Book Description
Why do we have such extraordinarily powerful responses toward the images and pictures we see in everyday life? Why do we behave as if pictures were alive, possessing the power to influence us, to demand things from us, to persuade us, seduce us, or even lead us astray?
According to W. J. T. Mitchell, we need to reckon with images not just as inert objects that convey meaning but as animated beings with desires, needs, appetites, demands, and drives of their own. What Do Pictures Want? explores this idea and highlights Mitchell's innovative and profoundly influential thinking on picture theory and the lives and loves of images. Ranging across the visual arts, literature, and mass media, Mitchell applies characteristically brilliant and wry analyses to Byzantine icons and cyberpunk films, racial stereotypes and public monuments, ancient idols and modern clones, offensive images and found objects, American photography and aboriginal painting. Opening new vistas in iconology and the emergent field of visual culture, he also considers the importance of Dolly the Sheep—who, as a clone, fulfills the ancient dream of creating a living image—and the destruction of the World Trade Center on 9/11, which, among other things, signifies a new and virulent form of iconoclasm.
What Do Pictures Want? offers an immensely rich and suggestive account of the interplay between the visible and the readable. A work by one of our leading theorists of visual representation, it will be a touchstone for art historians, literary critics, anthropologists, and philosophers alike.
“A treasury of episodes—generally overlooked by art history and visual studies—that turn on images that ‘walk by themselves’ and exert their own power over the living.”—Norman Bryson, Artforum
Customer Reviews:
innovative critique of how visual material finds its place in the culture.......2007-09-10
In the chapter titled the same as the book title, in laying out the grounds for his innovative exposition on images and culture, Mitchell explains, "[Images] present not just a surface but a face [italicized] that faces the beholder." Elsewhere in this chapter, he remarks that images may not have the power attributed to them; which supposed power is seen as absolute and all-encompassing in postmodern culture. Not suggesting that images ave no power, Mitchell takes the position that "the problem is to refine and complicate and refine our estimate of their power and the way it works." The author allows that his perspective based on what pictures "want" rather than what they "do" can at first blush seem to anthropomorphize pictures or give them an aboriginal animistic nature. But Mitchell explains that he means this as metaphorical, conceptual, and theoretical; not literal as in animism or even symbolic as with icons. Mitchell's provisional approach thus corresponds to the provisional quality of postmodern culture to bring extraordinary illumination to this contemporary culture.
Fantasy, multiple selves, and virtual reality are other terms used to express this provisional quality of postmodernism. Playfulness is another--and Mitchell's book, while sound literarily and with extensive learning and cogent though, exercises the principle that playfulness can take one farther in some cases. Whereas in postmodernism, play with its provisional, usually somewhat artificial attributes is a manner of avoiding commitment and engagement with fundamentals, with Mitchell it is a technique for coming to grips as much as possible with the elusive, ethereal nature of postmodernism. It is impossible to encompass or define postmodernism; whose primary attributes are contingency, continually changing imagery, and pseudo-events and provisional personas to play to the media. But Mitchell has managed to relate postmodernism's sprawling nature and what accounts for this.
Understanding how we really relate to images.......2005-11-02
Professor Mitchell has put together an intriguing collection of essays that are distinctly devoid of the presumptuous art talk so often seen in the top periodicals and art blogs of our time - thank you sir! Since these essays are the work of an exceptional scholar, some of us mere mortals may have difficulty in following the abstract constructs and thoroughly academic ponderings. That said, I believe Professor Mitchell poses an interesting fundamental question as to whether the experience of viewing images has evolved within our minds to the point where we actually wonder if they have a life or consciousness of their own. If this is the case, the next question one may ponder is, what do they want? Professor Mitchell is quick to point out that in taking on the exercise of this thought experiment, we are not to proceed as though we are engaged in finding a cure for cancer here - my words, not his - but to proceed on a path of open-ended exploration. In attempting to answer this question, the author guides us along an extensive path that deals with numerous invocations, comparisons, analogies, postulates, arguments and other worldly considerations. Not only are the considerations of the world, but they contain a sampling of nearly everything in the world as well, from biblical chapter and verse to Marx, Blake, Nietzsche, Chaucer, Freud, Dante, et al. In the first half of this book, Professor Mitchell has indeed composed a concerto of tribute to much of Western Civilization. There are worse things one could do. That said, I would encourage the good Professor, in his ninth book (this is his eighth) to forsake his colleagues in academe just enough (heaven forbid!) to leave the huddled masses with fewer more distinct concepts and a more consistent theme. A reduction in the scope of considerations may help the reader to come away with a perception that there is a more differentiated hierarchy of importance amongst the contents of the book. In all fairness, each chapter of this very worthwhile book deserves its own review. I would also submit that the educational potential of this subject matter would not suffer in the least if the Professor were to delete his political inclinations, which, as interesting as they may be, do not enhance the subject matter of this book in any way. Anyone who wants to understand how we really relate to images should read this comprehensive book.
