Video Books

Since I have taken Final Cut Pro, I have found Premiere Pro to be more than a little intuitive. Every few months Premiere seems to update itself and I wanted to be able to keep up correctly and this book has done it. Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to look at the included DVD. If the included DVD is anything like the easy to read, great pictures and the researchability of this book's contents, we all will be Premiere Pro 1.5 experts very soon.
I have enjoyed reading the book and implementing the procedures. If you want to learn Premiere Pro 1.5 from scratch on a professional level, this is your book to use to get you up to speed.

This is the best basic training book I have ever used. Schell and his editors have done an excellent job of providing the reader/user with precise hands on training. If you have Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 and install the included lesson examples, you are in for a immersive fascinating and at times funny learning experience.

I knew absolutely nothing about Premiere Pro, and within hours I was on my way to creating video. The lessons are very easy to follow in step-by-step format with illustrations. The book also contains sidebars that go into greater depth on the information presented. I totally recommend this book as a first course in editing with Premiere Pro 1.5.

I needed a way to cut together my commercial demo reel, but I didn't have the cash to drop at an editorial shop. So, I picked up Premiere Pro and this book. Within two weeks I'm well equipped to cut together my own reels for years to come.

The book is extremely well written and has a nice conversational tone throughout. The exercises were easy to understand, but are good building blocks for more complex projects.

I generally hate "teach yourself" books, but this one was a rare exception. I can't recommend it enough!

This is my second Hands on Training Book. The first one was very good but this is the best and is the one I was waiting for (This is my first experience with Premiere Pro). It is the ideal self teaching program for learning Premiere Pro 1.5 especially if you have not given the first steps in using the program. After reading the first four clear and easy chapters I could make my first video program. The readings are light and clear and when I start reading a new chapter, it's really difficult to stop reading, especially because you are fascinated with the exercises you are completing with excellent results.

Before ordering this book I ordered "Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 Studio Techniques" which is an excellent Reference Book, but not the most indicated book for a newbie self paced training program. If you have both books I think you will have the best of both worlds.

I happened upon this Bible at a Scholastic Book Fair that was held at my workplace and bought it on a whim. I had been disappointed in the past with other children's Bibles that I had purchased because none seemed to hold my child's interest. This one, however, is completely different. My 5 year old son LOVES this Bible. He asks every night for stories from the Bible, even over other favorites like Pokemon. I like how the book is broken up into "chapters" that flow together. It really reads like an adventure book. The stories are accurate but written at an appropriate developmental level for preschool and young school age children. The pictures are very well done as well and really keep my son's attention. Sometimes he will just sit and look at the pictures and "read" the stories that he has memorized. I HIGHLY recommend this Bible to anyone with young children. You will not be disappointed!

Most childrens' Bibles either oversimplify the stories in the Bible, or change them so they are inaccurate. We were looking for something to start teaching our three year old the stories from the Bible and a friend lent us this book. Our son didn't want to stop reading it. We liked it so much for its accuracy yet understandability for younger children that we gave it as Christmas gifts this year to several friends and all our family with young children.

We gave this book to a little girl in our church. Before we wrapped it, we started reading it and determined that adults love it too because we couldn't put it down. The colored pictures are fantastic and make you feel like you're right there with the characters. The stories are explained really well. We got our money's worth.

My 4yo son LOVES this!! He kept after us until we read it from cover to cover in about a week at bedtime! He lies in bed and looks at the pictures. Can't say enough about the illustrations - beautiful and well done. I initially found it at Walmart and picked it up. It is so simple looking on the front but on the inside it is beautiful!(hmmm) I did not realize it was going to be my BEST childrens Bible ever! I have not found one that I like better. You won't go wrong with this one! I am ordering more for my church Sunday school class to be given away.

I bought a box of these for a church mission that caters to people released from prison. Many of them have reading problems and one of my friends there found that this Bible was very effective at allowing these adults to feel comfortable about reading the Bible on their own. Kids love it too.

Wow, this book is a terrific combination of writing academics, insight and personal agony experienced by a one time actor attorney, producer, writer and current UCLA professor. The dark text at the end of each lecture "from the trenches" imparts Ron's actual experiences with some very famous people and movies. It is priceless and makes this book a fascinating read. The last chapter recounts the "Real Rocky" story, and this alone makes the book worth the money. Ron keeps it interesting and by the end of the book you feel as if you've been through the mill with him.

