5 comments about An Actor Prepares...To Live in New York City: How to Live Like a Star Before You Become One.

1. This book is good, but even better if you plan on living in Hell's Kitchen (midtown west). As the author refers to that area often. Overall, i liked it though. I'd say it helps speed up the process of getting comfortable living in the big city, not working, but LIVING.



2. Wile some of the info offered may be slightly out of date by the time a reader gets their hands on this book (addresses and phones can change, etc.) the wisdom and experience of the author comes through very well. Anyone who is headed for the Big Apple as an actor should read this book.



3. This book is fantastic! I live in Australia but I'm going to be living and working (hopefully...) in New York in a couple of months.
   The book includes sections on practically every aspect of life - from cheap food, medical care, and general merchandise, to hairdressing, public toilets, and internet service providers.
   I would say this is one of the most useful books I have ever read, and I can definitely recommend it to anyone planning on making a move to New York City.
   It is extremely easy to read and not at all like trawling through a guidebook. The sections are well organised and easily located in the table of contents. I particularly liked the book and music store 'reviews'.
   It also felt as though it was written by a person that I would actually like in real life, and while this is not entirely relevant, it gave me even greater faith in the advice.
   I feel a lot more confident about my trip now that I know where to go and what to expect as I attempt to set up house.
   This has certainly relieved me (at least temporarily) from my increasingly frantic google searches.



4. Actor or not, this book is a huge help in finding the cheapest of everything in New York City. Listed by category, the author gives listings and phone numbers of the cheapest of it all. There are hints and tips on how to make it in New York on a budget, how to find a place to live, and even where public restrooms are available!



5. What a gold mine! This book isn't just for actors--it is a meticulously-researched, up-to-date and readable guide to living well in Manhattan without watching money flow through your fingers--it covers everything from haircuts and clothes to great deals at the opera. I'm recommending it to all newcomers, regardless of profession. If I had to find one small flaw, it's that I'm not quite confident about his recommendations for women, as--and he freely admits this--they rely on the judgment of his female friends, and the reader can't gauge whether these women share the author's ability to find the best, the least expensive and the most hard-to-find secrets of New York. Regardless, a minor detail in a worthwhile book.

5 comments about The Complete Phantom of the Opera (Owl Books).

1. I bought a copy of this book at a performance of The Phantom Of The Opera in 2000 and really love it. I tried to purchase a copy for a friend at the most recent performance we went to but it is no longer available and feel very lucky to have been able to find it here at Amazon. It tells of the Paris Opera House, Gaston Leroux, the original story and the movies. The reason I bought it is the last 100+ pages cover the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical and includes some incredible photographs. I was delighted when I got home and found it also includes the Libretto! I would encourage any fan of the musical to purchase a copy.



2. Loads of beautiful photos and lots of info. I love it. We do need and expanded edition to cover the movie. This is for Phantom Fans.



3. This a must have for any phans of the A.L.W. musical!!



4. This book... I have no words on how amazing it is.
   
   When I rekindled my love for musicals, and of course, Phantom of the Opera made that happened... I had to get everything and learn everything about Phantom. So I found this book at the library and I went insane over it.
   
   Firstly, it gives a clear background history on Gaston Leroux--the writer and the creator of Phantom of the Opera. Then, it goes into another section when talking about the films it inspired. You'll be surprised and amazed when you see it and read about it. Not only that, it tells you some small tidbit facts on the actors and actresses of these movies.
   
   And then, my favorite part, it goes into the Lloyd Webber musical. And when I say "goes into" I mean it!! There are so many pictures of the Original London Cast it's phenominal! There ares ome behind the scenes pictures as well. I never seen so many pictures about Phantom sure in a book, ever.
   
   And when you think that's enough, there is a libretto of the stage production--including scrafito'ed pictures of the OLC copied in there as it was when the CD/Cassette first made it's debut.
   
   All in all, it's not clearly updated as it is now, there is mention of the movie and who they want in it. But otherwise, if you are a London Cast or simply a Phantom obsessionist, you MUST have this book. If you find it at a house sale, a junk pile, book sale... whatever... BUY IT. You will not be dissapointed!!



5. I recently purchased both 'The Complete Phantom of the Opera'and the novel, and I am soo impressed! After I saw the movie and bought the soundtrack, I knew that I had to have these books. My interst in the Phantom of the Opera was first sparked when I saw the silent version with Lon Cheney. Then I heard about the movie coming out, so I saw it and I was more than impressed. I still have yet to see the Broadway version however. So, I highly recommend the movie, the soundtrack and the books. In my opinion each is well worth the cost!!

5 comments about Film Directing Fundamentals: From Script to Screen.

