Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #677204 in Books
• Published on: 1984-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

A Man with a Camera
This is an clear and unpretentious account by one of the cinema's great artists. From his early documentary work in Cuba, in the service of the state, to working with the French New Wave directors, to his most spectacular Hollywood lighting camerawork (Days of Heaven, Kramer v Kramer etc), Almendros gives a vivid account of his cinematographic development. Always modest, he never fails to give credit to those who have helped him and from whom he took his inspiration. He explains how he achieved certain famous film 'looks' and is happy to reveal his techniques.
Above all though, the book is written with a lightness of touch and a straighforwardness that is a delight to read.
I first read this book over ten years ago and it remains as vivid now as it did then. If you have an interest in cinematography, lighting and the mechanics of motion picture making or are siimply afer a good autobiographical read, then I'd recommend this book. It will not disappoint.

An inspiration!
When this first came out it was talked about by every cameraperson I knew. Almendros' enthusiasm and artistry spill out from the pages.

I'm not sure how useful it would be as a lighting 'manual' (though it may give you some ideas about new ways to think about it) but as an insight into the way a talented DoP works it's unmatched.

Among other accolades, Nestor Almendros won the Oscar for best cinematography on Terence Malick's Days of Heaven.

Recommended.