Whether we’re trying to impress someone after an art-house film screening or discussing Oscar nominations with friends, we all need ways to watch and talk about movies. But with so many differences among a classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller, a star-driven romantic comedy, and the latest edgy European import, how can everyday viewers determine what makes a good movie?
Ann Hornaday, chief film critic for the Washington Post, walks you through the production of a typical movie—from writing the script and casting to the final sound edit—and explains how to evaluate each piece of the process. How do we know if a film is well-written, above and beyond snappy dialogue? What constitutes a great screen performance? What goes into praiseworthy cinematography, editing, and sound design? And what does a director really do? She offers tips on how to see movies in a whole new light—not just as fans, but as film critics in our own right.
Copies of her new book, Talking Pictures (Basic Books) are available for purchase and signing.