1. IF YOU ARE TRYING TO BECOME A FILM DIRECTOR THIS IS ONE OF MANY BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ AND STUDY!!!



2. This puts the duties of a director into perspective. It emcompasses a lot of the tasks that amateaur directors neglect. It was an easy read and hit a lot of bases that film books miss.



3. Learn from the big picture to the nuances. I have a horrible memory and I find having the 'big picture' helps keep everything organized.
   
   #1 - The first big plus;
   I have been learning to write screenplays for several years. This book helped me understand what was wrong (and right) in my last two writings.
   It turned them into a movie and showed 'where and why' they failed.
   
   #2 - Secondly;
   It demonstrated that writing and directing are much more integrated, than one would imagine. Learn them both and become better at each.
   
   Start with the big picture, this book accomplishes that.



4. ....the first book to make sense of it all...where to put the camera...how to stage the scene...how to help actors find the performance...it teaches these things as much as any book can, and will save you the cost of one third of film school



5. This book is filled with valuable and helpful information for budding directors. I'm currently in the process of putting everything in this book to good use. The thing I like about this book is that it's not just one of those books that says you need to storyboard everything, because unless you have good drawing skills that really isn't feasible. The book gives an in depth look on how to pre-plan your film shot by shot and the use of floor plans to illustrate camera set-up's. It's so simple, but this is the type of thing that will make you prepared when you come to shoot, instead of just winging it.

2 comments about Film As Film: Understanding And Judging Movies.

1. I am scraching my head...at the previous reviewer, Perkins is one of the most brilliant and repected film critics alive. He is difficult...but so is most anything worth doing in life.
   
   Perkins doesn't introduce concepts with astheticly pleasing headings, and entertaing pictures, then explain what each one means, and why its important...I am sure the "dummy's" guide books have done that already along with a 1000 others.
   
   Perkins is one of a few critics who have transformed films for me and many others. I am so surprized and sad that so few have reviewed this important work.



2. While I'm sure students of film and film theory will find this book a valuable resource, a novice to the genre should probably seek out another book. Mr. Perkins does not elucidate the topic of film theory, but instead takes a heavy handed approach to the subject and leaves those unfamiliar with the subject scratching her head.

No comments about Essentials of Public Speaking (2nd Edition).

5 comments about The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit.

1. Shirley MacLaine is ever the entertainer in recalling her trek across Spain on the Camino. The physical descriptions about her voyage are inspiring, and her determination to succeed in completing the journey is admirable.
   
   The most interesting part of the book for me was the journey itself. It succeeds in making you want to try it yourself if you have a month to spare.
   
   The spiritual aspect of the book is thought provoking, if nothing else. Shirley doesn't withhold and for some, I'm sure it's a little bit hard to digest, but you have to admire her honesty.
   
   I thought the ending would have been more glorious. I would like to have seen a moment when she paused and reflected at the end of her journey, but instead she rushed through it like it was something to get over. All in all, it was a good read.



2. As a longtime reader of Shirley's book's, this was the next one for me. I learned alot and at this time, learning is very important to me.



3. Since marrying a Spaniard, most of our vacations have been to Spain. As a result, I tend to key in on books dealing with Spain. When I picked up "The Camino", I anticipated a quirky tale on hiking the Camino (i.e. an entertaining quick read). The book initially met my expectations. She explained her Camino decision and within a few pages was starting her pilgrimage on the trail. As expected, she meets some "unique characters" along the way and provides insight into the trail conditions (or lack thereof). However, the book slowly turns into a "vision quest". As you progress through the book, descriptions of the trail and modern day pilgrims are replaced by detailed descriptions of dreams and visions as well as her run-ins with the Press. The ending is anti-climatic and rushed. If I had paid full price for the book, I would be kicking myself for the purchase. Fortunately, I found the book in the bargain bin. Ignoring the purchase price, was the book worth reading? I did gain insight into the Camino trail conditions. However, I paid a high price for that insight. Only my determination to not leave a book half read got me through this relatively short book. All in all, I cannot recommend this book.



4. Interesting read until she got into her dream visions about the beginning of time and adam and eve and paradise, etc... I mean, yes, possible but it sounded too cookie cutter to me. Like she made it up and tried to make it fit into a mold we already know and threw some sparkles in there for good measure. I like Shirley and have believed what she's been through in the past but now I have my doubts. I think the experience of the camino and her dealings with her environment there is a much more interesting read. She should have stuck to that.



5. I've read this book twice. I don't know if I believe everything that Ms. MacLaine claims but it was a fun read and I enjoyed every bit of her journey.

