Digital Storytelling: The Narrative Power of Visual Effects in Film (Mit Press) Paperback – Illustrated, September 26, 2008

Needed this for a high school student project on the topic of digital enhancements in todays media. Project isn't due for several weeks and the book hasn't been put to use as seriously as it will be, so can't say whether it's useful yet. However, it's a one-of-a-kind publication and was hard to find, so thanks Amazon!

A book for class assigned readings, just like i ordered,soft cover, just like i ordered,theres letters and pictures in it just like i ordered.Pro: it's a book for my classCon: its a book. I dont like reading.Amazon, heres your review... stop asking me

a collection of fine-print essays, no images.

The faults of this book? Point size is under 9 points which strains the eyes given that this is 99% text. There are a few photographs, but the focus of this book is use of Digital Visual Effects in contemporary movies, and how the author and critics are responding to them.As I'm a sucker for anything related to Visual Effects, I enjoyed this book. He defines concepts that are perhaps intuitive to a visual effects artist. Yet, making you aware of these things is quite cool. Someone has noticed, and taken the time to process what it all might mean.I appreciate that the author connects the story and visual effects, though some quotes are heavy handed. An ILM staffer complains that "Borne Identity" lost him during a exaggerated shot. It's a movie, not a documentary. The most perceptive part goes into the misidentification of f/x by critics, specifically "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," which used extensive digital effects that were attributed to incamera or old-style f/x. I wish he would've discussed Roman Coppola's CQ, which went whole hog chemical f/x. Still, there's plenty to consider. F/X are not the enemy. Mediocre filmmaking is.

At last, someone explains the link between storytelling and digital visual effects. This timely book dispels the myths and offers real tools for filmmakers.It is an extremely thorough account of visual storytelling.Highly recommended.