Average customer rating:
- Seven Film School Graduates Go To Hollywood
- Interesting reading, but not intriguing.
- More of a soap-opera than a cautionary tale
- A very uninformative melange of first-person ramblings.
- Billy frolick is God.
|
What I Really Want to Do Is Direct: Seven Film School Graduates Go to Hollywood
Billy Frolick
Manufacturer: Dutton Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Direction & Production
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0525937706 |
Amazon.com
For three years Frolick, a graduate of NYU film school and now a film industry journalist, tracked seven would-be directors just graduated from the major film schools and newly arrived in Babylon/Hollywood. They had serious things to say, and worthwhile, even noble, projects in mind. They came to make art, not sell out. But would they get a chance? Frolick documents their trials, mostly in their own voices, with various agents, producers, and veteran directors offering comment and advice. The seven prove to be an intelligent and likeable bunch, and Frolick succeeds in showing each as a rounded character. However their experience is depressing: ideas are dumbed down, creativity ignored, and people trashed. In short, Hollywood is everything these neophytes had feared, and worse.
Customer Reviews:
Seven Film School Graduates Go To Hollywood.......2005-02-21
I came to this book with many hopes about what I would learn following these seven very different individuals coming out of school, but as I closed the book I was disappointed. It was not just that only one was successful in getting a project made (Hollywood is as interested in failure as it is in success) but that I was left a little wanting on the personalities of the subjects. Some have gone on to success (not household names but working within the industry they trained for) and there were some really nice contributions from others already established in the industry (Directors, writers, studio execs, producers, etc). But as an investment in time about what it takes to make it in Hollywood, I wanted more insight and commentary, than the musing and rambling style in which their stories were told.
Interesting reading, but not intriguing........2001-02-27
I found this book quite interesting. Upon first reading the introduction about the seven individuals chronicled in the book, I thought I was going to be bored to tears. At that point, only three of the seven even seemed remotely interesting. However, as I progressed through the pages and learned more about each person, I grew to enjoy them. The first third of the book took the longest to read. The middle third is the most interesting. At points, I grew tired of the useless ramblings of many of the graduates (bring a lot of cheese because there is a lot of whine here). However, there are shards of diamonds here and there. If you are interested in movies, especially the real struggles those in the business face each day, this is a must read. Be forewarned, however, this is not a how to guide and it will take a while to uncover the good stuff, but the hunt is worth it.
More of a soap-opera than a cautionary tale.......1998-08-28
I don't think that I expected to learn a lot about breaking into the film business when I read this book, but I was shocked at how little sense of the industry many of the subjects seemed to have. It's at once frightening and reassuring to realize that even the "best-of-the-best" are just as scared and clueless (and dumb) as everyone else. What Frolick does offer, though, is an enjoyable expose of the lives of some really disturbed people. Also, when the subjects succeed or fail, you're in on the process and you can see very clearly what they've done right or wrong. I finished the book actually feeling better about my chances of "making it", so it can't be seen as a cautionary tale, but it did manage to provide some insight and was definitely a fun, enjoyable read.
A very uninformative melange of first-person ramblings........1998-05-18
As a soon-to-be film school graduate, I approached Frolick's book with an extreme interest. I have found that film school does little to prepare one for actually getting a job. I was not expecting a how-to guide but I definitely expected a bit more in the way of insight. I felt Frolick's style of allowing the subjects to ramble on mercilessly did little other than spotlight their self-absorption. I found myself questioning the intelligence and thoughtfullness of the subjects, not the harshness of the system.
Additionally, I felt Frolick treated his subjects with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. His description of film students in the introduction illustrates his opinion of film school students as short-sighted and self-involved. His editing of interviews seems to highlight the bad tendencies of each subject instead of treating them objectively. The end result leaves the reader wondering what he's learned in addition to be shocked at how little the subjects seem to have learned.
Billy frolick is God........1998-01-05
I don't know Billy Frolick, and I'm not familiar with his book, but I think he's brilliant, and I want to work with him someday.
Customer Reviews:
Great chick lit.......2006-04-05
WIRWTDID is from the team of Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout and it is
hilarious. I will also admit to not knowing what a focus puller is but by the end
of this book, I know that job plus a whole lot more about the behind the
scenes parts of movie making. But fair warning: since this is a chick lit style
book, Roxanne has to wait until almost the end of the book to get her man.