3 comments about Step Right Up: Stories of Carnivals, Sideshows, and the Circus.

1. This is a terrific history of the strange people who are carnies and sideshow freaks. I love these people, but even if you don't, you will find this an intriguing read.



2. Really great collection. Very entertaining, and got me ready for summer madness in the midway.



3. come on...and step right up...you'll enjoy the ride....trust me!!

5 comments about The Phantom Of The Opera Companion (Film Companion).

1. I love the story. It is very interesting. Other people might love the story as well; It has a different version on what is the actual opera show has; and that makes the story more successful. I love the whole side of the story.... the characters, the set-ups, the pacing and the musics. Being a phantom opera fan, I am not disappointed. Well, infact the directors and the whole cast was very amazing. The story captures the all the things you cannot imagine on the phantom of the opera alone. I will always love the movie....



2. I cannot say enough about this book. If you loved the movie version of POTO than this is a MUST for you. IT goes into the history of the story and right up to the movie made in 2004. I've turned mine into a scrapbook. I've printed out pictures from the movie off the internet and have included them in many of the pages here. If you especially liked Gerard Butler as the Phantom...buy it!! You will not be sorry.



3. Being a die-hard phan (as most of you reading this probably are as well), I devour nearly anything related to our man in the mask. After seeing (and totally loving!) the 2004 movie with Gerard Butler, I bought this companion book as soon as possible. It contains very interesting background information from the Phantom's beginnings in the G. Leroux novel, continuing through almost every incarnation of him up to and including the 2004 movie. It was nice to read so much background detail. The last part of this book contains the screenplay. Before ordering this book, I had thought this section would read as more of a "novel" of the movie rather than a movie script itself, so I was a bit disappointed by that. The text is a little choppy at times, but it is interesting nonetheless and provides certain insights you cannot know simply from watching the movie. I would say this book is more of the fluffy, "coffee-table" material for casual reading. Very pretty throughout - nice pictures - an overall good addition to any phan's collection.



4. This book is a must-have for any Phantom of the Opera fan. The Complete Phantom of the Opera by George Perry is more detailed on the story behind the musical, but as an updated version that includes info and pictures from the movie, this book is essential to any true "Phan".



5. A must have book for anyone who loved the movie or the play. I have seen both ways and enjoyed the book just as much. This was a wonderful ensight into how the movie was made and all the work to make the movie possible.

5 comments about Beam Me Up, Scotty.

1. As an older person, I was there when Star Trek first aired and when it exploded into syndication. The boys in my junior high school quickly adopted many of the phrases of the show, including the title of this book. Over the years, I have read every book about Star Trek that I have encountered. Unfortunately, until recently I had never seen this one, so I was pleased when it appeared on the shelf of a local used book store.
   However, while Doohan has certainly led an interesting life, in this book Scotty could have used more effective writing support. The prose often takes on the tone of someone writing a report in a diary rather than an attempt to explain the life of Doohan. If it were not for his memorable role in Star Trek, I most likely would not have finished the book.
   Doohan lost the middle finger of his right hand while fighting in France in World War II. A member of the Canadian military that stormed the beaches of Normandy, he was hit with at least seven bullets, so his survival was truly amazing. Star Trek does not appear until page 127, over halfway through the book. There is a section of twenty-five pages where Doohan describes several of the episodes. There are some solid insights and it would have been better if it had been longer. While he does spend some pages describing the personal interactions between the people who acted out Star Trek, there is not enough to satisfy the avid fan of the genre.
   Doohan clearly states his dislike of William Shatner, although he has nothing but praise for Leonard Nimoy and the remaining actors and actresses. He describes the friendships he built with some of the people who helped make Star Trek, noting how that was the beginning of the vast community that has existed for forty years.
   This book was a disappointment in the sense that it gives too brief a glimpse into Star Trek as viewed through the eyes of what grew to be a main character. If there would have been more about the genre, reading it would have been much more satisfying.



2. I was 14 when the original Star Trek came out, and it was always the high point of the week for me. I wasn't exactly a nerd in school, although the science classes were my favorite, and so I thought the science and technology in Star Trek was the coolest stuff I had ever seen. In 1965 it was still the Cold War and we lived under the specter of possible global nuclear annihilation, and then along comes this little TV series, which showed that humans might finally abolish war and achieve peace (at least on earth), and that science and technology might create a better future for the human race. The combination of the positive message along with all the cool technology was an irresistible combination for me, and so I hardly ever missed a show.
   
   So although I've never been to a Trekkie conference or participated in any of the typical fandom events, I was a big fan of the original (and subsequent series) and so still count myself as a true "Trekkie."
   
