So does anyone have this preordered. I have ordered months ago and was excited to get it today but amazon has delayed my delivery by a week.
I'm very curious about the interviews. I read somewhere that apparently in the Elswitt interview he gives some shade to Phantom Thread which surprised me.
I ordered mine Feb 12th. Got a notice that it's out for delivery and will arrive today by 8pm...
Lucky
Mine's arriving in the next 2-3 days, I'm told.
Yes, I've received my copy and Elswit is quite dismissive of the cinematography on Phantom Thread, saying that he 'wouldn't be happy with it ending up looking like it looked'. He does say that it's his favourite PTA movie otherwise, though, to be fair. Obviously this is only speculation, but it seems like he might still feel hurt by the fact that PTA seemingly decided that he didn't need him anymore, and I can understand that. However, I think that even someone who didn't like the movie but didn't have a personal reaction to it would have to concede that it's exceptionally well-shot.
Quote from: RudyBlatnoyd on October 20, 2020, 04:02:05 PM
Yes, I've received my copy and Elswit is quite dismissive of the cinematography on Phantom Thread, saying that he 'wouldn't be happy with it ending up looking like it looked'. He does say that it's his favourite PTA movie otherwise, though, to be fair. Obviously this is only speculation, but it seems like he might still feel hurt by the fact that PTA seemingly decided that he didn't need him anymore, and I can understand that. However, I think that even someone who didn't like the movie but didn't have a personal reaction to it would have to concede that it's exceptionally well-shot.
Which is weird since it seemed like Elswitt was happy to never work with him again after whatever went down on Vice but who knows.
Quote from: RudyBlatnoyd on October 20, 2020, 04:02:05 PM
Yes, I've received my copy and Elswit is quite dismissive of the cinematography on Phantom Thread, saying that he 'wouldn't be happy with it ending up looking like it looked'. He does say that it's his favourite PTA movie otherwise, though, to be fair. Obviously this is only speculation, but it seems like he might still feel hurt by the fact that PTA seemingly decided that he didn't need him anymore, and I can understand that. However, I think that even someone who didn't like the movie but didn't have a personal reaction to it would have to concede that it's exceptionally well-shot.
There's definitely bad blood between them, not surprising after that many years working together. By the way, I consider IV as a movie shot by PTA, which was apparently already the case with The Master, and we knew that Elswit didn't appreciate that style.
How many interviews are there with collaborators? I'm honestly much more interested in that aspect of the book than what I assume is the bulk of the book(Nayman's writing on the films).
I know about Krieps, Greenwood, Elsit. The ones advertised.
Interviews with JoAnne Sellar, Dylan Tichenor, Robert Elswit, Jonny Greenwood, Jack Fisk, Mark Bridges, Vicky Krieps.
Foreword by the Safdies.
It's HEAVILY illustrated and less than 300 pages, so I'm not sure how deep the writing will go. Back damn it's a beautiful looking book!
This actually answers the question I wanted to ask. Probably 90% of what I read I read on Kindle and was thinking of getting an ebook instead of a hardcover but in that case... It would be nice to have it on a bookshelf.
Quote from: RudyBlatnoyd on October 20, 2020, 04:02:05 PM
Yes, I've received my copy and Elswit is quite dismissive of the cinematography on Phantom Thread, saying that he 'wouldn't be happy with it ending up looking like it looked'. He does say that it's his favourite PTA movie otherwise, though, to be fair. Obviously this is only speculation, but it seems like he might still feel hurt by the fact that PTA seemingly decided that he didn't need him anymore, and I can understand that. However, I think that even someone who didn't like the movie but didn't have a personal reaction to it would have to concede that it's exceptionally well-shot.
I remember reading around on some cinematography boards around the release of Phantom Thread and there were a few comments similar to Elswits i.e. that the look was pretty unrefined and not the work of an experienced DP. Not surprised he has technical objections.
Quote from: axxonn on October 21, 2020, 10:55:21 AM
Quote from: RudyBlatnoyd on October 20, 2020, 04:02:05 PM
Yes, I've received my copy and Elswit is quite dismissive of the cinematography on Phantom Thread, saying that he 'wouldn't be happy with it ending up looking like it looked'. He does say that it's his favourite PTA movie otherwise, though, to be fair. Obviously this is only speculation, but it seems like he might still feel hurt by the fact that PTA seemingly decided that he didn't need him anymore, and I can understand that. However, I think that even someone who didn't like the movie but didn't have a personal reaction to it would have to concede that it's exceptionally well-shot.
I remember reading around on some cinematography boards around the release of Phantom Thread and there were a few comments similar to Elswits i.e. that the look was pretty unrefined and not the work of an experienced DP. Not surprised he has technical objections.
I remember during that lighting masterclass a few months ago his crew talking about how initially it looked a lot prettier and more refined and he absolutely hated that.
https://youtu.be/hMBm50rJl0M
Nice...trailer?...for the book:
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1319390686387576832/pu/vid/1280x720/NuDExGrLgTj0bick.mp4
:bravo:
Just got my copy beautiful book. I went straight to the interviews and will go to the essays next. Very interesting to hear Elswit mentioning blue screen on Inherent Vice. Never occurred to me that would have to be used.
Also would be fascinated to one day here what exactly it was that happened on Vice to sever their relationship. I have a feeling it will never come out but just curious.
Quote from: kingfan011 on October 24, 2020, 06:39:25 PM
Just got my copy beautiful book. I went straight to the interviews and will go to the essays next. Very interesting to hear Elswit mentioning blue screen on Inherent Vice. Never occurred to me that would have to be used.
It was definitely used in the shot outside the Golden fang headquarters anyway.
