Hollywood in Wide Angle

Jack Rothman, a social scientist, interviews more than 30 film directors—including Delbert Mann, John Landis, Arthur Hiller, Nancy Meyers, Bill Duke, Martha Coolidge, Andrew Davis, Gilbert Cates, Henry Jaglom, and Walter Hill. Rothman guaranteed their responses would remain anonymous, and the result is an intimate and candid portrait of work within the film industry, both on and off the set. The uncensored comments from these ideal informants, along with Rothman's analysis, give readers an inside look into the process of filmmaking, as well as an understanding of the wider sociological forces that both limit and facilitate such endeavors. The respondents assembled here represent the broad range of background as well as film directing experience—from award-winning veterans to first timers, from directors of small, independent pictures to studio blockbusters. Collectively, their answers illuminate the day-to-day process of the high-pressure and fiercely competitive—but also frequently fulfilling—environment of filmmaking. This book will be useful not only to students, but to new and aspiring directors, and other industry professionals as well. Indeed, Hollywood in Wide Angle will intrigue anyone truly interested in both movies and the complex industry behind them. Includes 31 photos.