and everything in between.
This is the 2nd filmmaking/cinematography book by Focal Press (Gustavo Mercado) that I’ve reviewed; I’ve also covered his excellent The Filmmaker’s Eye book back in 2012, which I found very useful as well. In addition, I recommend also the Filmcraft series of books by Focal Press, which explores the various disciplines of film-making including costume design, production design, screenwriting, directing and editing.
– Dimensions – 8.9 x 0.5 x 8.8 inches
– Soft cover, 208 pages
– Full color
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Cinematography Book Review III – The Filmmaker’s Eye
The Filmmaker’s Eye: Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition Book Review
Cinematography Book Review II – Film Craft : Cinematography
Editing – FilmCraft Series Book Review
Bong Joon Ho – Dissident Cinema Book Review
May 3rd, 2021 at 10:23 pm
Very cool. I will check this out as well as the Filmcraft series in general. I want to learn more about how the language of narrative cinema is effected through the technology of the camera itself. I am only beginning to learn how to use a DSLR camera, so this book in particular which is focused (pun intended) on how lenses can produce meaning is very appealing to me, especially since it looks like it is intended for a wider audience.
May 5th, 2021 at 2:35 am
Chris – Yes, I definitely recommend checking out the Filmcraft books, which has a wealth of filmmaking knowledge. I hope you’re having fun with your DSLR; I still remember the thrill when I got mine. :]