Frank Nuciforo
Cambria, Ca

Suppa is giving out a lot of information in this book. It's like several books rolled into one. All the information is good except for the introduction/preface by Lew Hunter. Hunter must have been all wired up on some new drug, because his delivery is disjointed and unorganized.

There are a few minor issues such as Suppa referring to Steve McQueen's movie "Bullitt" as "Bullet." Come on, Ron.

Ron Suppa is a successful film producer and instructor: he's taught fine courses in the UK on the topic of screenwriting and here offers in book form the contents of his course, which packs tips with personal experiences and polish. REAL SCREENWRITING: STRATEGIES AND STORIES FORM THE TRENCHES covers everything from movie dialogue and spec teleplay plots to understanding the importance of the entertainment lawyer. Any screenwriter - even those already successful - needs REAL SCREENWRITING to hone and perfect skills.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you are serious about fulfilling your dream to become a screenwriter and cannot attend Ron Suppa's classes at UCLA, it is compulsory you buy this book. It offers a rare blend of instructional criteria directly applicable to your work, with philosophical wisdom from Aristotle to David Mamet. Wondering how to define your characters or exacerbate your conflict? Accomplish that goal using his point by point "Strategies", or the plethora of easily relatable examples he gives from a treasure trove of cinematic masterpieces. Along the way you will be both entertained and impressed by his "From the Trenches" segments, priceless personal experience from a bona fide raconteur.

As a film producer, commissioned/produced writer with BBC & Granada and with a current 12MIL project underway, I can only emphasise that reading Ron Suppa's latest book was like a magnesium flash of finally understanding what real screenwriting requires.

It's not just an enjoyable read but 'from the trenches' is I think - and I've pretty much read them all - the quintessential reference book for aspirant or crestfallen screenwriters - it is a remarkable compendium of searing truth, sage pearls and machine tools.

Anyway - as one writer who's pissed blood over honed drafts, to another - great f***ing book!

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT LEGENDARY FILM MAKER ROGER CORMAN. HE IS KNOWN FOR MAKING FILMS AS QUICK AND CHEAP AS HE COULD. MANY OF THESE ARE CULT FAVORITES SUCH AS LITTLE SHOP, GIANT LEECHES AND MANY MORE. I HAVE SPENT MANY A FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY AFTERNOON WATCHING THESE "CLASSICS". ROGER CORMAN IS KNOWN FOR MAKING CHEAP BUT INTERESTING AND SOMETIMES HILARIOUS B MOVIES. THE BOOK GOES BEHIND THE SCENES AS THE AUTHOR INTERVIEWS MANY FORMER EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE WORKED FOR CORMAN AND HAVE INTERJECTED THEIR VIEWS AND OPINIONS ON CORMAN. ROGER IS ALSO KNOWN FOR GIVING MANY STARS THEIR START. CORMAN IS ALSO A COMPLEX GUY WHO CAN BE VERY GENEROUS AND CAN ALSO BE AS CHEAP AS THEY COME. SOMETIMES MOOD BUT ALWAYS LOOKING TO MAKE ANOTHER MOVIE. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL FANS OF KING OF THE B'S AND WHO APPRECIATE BRILLIANCE ON A BUDGET.

Wow! Talk about switching personalities! This amazing biographer can emit the style of the person she is writing about to really give you a flavor of the personality. And of course, she spent time working for him, so you are privy to more of a view. Written somewhat bruskly like Roger's personality, you really gain insight into his life and what made him the person he is. Contrast this book with Beverly's biography of Ron Howard and you see some of the exceptional talent of this lady. A great read!

(...)

Gray's biography--fun as it is-- is more than a story about a man who is arguably one of Hollywood's most idiosyncratic moguls. It is a chronicle that parallels that of The Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the film industry and Los Angeles itself. We meet again celebrities we haven't thought about in years like the adorable dimpled Jon Davison, the memorable Vincent Price and even run across pop culture icons like Frank Gorshin.

Occasionally this book is burdened with glitz-town detail that only a dedicated film buff might adore but these moments are rare. Like a super hero, Corman--now 75 and still going--is resilient because he is multi-faceted. The same can be said for screenwriter cum UCLA instructor and journalist Beverly Gray. The two seem admirably paired in that way. Gray uses her many experiences and talents to tell the story of a man of many parts.
(...)

This fascinating "biography" is really a savvy "how to" book that belongs on the shelf of every screenwriter, aspiring producer, director, and development executive -- and everyone else who loves films and craves to know the secrets of Hollywood's most colorful mogul.