Quote from: Tdog on October 25, 2020, 03:22:27 AM
Quote from: kingfan011 on October 24, 2020, 06:39:25 PM
Just got my copy beautiful book. I went straight to the interviews and will go to the essays next. Very interesting to hear Elswit mentioning blue screen on Inherent Vice. Never occurred to me that would have to be used.
It was definitely used in the shot outside the Golden fang headquarters anyway.
Interesting never thought of that. I mean I certainly assumed the reason for the many tight establishing shots is because something modern was just out of frame.
As an L.A. locations enthusiast, I remember going, "Whoah! Where the hell is THAT building?!" during my first viewing. Didn't occur to me that it could have been CGI at the time, as I guess I consider Paul kind of a "purist" when it comes to visuals.
Quote from: kingfan011 on October 25, 2020, 11:43:08 AM
Quote from: Tdog on October 25, 2020, 03:22:27 AM
Quote from: kingfan011 on October 24, 2020, 06:39:25 PM
Just got my copy beautiful book. I went straight to the interviews and will go to the essays next. Very interesting to hear Elswit mentioning blue screen on Inherent Vice. Never occurred to me that would have to be used.
It was definitely used in the shot outside the Golden fang headquarters anyway.
I mean I certainly assumed the reason for the many tight establishing shots is because something modern was just out of frame.
That's probably how you do a 70's set L.A movie with big time actors for 20 million. Having said that it kind of felt like the the lack of establishing shots was more of a choice.
Been ripping through this and while Nayman's writing is quite good, this really could have used another round of line editing - numerous typos throughout, as well as some unforgivable-from-this-nerd's-perspective mistakes (i.e. misquoting "Tame the Cunt" as "Tame the Pussy".) Nayman was just on Increment Vice last week (the final ep, btw, goes up this Friday) and had a lot of very insightful things to say, would recommend.
Wonder if he's self-censoring? Is "pussy" less volatile than "cunt" these days?
Just read the Safdie Boys introduction. Goosebumps. Needless to say, I completely share their reaction to Boogie Nights. I didn't share their passion for early Sandler, but certainly do their regard for P-DL. Hope the rest of the book is as exciting and rewarding.
My copy finally arrived yesterday. (There seems to be an issue with availability, at least on Amazon) Only had time to browse through it. Looks nice but I am a bit disappointed with the design and the choice of stills and photos. It looks really strange when a few very small stills are randomly placed on a page, while one big still might look great full page or at least half page. At the same time set photos (like the one of Anderson sitting next to the wall on the set of Phantom Thread) get two full pages. I am really excited to have it on my bookshelf and hope it will make a good read but the man and his films deserve much better. No disrespect to anyone involved but would love to see it published for example by Taschen.
I am embarrassed to admit that I never picked up on this, despite multiple viewings. (From the Nayman book)
Quote"...in the film's final moments, [Plainview] will repeat his earlier hammering, with the pickaxe swapped out for a bowling pin."
Saw this in the bookstore today. I was very tempted to get it. It's beautiful with some really nice artwork. It was $50 CAD though, and I wasn't ready to plunk down the cash. It would make a nice display book on the coffee table or bookshelf, nice to have at-hand for some inspiration. I'll probably get it eventually!
https://twitter.com/JunkFilterPod/status/1330865128368205824
I've seen Booker nominees that get less promotion than this book.
yeah it's a LOT of press. anyway I thought the book is pretty good, wished for more interviews as always, but my main complain is that probably due of limited budget the book features only BTS pictures that are famous and renowned. I hoped to see the man at work from new angles but that's what we got!
I'm not that far into it yet, but does anyone else find the writing a bit....chewy? I'm not complaining, exactly, it just doesn't flow smoothly for me. Kinda feels like big mouthfuls of words. :|
Yeah that's kind of Nayman's style..... if you see his interview he talks like that in real time. Sometimes it can be obnoxious......
I liked the his Coen Book, didn't buy it, but listened to it on audible at work over a couple days last year.
Looking forward to this one, will probably just listen to it again.
And according to that Junk Filter podcast, it sounds like a Fincher one is on the way.
https://www.bookforum.com/print/2704/paul-thomas-anderson-thrives-in-toxic-hollywood-24260
Interesting take on the book and his filmography/career in general.
Quote from: pynchonikon on November 30, 2020, 12:07:29 PM
https://www.bookforum.com/print/2704/paul-thomas-anderson-thrives-in-toxic-hollywood-24260
Interesting take on the book and his filmography/career in general.
Interesting review and take. I pretty much agree.
"Paul Thomas Anderson thrives in toxic Hollywood" :roll:
Quote from: eward on November 30, 2020, 04:14:13 PM
"Paul Thomas Anderson thrives in toxic Hollywood" :roll:
Very stupid title
I don't understand the point of the article nor the relation between title and content. But writers don't write titles for their articles.
Quote from: wilberfan on November 03, 2020, 01:05:47 PM
Just read the Safdie Boys introduction. Goosebumps. Needless to say, I completely share their reaction to Boogie Nights. I didn't share their passion for early Sandler, but certainly do their regard for P-DL. Hope the rest of the book is as exciting and rewarding.
Sadly, it isn't yet. I'm up to the P-DL chapter and my previous comment about the 'chewy' language still applies. I've appreciated some of his insights but found the typos (and an error regarding L.A. streets) somewhat annoying. I photos don't wow me--as the faithful have seen them before. I'm grateful there are interviews to wrap things up--I'm really looking forward to those.
I just find myself wishing it was all more....
fun?....to read.
Quote from: wilberfan on November 03, 2020, 01:05:47 PM...my previous comment about the 'chewy' language still applies.
Shyriiwook takes some getting used to, for sure.
Jesus, I JUST got what you did there. So honored to have already won the "Thick of the Week" Award.