The Film Snob*s Dictionary


Book Description

From the same brain trust that brought you The Rock Snob*s Dictionary, the hilarious, bestselling guide to insiderist rock arcana, comes The Film Snob*s Dictionary, an informative and subversively funny A-to-Z reference guide to all that is held sacred by Film Snobs, those perverse creatures of the repertory cinema. No longer must you suffer silently as some clerk in a “Tod Browning’s Freaks” T-shirt bombards you with baffling allusions to “wire-fu” pictures, “Todd-AO process,” and “Sam Raimi.” By helping to close the knowledge gap between average moviegoers and incorrigible Snobs, the dictionary lets you in on hidden gems that film geeks have been hoarding (such as Douglas Sirk and Guy Maddin movies) while exposing the trash that Snobs inexplicably laud (e.g., most chop-socky films and Mexican wrestling pictures). Delightfully illustrated and handily organized in alphabetical order for quick reference, The Film Snob*s Dictionary is your fail-safe companion in the video store, the cineplex, or wherever insufferable Film Snobs congregate.




A Dictionary of Movie Terms


Book Description

Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the mesmerizing world of movies, where stories come to life on the silver screen and captivate our hearts and minds. As avid lovers of film, we present to you "A Dictionary of Movie Terms" -- a comprehensive guide that delves into the rich and fascinating language of the cinematic realm. Movies have an incredible ability to transport us to different times, places, and emotions. They have the power to make us laugh, cry, and reflect on the human experience. But behind every memorable film lies a complex tapestry of technical and artistic elements that work together to create that magic. This dictionary serves as your backstage pass, unraveling the intricacies of the movie-making process and shedding light on the terminology that shapes the film industry. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a passionate movie buff, or simply curious about the inner workings of the seventh art, this book is your gateway to understanding the language that breathes life into moving pictures. Within these pages, you'll discover an extensive collection of terms, from the fundamental to the specialized, covering every aspect of filmmaking. From the early days of silent films to the cutting-edge digital age, we take you on a journey through time, exploring the evolution of cinema and its ever-expanding lexicon. Immerse yourself in the world of cinematography, where you'll learn about camera techniques like tracking shots and close-ups that shape our visual experience. Uncover the secrets of post-production with terms such as editing, visual effects, and sound design, where the final magic of a film truly comes together. Dive into the art of storytelling through terms like character development, narrative structure, and plot devices, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft behind captivating stories. But this dictionary is not just a dry collection of definitions. We've infused it with our passion for cinema, crafting each entry to be informative, engaging, and accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you're seeking a quick reference or an in-depth exploration, we invite you to lose yourself in the world of movie terms and let your curiosity guide you. As we embarked on this journey, we were driven by the desire to create a resource that celebrates the artistry and technical brilliance that goes into making movies. We owe our gratitude to the countless filmmakers, technicians, actors, and visionaries who have dedicated their lives to shaping this vibrant industry. Their contributions inspire us to celebrate and honor the rich tapestry of film vocabulary that has emerged over the decades. We hope that this dictionary becomes a cherished companion for every movie enthusiast, serving as a trusted guide through the intricate maze of movie terms. So, dear readers, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot, and immerse yourself in the pages of "A Dictionary of Movie Terms." Let the words take you on a cinematic odyssey, where the language of movies unveils its wonders. May this book deepen your love for the art of filmmaking and ignite your imagination to explore the vast possibilities that lie within the world of cinema. Lights are dimming, the curtain rises. Enjoy the show! Students' Academy




The Food Snob's Dictionary


Book Description

Food Snob n: reference term for the sort of food obsessive for whom the actual joy of eating and cooking is but a side dish to the accumulation of arcane knowledge about these subjects From the author of The United States of Arugula--and coauthor of The Film Snob’s Dictionary and The Rock Snob’s Dictionary--a delectable compendium of food facts, terminology, and famous names that gives ordinary folk the wherewithal to take down the Food Snobs--or join their zealous ranks. Open a menu and there they are, those confusing references to “grass-fed” beef, “farmstead” blue cheese, and “dry-farmed” fruits. It doesn’t help that your dinner companions have moved on to such heady topics as the future of the organic movement, or the seminal culinary contributions of Elizabeth Drew and Fernand Point. David Kamp, who demystified the worlds of rock and film for grateful readers, explains it all and more, in The Food Snobs Dictionary. Both entertaining and authentically informative, The Food Snob’ s Dictionary travels through the alphabet explaining the buzz-terms that fuel the food-obsessed, from “Affinage” to “Zest,” with stops along the way for “Cardoons,” “Fennel Pollen,” and “Sous-Vide,” all served up with a huge and welcome dollop of wit.




