What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMaking Movies
Sidney Lumet · Book · 2010
If you loved Making Movies, start with The Movies That Made Us (Brian Volk-Weiss, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Making Movies across media.
What hooked you in Making Movies was the way Sidney Lumet peels back the curtain on the collaborative, methodical heartbeat of cinema.
Films on the same thread
12 Angry Men
Sidney Lumet · Film · 1957
Explores: Reason vs. Prejudice, Burden of Proof, Justice System.
After reading Making Movies, you will appreciate how Lumet uses limited space and actor direction to build unparalleled tension in this masterclass of focused, character-driven storytelling.
Network
Sidney Lumet · Film · 1976
Explores: Media Manipulation, Corporate Greed, Mental Breakdown.
Lumet describes the technical and thematic precision required for great filmmaking in Making Movies, and this biting satire serves as the perfect practical application of his directorial philosophy.
Dog Day Afternoon
Sidney Lumet · Film · 1975
Explores: Media Circus, LGBTQ+ Themes, Desperation.
This film exemplifies the creative process discussed in Making Movies, demonstrating how a director manages chaotic energy and complex character dynamics to ground a high-stakes, true-life story.
The Verdict
Sidney Lumet · Film · 1982
Explores: Redemption, Medical Malpractice, David vs. Goliath.
You will recognize the deliberate artistic vision Lumet championed in Making Movies, as he crafts a nuanced, morally complex legal drama that prioritizes human truth over simple spectacle.
Series on the same thread
The Movies That Made Us
Brian Volk-Weiss · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Making Movies: Filmmaking.
If Making Movies opened your eyes to the industrial machinery behind the art, this series provides a deeper, nostalgic look at the specific collaborative efforts that defined cinema history.
Inside the Actors Studio
Series · 1994
Explores: Craft of Acting, Hollywood History, Artistic Process.
The technical insights found in Making Movies are complemented by these intimate discussions, which focus on the craft of acting and the artistic process from the performer's perspective.
Making a Murderer
Moira Demos · Series · 2015
Explores: Wrongful Conviction, Police Corruption, Justice System.
While Making Movies explains the structural integrity of a narrative, this investigative work shows how those storytelling principles are applied to real-world pursuit of justice and truth.
The Story of Film: An Odyssey
Mark Cousins · Series · 2011
Shares a thread with Making Movies: Film Theory.
Broaden the foundational film theory you encountered in Making Movies with this comprehensive odyssey, which maps the evolution of cinematic innovation and the global history of the medium.
Podcasts on the same thread
Making A Scene
Matt Lucas and David Walliams · Podcast
Explores: celebrity life, anecdotes, movie adaptation.
Expand on the actor-director relationship explored in Making Movies by listening to these candid, humorous conversations that treat the life stories of guests as potential cinematic masterpieces.
Locarno Meets
Podcast
Explores: cinema history, film analysis, artistic process.
These interviews echo the artistic philosophy of Making Movies, offering a direct line to the world’s most influential filmmakers as they discuss their personal approach to the craft.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Making Movies a good resource for learning how films are produced?
Yes, Making Movies is considered an invaluable guide for understanding the filmmaking process. Roger Ebert recommended it as the primary book for any filmgoer who wants to learn how movies are made and what specific elements to look for while watching them.
Does Making Movies explain why directors choose certain scripts?
Yes, Making Movies explores the decision-making process of a director, including the criteria used to select a particular script. It provides professional insight into the creative choices made behind the scenes during the development and production of a film.
What can I learn about acting techniques from Making Movies?
Making Movies details the responsibilities of a director regarding their cast. It specifically addresses the methods a director must employ to keep actors fresh and ensure their performances remain truthful throughout the demanding process of shooting a film.
Is Making Movies recognized as an important book on cinema?
Yes, Making Movies is widely respected in the industry and was named one of The Hollywood Reporter's 100 greatest film books of all time. It serves as a comprehensive educational resource for those interested in the technical and creative aspects of movie production.