Sight & Sound’s Top Five Film Books

This is one of the 305 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

  • A Biographical Dictionary Of Film by David Thomson

    "A Biographical Dictionary of Film" is a comprehensive reference book that offers detailed profiles and critical assessments of actors, directors, and other significant figures in the film industry. The work combines factual information with the author's personal and often provocative views, providing both biographical sketches and broader commentary on the cinematic contributions of each subject. The entries not only highlight career milestones and notable films but also delve into the artistic and personal nuances that define the individuals, making it a valuable resource for both film scholars and enthusiasts seeking in-depth insight into the world of cinema.

    The 1896th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Notes On The Cinematographer by Robert Bresson

    "Notes on the Cinematographer" is a collection of aphoristic insights and reflections that delve into the art and philosophy of film-making. Compiled from the personal working notebooks of a renowned filmmaker, the book offers a unique exploration of the aesthetic and technical aspects of creating cinema. It emphasizes the importance of purity and restraint in the filmmaker's craft, advocating for a style that eschews theatricality in favor of revealing the hidden truths of characters and scenes through a minimalist approach. The work serves both as a practical guide and a philosophical treatise on the medium, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the author's distinct approach to filmmaking.

    The 3098th Greatest Book of All Time
  • The American Cinema: Directors And Directions 1929 1968 by Andrew Sarris

    "The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929-1968" is a seminal work in film criticism that categorizes and evaluates American film directors from the early sound era through the 1960s. The book introduces the auteur theory to American readers, arguing that directors are the primary authors of a film, imprinting their personal vision despite varying levels of control over production. It organizes directors into tiers, from "Pantheon Directors" to "Less Than Meets the Eye," providing insightful critiques and celebrating the distinctive styles and thematic preoccupations of directors like Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, and Orson Welles, among others. This influential text has shaped both academic and popular film criticism, emphasizing the artistic integrity and authorial vision of directors in the creation of cinema.

    The 3065th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Hitchcock by Francois Truffaut

    The book is a comprehensive exploration of Alfred Hitchcock's films, based on a week-long series of interviews between the iconic British director and a renowned French filmmaker. It delves into Hitchcock's cinematic style, thematic preoccupations, and technical innovations, providing insights into his creative process. The dialogue format allows readers to witness an exchange of ideas between two film industry giants, offering a deeper understanding of Hitchcock's influence on cinema and his status as the master of suspense. The book also includes numerous stills from Hitchcock's films, adding a visual dimension to the discussion and making it an invaluable resource for film students, enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

    The 3065th Greatest Book of All Time
  • What Is Cinema? by André Bazin

    "What Is Cinema?" is a collection of essays that delve into the essence and philosophy of cinema, exploring its role as a unique art form. The author, a renowned film critic and theorist, examines the evolution of film aesthetics, the influence of technology on filmmaking, and the relationship between cinema and reality. Through a series of thoughtful analyses, the book discusses the importance of realism, the art of cinematography, and the impact of individual directors on the visual and narrative aspects of film. The work is a seminal exploration of cinematic expression and continues to be influential in film studies.

    The 3619th Greatest Book of All Time
About this list

Sight & Sound Magazine, 5 Books

Which are the best five books about film ever written? This was the question Sight & Sound asked 51 leading critics and writers – and a clear-cut top five emerged…

Added 29 days ago.

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This list has a weight of 52%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.

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