   With the recent passing of James Doohan last week this brief autobiobraphy will remain the one and only commentary on his life. The book concentrates more on Doohan's earlier life and his experiences and career up till Star Trek, including his poor childhood, his military service during WWII, and early acting experiences, and most people would probably prefer that he devoted more space to that. But Doohan was 10 years older than most of the other people in the cast, except for DeForest Kelly, and it was interesting to read his perspective on many of these events. He is honest in admitting his dislike for Capt. Kirk, which takes some courage--since that by itself might predispose some people to giving the book a one-star review.
   
   One thing I have to mention is that the scene where Scotty is explaining to Capt. Kirk when he finally punched the Klingon officer that started the fight in the bar in the episode, The Trouble with Tribbles, was considered the funniest scene in the whole series by the fans. I'm not going to go into anymore details than that or the dialog since I'm sure all the diehard fans here remember the scene from start to finish.
   
   I just had one other comment, which is that the character of Scotty was interesting in that basically what they did was to create a likable and charismatic nerd or geek. I've always found Americans' widespread disdain for nerds paradoxical since we are the most high-tech society on earth and are responsible for inventing and developing almost all the high-tech science, engineering, and medical technology, and we even win most of Nobel Prizes in science, and yet nerds and geeks still get no respect here, and are still widely derided. :-) Well, Scotty's amiable and charismatic personality both on and off the set changed all that and made it, if not fashionable to be a geek, at least acceptable.
   
   I will always remember Doohan, who was one of my personal favorites among the cast, and can only hope that he beams up to a better place than the world he left behind.



3. Jimmy Doohan who became famous by playing "Scotty" on Star Trek TV and movies wrote what must be a relatively dry book on his life. While information was somewhat interesting and his background material a food for trivia loving Trekkie, Doohan apparently forgot why he was so famous...famous enough that people will buy a book about his life. Whether Doohan like it or not, Star Trek made him and without it, he would have probably been just another character actor, competence but forgettable. His views on Star Trek would have been very valuable and interesting to all fans who followed the show and in turn, followed him. So it was pretty disappointing that he didn't covered Star Trek that much and didn't get deep into it. William Shatner, whom Doohan admit that he didn't like, wrote a more honest set of memiors although I am sure from the perceptions of others, that may be debatable. I hope Mr. Doohan rethink about his legacy which for better or for worst, lies with Star Trek and write a book - a second volume if must be, on his experience on that show and movies.



4. I read this book about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I thought it was pretty entertaining. No, he doesn't really talk much about ST. This isn't really a Scotty book. I mean, if he was talking about Scotty he would've started talking about ST on page 1. No, not a Scotty book. This is the life and times of James Doohan. It makes an interesting read, especially if you want to read about James.

   I must say that I'm proud of James leaving it simple that he didn't like Shatner. I'm sure we would've had 1 star reviews still if he dissed Shatner all through out the book. After reading the other ST autobiographies, I feel each one had the chance to do some major dissing. The didn't take that route. They have sense enough to realize that ST fans are interested in the show and not with the backstage battles of Shatner vs. Everybody.




5. Several of the "Star Trek" actors have written autobiographies, and I've read most of them. I found "Beam Me Up, Scotty" to be somewhat disappointing. The book is quite short, and doesn't have as much Star Trek info as I would have liked. A little more humor would have helped too. William Shatner's books on Star Trek, although some have questioned their accuracy, are certainly much more entertaining to read.

3 comments about La Danse.

1. La Danse
   The reproduction of his fantastic photos is even better than I had hoped for and the CDs are a great bonus!



2. A beautiful book with the impressionistic photography of David Hamilton. The main dance of the book is ballet, a rather nawor focus these days. Featured are mostly young, female dancers, but there are also shots of Nureyev and a few other male dancers. Finally, it differs from other David Hamilton books by featuring mostly fully-clothed dancers.



3. Do you enjoy ballet photography? Are you a fan of David Hamilton? Do you enjoy classical music? Are you a fan of Rudolf Nureyev? If you are a fan of one or all of them, you'll want to own this fine collectible publication. I recently purchased a copy and find it to be of top quality in terms of professionalism in photography.
   The original La Danse, which, I believe was published in 1974? Contained many of the same photographs which grace the pages of this up-to-date version. There's the splendid full page photographs of charming young girls in ballet, and the rare photographs of Rudolf Nureyev.
   But in the updated version, there is more, much much more. The book contains 4 Classical Ballet music cds, plus photographs from two other David Hamilton classics, Laura and Bilitis. So in many ways, this up-to-date version is much better than the original version.
   If you want to own a book of David Hamilton's at a more affordable price, La Danse will be it.