I found it fun to read as a realistic "behind the scenes" glimpse of what it takes to be a profitable mogul, such as the way Corman hired young cheap "promising" talent instead of going for experience. Directors fresh out of film school reading this book, for example, can get a good feel for the mindset and financial situation of producers they interview with. Screenwriters will learn how Corman and team (Gray had been his development executive) managed to write and produce so many successful films quickly.

Few books reveal the inner machinations of a successful producer so intimately. Gray, a screenwriting teacher at UCLA, has done a spectacular job of showcasing the life story of an intruiging man through more than eighty interviews and via her own experience.

I have to agree with the other five-star reviews. "Roger Corman: Blood-Sucking Vampires, Flesh-Eating Cockroaches, and Driller Killers" is the best book on the subject, the subject being the most unique American studio head in film history.

Beverly Gray really paints a nuanced picture of Corman and never panders to the fans, the haters, or her old boss Corman himself. Though it's impossible to pull back the curtains entirely and see into a man's soul, Gray seems to have at least pulled back one side, giving us as much a glimpse as is possible without telepathy.

Storywise, Corman is, as always, fascinating, and Gray's perfectly detailed retelling of his story is the best yet written.

I saw Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for the first time after reading about it in John DiLeo's Screen Savers. I would not have bothered to see it had I not first read DiLeo's analysis and insights regarding this underappreciated film. His essay led me to a much fuller understanding of its beauty, craft and surprising depth, making me want to see what I had previously considered an old-fashioned and uninteresting musical. Upon completing each chapter, I find myself scanning the upcoming programming for Turner Classic Movies, hoping they will soon be showing one of DiLeo's selections, so that I can use my new "behind the scenes" information while watching the film. It is clear that the movies the author selects for rediscovery are on a personal list of favorites, they moved or inspired him. But while he clearly loves movies, the tone never sinks to that of a fawning fan. He backs up his choices with detailed analyses and thorough research, convincing the reader of their rightful rank among films that should be reexamined. The joy of this book is that he educates the reader while imparting some of his obvious infatuation and love for his subject. And like any satisfyingly juicy critical discussion, the author allows a dialogue to develop with his reader. You may even find yourself disagreeing with him about a favorite star or director (c'mon, Lana Turner wasn't that untalented) and that is part of the fun. This book has rekindled in this reader a new enthusiasm for older and "gently used" movies. I can't wait for my first viewings of The Man Who Laughs and The Iron Giant.

This book is a joy to read. Aside from John Dileo's amazing scope of knowledge about film, he is a terrific writer. Dileo has an uncanny ability to fully and clearly describe story lines, performances and a variety of other details about each movie. I guarantee that anyone who reads this book will come away wanting to see most, if not all, of the movies discussed here so eloquently.

Having purchased Mr. DiLeo's previous books, I was delighted to discover he had a new one on the shelves. After planning some time off for the holidays, I overnighted this book -- eager to reacquaint myself with this author's clever and keen insight into classic motion pictures. By the time Christmas came, I had gobbled it up -- cover to cover. And... what a surprise to see my co-worker bought the very same book for me at this year's Secret Santa. I didn't let on that I had already purchased it but loved that fact that he was so eager to tell me that "SCREEN SAVERS is the type of book that all the TCM watchers should love!" Do yourself a favor and buy John DiLeo's new book.

I was thoroughly delighted to read John DiLeo's third book, Screen Savers.

His quirky takes on actors and directors are refreshing and novel. He opens new insights when viewing and reviewing films that have been forgotten or have never received the accolades they deserved.

Mr. DiLeo has a wonderful way with words, a lovely sense of humor and a pleasant and breezy style.

Screen Savers makes for terrific reading whether sitting in front of a fireplace on a cold evening or while enjoying an iced tea on a summery afternoon.

I highly recommend Screen Savers to any movie buff or would-be movie buff. It opens new paths to understanding the magic of film and the skills of the actors and directors involved.

Netflix should send a thank you note to Mr. DiLeo for his artful awakening of our appreciation for some half-remembered and some totally forgotten films.