It's fast paced, it's funny and it's well worth hunting down.
terrific insightful character study .......2005-11-30
In Toronto, though one of the lowest in the film-making hierarchy as a camera focus grunt, Roxanne Hasting dreams as she has for two decades since she was thirteen of directing her own movie one day. Still she knows she must pay her dues and so goes about her grunt work of insuring the camera focuses on the actors.
During a break from her job, a miracle happens as Rox is given the opportunity to direct a short The Lobby, a screenplay written by her best friend Libby. However, Rox quickly finds the duel roles as director and cinematographer overwhelming and her experiences lacking for either job. Still she will go 24/7 to insure she swims not sinks as this is a once in a lifetime chance. A second time may not be forthcoming if she fails this chance at achieving her dream and that of Libby's.
Rox's dream serves as an allegory that achieving worthy Big Hairy Audacious Goals means hard work that can interfere with other objectives especially in one's personal life, but if it is that important one will set priorities accordingly. Rox (and Libby) brings humor and eccentricity to the story as the wannabe director gives up much to accomplish her goal although some of the thorny folks she works with make even a dreamer question the price. This is a terrific insightful character study encouraging individuals to follow your dream.
Harriet Klausner
Average customer rating:
|
What Do I Want To Be?
Katrina Brown
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
Careers
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Picture Books
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Career Ideas for Kids
| Nonfiction
| Series
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1412041090 |
Average customer rating:
|
What Do You Want to Be, Brian?
Jeanne Willis
Manufacturer: Andersen Press Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
| Action & Adventure
| Children's Literature Guides
| Classics by Age
| Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
| General
| Humorous
| Literary Criticism & Collections
| Poetry
| Popular Culture
| Read-Aloud
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Short Story Collections
ASIN: 0862644585 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Weekly Standard, published by Thomson Gale on March 23, 2006. The length of the article is 759 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Do the Spike Thing; What the studio doesn't want you to know about Spike Lee's new movie.
Author: Sonny Bunch
Publication:
The Weekly Standard (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 23, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: NA
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Artforum International, published by Thomson Gale on November 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1861 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Their so-called life: Norman Bryson on W. J. T. Mitchell.(What Do Pictures Want? The Lives and Loves of Images)(BOOKS)(Book Review)
Author: Norman Bryson
Publication:
Artforum International (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 44
Issue: 3
Page: 27(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Afterimage, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 1679 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: What W.J.T. Mitchell wants.(What Do Pictures Want?: The Lives and Loves of Images )(book review)(Book Review)
Author: Anna Siomopoulos
Publication:
Afterimage (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 33
Issue: 4
Page: 48(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
|
The Oil Painter's Handbook (Studio Vista Painters' Handbooks)
Patricia Monahan , and
Jenny Rodwell
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Painting
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Oil Painting
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0289801370 |
Average customer rating:
|
Brain Powered, Book 2
Yukiru Sugisaki
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Action & Adventure
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Comics & Graphic Novels
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Sugisaki, Yukiru
| By Creator
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
TokyoPop
| By Publisher
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Adventure & Thrillers
| Literature & Fiction
| Teens
| Subjects
| Books
Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Teens
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Adventure
| Specialty Travel
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Brain Powered, Book 3
-
Brain Powered, Book 4
-
Brain Powered, Book 1
ASIN: 1591823900 |
Average customer rating:
- Five Tails Up!
- Philosophical paradise for cats of all ages.
- Philosophical paradise for cats of all ages.
- Meow Te Ching
|
Meow Te Ching by Meow Tzu
Meow Tzu , and
Michael Kent
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Cats, Dogs & Animals
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cats
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Home & Garden Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0517163446
Release Date: 2001-05-15 |
Book Description
The feel-good cat book of the year. There is a smile or laugh on every page as the venerable Meow Tzu gives well-known human proverbs a humorous and Eastern feline twist. Features more than 200 proverbs on everything from philosophy and mysticism to romance.
Customer Reviews:
Five Tails Up!.......2000-06-26
Pawsibly the best primer on the market for comprehending the feline psyche. I always suspected there was more going on behind those half-closed eyes and langourously-swishing tails, than mere thoughts of kibble and gravy. And this book's a riot, too! Beware, Confucious. If Michael Kent gets inspired, you're...Confurcious?
Philosophical paradise for cats of all ages........2000-05-05
This book is a must read for all cat lovers that provides a wonderful blend of philosophy and humor that will have you reflecting on life at one moment and laughing out loud the next. As the wise Meow Tzu so eloquently puts it "you can't keep a good cat down".