The Rock Snob's Dictionary


Book Description

At last! An A-to-Z reference guide for readers who want to learn the cryptic language of Rock Snobs, those arcana-obsessed people who speak of "Rickenbacker guitars" and "Gram Parsons." We've all been there--trapped in a conversation with smarty-pants music fiends who natter on about "the MC5" or "Eno" or "the Hammond B3," not wanting to let on that we haven't the slightest idea what they're talking about. Well, fret no more! The Rock Snob's Dictionary is here to define every single sacred totem of rock fandom's know-it-all fraternity, from Alt.country to Zimmy. (That's what Rock Snobs call Bob Dylan, by the way.)




The Wine Snob's Dictionary


Book Description

A nicely structured, lightly acidic addition to the handy Snob’s Dictionary series, decoding the baffling world of winespeak from A to Z. Wine Snob. The very phrase seems redundant, doesn't it? When faced with this snobbiest of snobberies, the civilian wine enthusiast needs the help of savvy translators like David Kamp and David Lynch. Their Wine Snob’s Dictionary delivers witty explication of both old-school oeno-obsessions (What's claret? Who's Michael Broadbent?) and such new-wave terms as "malolactic fermentation" and "fruit bomb." Among the other things Kamp and Lynch demystify: Finish: the Snob code-term for "aftertaste." (Robert Parker includes the stopwatch-measured length of a wine's finish in his ratings.) Meritage: an American wine classification that rhymes with "heritage," and should NEVER be pronounced "meri-TAHJ." Terroir: that elusive quality of vineyard soil that has sommeliers talking of "gunflint," "leather," and "candied fruits" Featuring ripe, luscious, full-bodied illustrations by Snob's Dictionary stalwart Ross MacDonald, The Wine Snob’s Dictionary is as heady and sparkling as a vintage Taittinger, only much less expensive... and much more giggle-inducing. Cheers!




Dictionary of Movies and Films


Book Description




Remote Virtue


Book Description

This introduction to media literacy from a Christian perspective provides the tools to find and assess the beneficial—or harmful—ideologies depicted in notable films, programs, and trends. Television and movies shape popular culture, with audiences often unaware of how media messages influence the way they think, act, and view the world. In this enlightening guide, author Jen Letherer interprets film and television shows from a Christian standpoint, revealing how beliefs and values portrayed on the big and small screens often impact the moral conduct of daily viewers. This book provides the tools for Christians to discern the implicit and explicit messages found within this medium, and shows how motion pictures can improve or erode religious principles and a spiritual way of life. In a conversational tone, the work combines classic film theory, an assessment of story structure, and faith-based film criticism to delve into meaning and interpretations of popular movies and shows. Highlighted television programs include Top Chef, Modern Family, Downton Abbey, and The Walking Dead. The book also features films like Citizen Kane, Thelma and Louise, Star Wars, Inception, and The Hunger Games. This fascinating critique prompts media consumers to analyze the messages that their favorite broadcast programs send, consider if those messages are in line with their own values, and align their viewing choices with their personal beliefs.




Dictionary of Movie Clichés


Book Description

We have all sat watching a film and groaned in jaded horror when the girl being chased by a murderer across level terrain suddenly trips and falls, or cringed with cinematic deja vu as an eccentric hacker guesses the password to the world's most sophisticated computer in two attempts. The list of movie cliches is endless, but Cristiano has gathered together some favourite examples to hilarious effect.







Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood


Book Description

The stories behind the stories of some of Hollywood's most iconic movies The magazine world 's monthly arbiter of culture, personality, and world affairs, Vanity Fair has always offered the definitive insider's look at Hollywood power and glamour since its relaunch twenty-five years ago. Now, for the first time ever, Vanity Fair presents a one-of-a-kind collection featuring thirteen behind-the- scenes stories on some of cinema's most iconic films-including pictures as varied as All About Eve, Cleopatra, Sweet Smell of Success, Rebel Without a Cause, and Saturday Night Fever. For pop-culture fanatics and movie buffs alike, Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood is an irresistible glimpse at how classic films-and box office bombs-are made.