I bought this book because I've enjoyed John DiLeo's other books for their informed, but casual, approach to movie love. At a time when so many movie books are either earnestly academic (you know, political readings of gender performance in Nikkatsu gangster movies of the 60s,) or infinitely culty-geeky (do I really need the whole history of Philippine horror movies?), DiLeo assumes the existence of a readership that is, like him, informed and serious, but not obsessive-compulsive, and in it for the entertainment.
The book is divided into eight chapters, each devoted to a separate genre. (For the record, the eight genres are "Musicals Written Directly For The Screen," "Film Noir and Variations," "Love Stories," "Westerns," "Fantasy and Horror," "War," "Vintage Comedy," and the vague catch-all "Life and Times in America," which basically means "drama." The focus is exclusively American, but the time frame is from the silent era to the present. The presumption is that you've already seen the rote classics, and he therefore offers five movies in each genre that he feels have received insufficient attention, and that you therefore might have reasonably overlooked.
You can agree or disagree with the choices, but none are eccentric, deliberately provocative, or contrived to display mere cleverness. The real joy of this book, though, is in the wealth of background information. DiLeo will, for example, in describing "Comanche Station," give an overview of Randolph Scott's career, the placement of his "amiability and lean beauty" in two decades worth of decent but unnoteworthy roles in diverse genres, as a way of positioning the surprise of his late-career flowering in the films of Budd Boetticher, and their collaboration on seven morally complex westerns. Being a movie fan, DiLeo doesn't fail to mention the final triumph of the comic hommage to Scott in "Blazing Saddles." This precise positioning and career review is done not only for stars and directors, but screenwriters, cinematographers, character actors, even the evolution of genre conventions themselves. And it's presented in a chatty, highly readable style. The net effect is that "Screen Savers" is like an encyclopedia in friendly conversation.
I expect that I'll be using this book as a reference work for a long time to come. It is, I think, DiLeo's best book yet.

Writers are lucky to have this book available - it provides them with much specific & essential guidance on their quest for perfection and success. And it makes things easier for us - film company executives - as well, because dealing with writers who have been enlightened by this book saves us time, compared to dealing with those who choose the shaky road of "trial & error". Thus this book is invaluable to both Writers and Executives. [...]

As an aspiring screenwriter, Mr. Hauge's title offered me a "guaranteed way" to get my screenplay read. Needless to say, this title sold me immediately. I finished reading it in one evening, and highlighter in hand, I went back and reread it again. It now closely resembles one of my college textbooks. I can't wait to implement Mr. Hauge's tips and suggestions as I enter the world of pitch fests, contests, and (hopefully) pitch meetings. When that time comes, I know I'll be well prepared and ready-to-go.

Don't even think about pitching your script without reading this book!

Michael Hauge has been to more pitch fests and conferences than just about any screenwriting teacher/consultant out there -- and he knows exactly what it takes to break through that glazed look in the Producer's eyes and make them take notice of your story.

As a professional screenwriter, I, too, have been to a lot of pitches (And as a professional script consultant, I've heard even more). And I thought I had my formula down. But I found Michael's specific techniques in this book to be really insightful and inspiring -- and I've already changed my approach because of it!

In his honest, witty, and authoritative style, Michael walks you through every step of the process, from clarifying your story's major turning points, knowing what to put in (and more importantly what to leave out) of the pitch, to how to create an instant connection with the one you're pitching to...and leave them wanting more.

Before you pitch your next story, whether over the phone or in person, read this book -- twice -- and let it guide you to creating the pitch-perfect plan for pitching your next script.

In the meantime, Stay Inspired -- and Keep Writing!

Derek Rydall
Founder, [...]

Written by expert screenwriting coach Michael Hauge, who has consulted on projects for Warners, Disney, Columbia, New Line, CBS, and Lifetime among many others, Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way To Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read is a no-nonsense guide for novice to veteran novel writers and screenwriters to get noticed. Written in plain terms, Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds covers the 10 key components of a commercial story, how to design a strong pitch, targeting the right buyer, securing opportunities to pitch, what steps to take next if a potential buyer says yes or no, and much more. A no-nonsense "how-to" guide filled with industry tips, tricks, techniques and etiquette guidelines, and an absolute "must-have" for any writer trying to break into the business.

I attended 2 of Michael's seminars at Screenwriting Expo '06 and this book contains the same "special" quality of Michael's in-person class: He wants you to succeed. The book is an Instruction Manual for understanding, crafting and marketing your story. The material is digestible for beginners, valuable for all levels of writing, simple and thorough. There is a nice balance of "Do" and "Don't" advice. The "Executives on Pitching" Section provides confirmation and flavor to the meaty material that precedes it. This book is not simply a compilation of quotes and buzzwords. Michael has command of his craft and endeavors with the heart of a mentor to infuse it in his readers. 2 thumbs up :)

This is definetly the best book on Star Wars I've ever read...