Philosophical paradise for cats of all ages........2000-05-05
This book is a must read for all cat lovers that provides a wonderful blend of philosophy and humor that will have you reflecting on life at one moment and laughing out loud the next. As the wise Meow Tzu so eloquently puts it "you can't keep a good cat down".
Meow Te Ching.......2000-04-07
I really enjoyed the translations of Oriental wisdom and sayings into felinese by Mr. Kent. Typical sayings such as "If you want to climb a tree, you must begin at the bottom" and "The cat that knows others is clever, but the cat that knows himself is enlightened" brought smiles to my face.
Book Description
This tribute contains twenty-two of Chet's greatest solos and duets along with interviews with his daughter, Merle Atkins Russell and close friends such as Jerry Reed, Vince Gill, Eddy Arnold, Don Mclean and many others. This book offers touching insight into the character of an American original, who did much to shape the course of music history and the guitar. Most importantly, Chet Atkins helped thousands of people over the course of his life through kindness and generosity. To quote Jerry Reed, "There is only one." This book is a tribute to a special man, a special artist... a hero to the millions of lives he touched. The Atkins Family has shared many rare photographs which are presented in a special eight-page color insert. Selections include, Heartaches, Caravan, When You Wish Upon a Star (live version), Music to Watch Girls by, Stars and Stripes Forever, Jerry's Breakdown, Nashtown Ville and many others. All music is in standard notation and in tablature.
Customer Reviews:
GREAT BOOK - A must for Chet Fans.......2007-05-30
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK! Authors John McClellan and Deyan Bratic have crafted an amazing resource, featuring transcriptions ranging from Chet's earliest arrangements to his (in our opinion) best work in his final 2-CD set Chet Atkins - Solo Sessions
Chet in Three Dimensions.......2003-12-05
This book is a must for fans of Chet Atkins, both players and non-players. For the musician this book is well-written and nails Chet's arrangements. It is clear and concise, but not for the brginning musician... For the non-player, it is a look into one of the most influential musicians of all times, as seen from the perspective of his family, friends, and peers. I highly recommend this book... cannot wait for Vol.2 to be published.
Average customer rating:
|
Jukeboxes: An American Social History
Kerry Segrave
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Popular
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Recording & Sound
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| 20th Century
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Social History
| Historical Study
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0786411813 |
Book Description
This work traces the history of the jukebox from its origins in the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Alva Edison in the 1880s up to its relative obscurity in the year 2000. The jukebox's first twenty years were essentially experimental because of the low technical quality and other limitations. It then practically disappeared for a quarter-century, beaten out by the player piano as the coin-operated music machine of choice. But then, new and improved, it reemerged and quickly spread in popularity across America, largely as a result of the repeal of Prohibition and the increased number of bars around the nation. Other socially important elements of the jukebox's development are also covered: it played patriotic tunes during wartime and, located in youth centers, entertained young people and kept them out of "trouble." The industry's one last fling due to a healthy export trade is also covered, and the book rounds out with the decline in the 1950s and the fadeout into obscurity. Richly illustrated.
Average customer rating:
|
The Alphabet Soup of Television Program Ratings: (Y-G-Pg-V-S-D-14-Fv-Ma-7-L)
Manufacturer: Hampton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Technical
| Video
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Telecommunications
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Television & Video
| Telecommunications
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Media Studies
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Communication
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
jp-unknown3
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 1572733314 |
Books:
- What Ever Happened to Orson Welles?: A Portrait of an Independent Career
- White Graphics: The Power of White in Graphic Design
- Whitman Coin Collecting: Starter Set
- 60 Minutes to Better Painting: Sharpen Your Skills in Oil and Acrylic
- African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection
- Aircraft Nose Art: From World War I to Today (Motorbooks Classics)
- American Sublime: Landscape Painting in the United States, 1820-1880
- Anselm Kiefer: Heaven And Earth
- Antique Playing Card Designs CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)
- Art: 21: Art in the 21st Century 3 (Art 21 PBS)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Cross My Heart & Hope to Die
- Blood on Snow
- Chemistry: A General Chemistry Project of the American Chemical Society
- Born in Ice: The Born In Trilogy #2
- Chasing Vermeer
- Chicken Boy
- Cat Fanciers' Association Cat Encyclopedia
- Building Sci-Fi Moviescapes: The Science Behind the Fiction
- Arts With the Brain in Mind
- Bomarzo
Picture Theory: Essays on Verbal and Visual Representation
Iconology: Image, Text, Ideology
The Visual Culture Reader
The Sight of Death: An Experiment in Art Writing
Downcast Eyes: The Denigration of Vision in Twentieth-Century French Thought (Centennial Book)
