Thinking in Pictures: Dramatic Structure in D.W. Griffith's Biograph Films

by Joyce E. Jesionowski

Thinking in Pictures shows for the first time, in rigorous shot-by-shot analyses, what Griffith really did—and allows us to understand the implications for film narrative in general. Anyone with an interest in early cinema will find the book compelling, but the text will also intrigue readers seeking understanding of film usages on a more general, theoretical level.

When Griffith began making films, the shot had been recognized as a basic element of film, the camera had a certain amount of freedom, transitional effects had been explored, audiences displayed an appetite for narrative. It was the synthesis of these elements, as Jesionowski traces it, that was Griffith's great achievement—for which he has always been honored by other filmmakers, by critics, and by audiences who continue to be moved and excited by his films.

Genres: Film

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 1987

Reviews

[Curmudgeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some good analysis in here, but it's often a dry read, and you really need to watch the films she's discussing in order to see what she's talking about, as the text and occasional sequences of screencaps from the movies fail to adequately convey what's going on.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense and detailed despite being a relatively short book, but very interesting and insightful on how D.W. Griffith through his editing manipulates time and space in his films. A little difficult to read in isolation--it makes you really want to sit down with the films and the book and look at them together. And the author seems to actually like and respect the films.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this genius just studied shot-by-shot how dw innovated storytelling, his level planes, his collapsing shots, and esp focus. challenged all beliefs on origins of filmic trance.