The beautifully designed coffee-table book takes the reader through the process of creating the Star Wars galaxy and then turning it into one of the most successful toylines in history. There are tons of photos depicting vintage Kenner toys as well as other merchandise.

The illustrations come with quite an informative text by journalist and collector Stephen J. Sansweet -- truely an expert when it comes to Star Wars toys.

A beautifully written book -- Sansweet is the reigning expert on Star Wars (have all of his book, with the Scrapbook and Encyclopedia being my favorites). I just had some quibbles with some of the design elements in it but it's a wonderful edition to my library nevertheless.

A must own for fans of the collectibles spawned from the greatest space fantasy of all time. Sansweet takes you through the entire process that brought about the Star Wars experience and gives details about little known information surrounding the film's creation, collectibles and magicians who brought it to life. A nostalgic trip into the past to relive three great films accompanied by crisp, clear photos. Check it out.

If I were to teach a class on the history Star Wars and Star Wars collectables, I would definitely use this as one of the textbooks. It is a very well written and interesting book. It contains lots of great pictures, including early drawings of movie characters made before the movies were ever created, as well as pictures of a variety of collectables (including both prototypes and finished products). Also contains lots of interesting factoids. This is not a price guide or a comprehensive guide to Star Wars collectables (so if that's what you are looking for, this is not the book for you). But if you want to learn about the Star Wars universe (literally from concept to screen to collectable), this will be a great addition to your library.

I have been a big Star Wars fan since the first film was released back in 1977. I used to own many of the old action figures and played with them all the time up until my grandmother gave them away to the Goodwill. I picked up this book in 1997 just as I was getting back into collecting Star Wars figures once again. This is a very detailed book with lots of great color photos. Seeing the pictures of all of the older toys brought back a lot of memories. And it makes you stop and think about how much your old collection would have been worth if you had saved it. I recommend this book to anyone who is a true Star Wars fan and collector. You will not be disappointed.

I paid for expedited shipping of this book and received it two days earlier than I expected. The book was in perfect condition. I definitely recommend this seller!

If you are looking for a book with a little bit of insight into the creation of the Corpse Bride film, this is good choice. Nice selection of production pictures and concept artwork with a good description of the processes involved.

The book covers puppet making, music creation and a small scale time line of concept to film.

TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE: AN INVITATION TO THE WEDDING is the lush movie book accompaniment to tie into the release of TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE, and includes a foreword by Burton, details on his film, storyboards, his drawings, and more. It arrived too late for more timely holiday mention but the movie is certain to be a hit for many months and any viewer or would-be viewer will continue to find TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE an excellent guide to the movie.

I bought this book several months ago in a local bookstore. The photos and images in the book attracted my attention almost immediately, although at that time I've only heard of the film but haven't watched it. Like other behind-the-scenes books, it shows how they produced the film in every detail, from beginning to end. I especially like the concept sketches and the black humor. The production process also provides a good reference to the making of stop-motion animation, which makes this book unique. If you like the the film or stop-motion animation, I believe this book won't disappoint you.

I am a student of the great art of stop-motion-animation. For those interested in this pioneering addition to the art form or just interested in what it takes to write plan and pull off a feature length animation this is a great book. Lots of colot photos, concept sketches and digital concept art as well as the writing itself tells a lot about what it took to pull it all together. Well worth it to own as a reference and the coffee table.

Jones does a great job of teaching people how to "win" with the media as opposed to "surviving" or "defeating" the media. That mindset change is key for most people. I learned many new tricks of the trade from reading his book.

If I had to pick only one book of the hundreds written on how to deal with the media, this would be the one I'd recommend. In fact, when I reviewed an earlier edition of this book several years ago for my newsletter, The Publicity Hound, I said that this was the book I wish I had written. As a former newspaper editor who worked in the business 22 years, I thought I knew it all, and more. I didn't, particularly when it came to TV. I couldn't put the book down.

Clarence Jones, a former award-winning investigative reporter in both newspapers and TV, knows his stuff, including all the tricks reporters use to loosen your lips. The book is pithy, with easy-to-read chapters broken down into numerous sub-heads--making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for in a hurry.

Jones takes you inside the heads and brains of working journalists. He explains how they think, how they react, and what they have the power to do to you if you don't play by their rules.

