Mark Cousins is a distinguished author and film critic whose work delves deeply into the art of cinema. He is known for exploring overlooked aspects of film history and theory, with a particular emphasis on visual storytelling and stylistic innovation. Cousins examines how films shape our perception of the world, striving to broaden our understanding and appreciation of cinematic artistry.
Mark Cousins offers a reflective exploration of the art of documentary-making, drawing from his experiences as a renowned Belfast filmmaker and BBC author. He delves into the intricacies of storytelling, the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers, and the impact of documentaries on audiences. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Cousins provides a unique perspective on the creative process and the significance of capturing real-life narratives.
An investigation into the elements of looking, combining art and science and painting a portrait of our culture, by critically-acclaimed writer and filmmaker Mark Cousins
The Story of Film presents the history of the movies in a way never told before. Weaving personalities, technology, and production with engaging descriptions of groundbreaking scenes, Mark Cousins uses his experience as film historian, producer, and director to capture the shifting trends of movie history without recourse to jargon. We learn how filmmakers influenced each other; how contemporary events influenced them; how they challenged established techniques and developed new technologies to enhance their medium. Striking images reinforce the reader's understanding of cinematic innovation both stylistic and technical. Presenting three epochs — Silent (1885–1928); Sound (1928–1990) and Digital (1990–Present) — The Story of Film spans the birth of the moving image; the establishment of Hollywood; the European avant-garde movements; personal filmmaking; world cinema and recent phenomena such as Computer Generated Imagery and the ever-more "real" realizations of the wildest of imaginations. Here are mainstream entertainment films and maverick talents, breathtaking moments and technical revolutions, blockbuster movies and art-house gems, icons of the screen and the hard workers behind the scenes. It is a powerful story of the world's most popular artistic medium.
Exploring the documentary film, this book traces its development from the first film shot by Louis Lumiere in 1895 to the last shaggy-dog story (Nick Broomfield's TV film, Tracking Down Maggie), and the commercial success of Steve James's three-hour saga, Hoop Dreams.