I read an earlier edition from cover to cover and referred to it so often in my consulting practice that the book literally fell apart from use. When I scanned this 8th edition, I got lost in it AGAIN, long past my bedtime. Reading it will make you much smarter, much savvier and much better prepared to meet the media when bad news strikes. Even if all the stories about you are good (yeah, right), please don't do another interivew unless you read this book first.

Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound
http://www.PublicityHound.com

If you deal with the media then you should have read this book already. I read Michael Levine's Guerrilla PR Wired, a brilliant book on PR, and then read Winning With The News Media. Both were influential in my career.

I work as a Public Infomation Officer and Paramedic for EVAC Ambulance in Volusia County, FL (Daytona Beach / Metro Area). This book is is quite simply the BEST how to guide to any one who works with the media. Clarence Jones continues his tradition of excellence with the new and revised 2001 edition. Don't hesitate just buy it, you'll love it.

I must admit, as a Public Information professional I at first found Jones' writing style and key points for working with the media rather simplistic. But as I continued reading, I found myself marking and underlining passage after passage. As a spokeman and media relations officer within NATO, and having just returned as a spokesman for NATO operations in Macedonia during a major deployment of troops, I wished I had read this book before I went there. I was doing as many as 20 interviews per day ranging from live stand-ups with CNN and BBC, to radio call-ins and newspaper interviews representing media world-wide. This book reinforced everything I learned leading up to and during that experience, stating clearly what's important and why, as well as many tips and techiques that seem rather minor but are really quite important when push comes to shove and you find yourself face-to-face with a reporter. I will use many points from this book to further refine my own training program for senior leaders within NATO and to prepare them for interviews. A great resource that has found a prominent place among my professional books.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RV95BKAPRLJ8S

"Beyond Brokeback" is an incredibly moving book, and a beautiful testament to the power of telling the truth in our lives. Intentionally or not, "Brokeback Mountain" forced thousands of people to recognize the wounds they have received in their lives due to the homophobia that exists in our world. In realizing this wounding and pain the contributors to this book could have retreated from the world and from anyone who might hurt them again. Instead, they courageously chose to build community through the Ultimate Brokeback Forum and tell their stories in "Beyond Brokeback." From this online community healing, deep human connection, and hope have emerged in the lives of thousands of people. One can only wonder how life might have been different for both Jack and Ennis if they had had access to this book, or to a community like the Forum. I highly recommend "Beyond Brokeback" for anyone of any sexual orientation who longs to help build a world where all people finally have true freedom to love.

I purchased this book as I was interested to find out how the film had impacted on others. I found the accounts to be very open and astonishingly honest, and could almost feel the anguish and pain that some have had to bear throughout their lives. To actually hear how these lives were affected by the movie was so amazing. I'm sure it will be a re-read for many days to come.

Rob.

Between the months of December 2005 and April 2006, countless individuals shared in the groundbreaking experience of "Brokeback Mountain". For many, it was the combination of witnessing a specifically gay-themed film score at the box office, snag #1 spots on critics lists, grace magazine covers, sweep awards, and became a cultural phenomenon as well as watershed moment for GLBT visibility that made it indelible. From Entertainment Tonight to Oprah, from online blogs to The New York Times, this revelation of a film was being admired and discussed around the world.
Yes, "Brokeback Mountain" happened to be Hollywood's first bona fide, well-made and commercially successful "gay weepie". But for many it is so much more; there exists something transcendent and deeply felt in the story of Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist.

In "Beyond Brokeback: The Impact of a Film," journalist Dave Cullen and the members of an online forum have fashioned together a valuable and illuminating collection that proves testament to the very impact "Brokeback" had on so many lives. This anthology of intensely personal stories, selected from contributions to the forum, offer illuminating commentary on the impact of Annie Proulx's unforgettable story and Ang Lee's landmark film. The deeply personal approach speaks to fans of the film and story alike. And in doing so, further exposes the poison of "the closet," as well as its destructive, far-reaching effects on society as a whole.

These stories of regret, loneliness, sexual conformity and hidden truths harbored are intensely personal, and do perhaps more to sting your heart. They feature their own distinct experiences, views, and voices and are impossible to shake. While some prove deeply uplifting, in others there lies a sense of hopelessness that leaves scars. We come to see what many have withstood and what they have given up and it is inescapably heartbreaking. These voices tangibly remind us, through stories of real life hardships and life altering reactions, that both literature and film can reverberate our own emotional struggles through art. "Beyond Brokeback" is sheer testament to it.

This is a wonderful testimony to the impact of the story and the film Brokeback Mountain.