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The 12-Hour Film Expert: Everything You Need to Know about Movies
The only book you need to become an expert on film history, technique, and appreciation. If you are looking at this book, then you probably love watching movies and television shows. Who doesn’t? But most of us do so as passive entertainment—to wind down, relax, and escape into alternative worlds. Pay close attention though, and you can enhance your movie-watching experience and deepen your appreciation for the art of film. This book will show you how. In The 12-Hour Film Expert, Noah Charney and James Charney offer readers all they need to know about how films are made and how to watch them in a more thoughtful way. Through twelve chapters covering a wide array of genres and periods, the authors highlight key films in each area of focus and explore important figures and more recent films to help readers develop their core understanding of films, ranging from comedies to silent films, noirs to romances, and everything in between. Most importantly though, readers will learn how to truly watch movies. The 12-Hour Film Expert asks essential What did the key films do differently? How did they push the envelope, establish new precedents? The result is a capsule-sized “course” in film appreciation. The only book readers need to master their grasp of film history, technique, and appreciation, it is perfect for movie lovers of all ages. Grab the popcorn and settle in!
- GenresNonfictionFilm
248 pages, Hardcover
Published June 18, 2024
8 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Noah Charney
89 books189 followersNoah Charney holds degrees in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art and Cambridge University. He is the founding director of the Association for Research into Crimes against Art (ARCA), the first international think tank on art crime. He divides his time between New Haven, Connecticut; Cambridge, England; and Rome, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 21, 2024
I want to make sure that I fairly review this book for what it is, not what I wanted it to be. I wanted this book to be a discussion on film technique, how and why directors, editors, and actors make the choices they do during movies. This was not that. Any discussion on technique was always brief, never more than a few sentences, and was more like reading a dictionary definition rather than explaining when and why the discussed technique might be used.
Instead, this is a book about film history and genre. I can live with that. But how this book breaks down this lines I found frequently frustrating and often incomplete. The first few chapters are devoted to the earliest films, starting with its conception in nickelodeon parlors, then growing to longer lengths and greater venues. The second chapter discusses the birth of silent film, the switch to talkies, and the introduction of color. For the most part, I enjoyed these chapters, and did feel like I was learning at least a little about early film history. However, if looking at production history, the book still fails to be comprehensive. I found it odd that there was basically no discussion about how TV impacted film, either in terms of film distribution or as a competing medium. The book talks about the invention of the studio system, but doesn't discuss the Paramount case and the effect antitrust law had on the industry. The Hays Code is mentioned numerous times, but with scant discussion about why it was introduced, what it entailed, or why it eventually went away. The biggest failing to me is the complete lack of discussion on either of Hollywood's red scares and the impact that the ensuing blacklists had on the industry. I'm no expert on film history, so seeing the absence of what I consider basic information felt strange.
The next ten chapters really started to fall apart for me though. Each chapter is intended to dissect a genre, but the chapters are much closer to being movie recommendations rather than extensive genre dissections. Additionally, there were some genres that were either under discussed or entirely left out. There are chapters on the Western and Film Noir, but no chapters on other period pieces, romance films (aside from romcoms), sports movies, animation, or race/blaxploitation films. Musicals had an entire chapter, but martial arts movies had a single page tucked inside the larger "action movie" genre, which was instead mostly focused on spy thrillers. Foreign films, rather than being considered as part of the other genres discussed, instead had a chapter talking about them as being "art house." Overall, even for an entry point I found the genre breakdown to be fairly reductionist.
Within the chapters, the authors would single out three movies that they believed were the best representations of the genre, mostly in terms of how the story was written and presented. There was not enough discussion on the acting (especially acting techniques) or direction. Other movies were also frequently mentioned as counterpoints to the authors' genre darlings, but there definitely seemed to be a bias towards older movies rather than the new. Overall, the book was fine and is probably best read by people with essentially no knowledge of film technique or history, because even as a novice this book was lacking.
Instead, this is a book about film history and genre. I can live with that. But how this book breaks down this lines I found frequently frustrating and often incomplete. The first few chapters are devoted to the earliest films, starting with its conception in nickelodeon parlors, then growing to longer lengths and greater venues. The second chapter discusses the birth of silent film, the switch to talkies, and the introduction of color. For the most part, I enjoyed these chapters, and did feel like I was learning at least a little about early film history. However, if looking at production history, the book still fails to be comprehensive. I found it odd that there was basically no discussion about how TV impacted film, either in terms of film distribution or as a competing medium. The book talks about the invention of the studio system, but doesn't discuss the Paramount case and the effect antitrust law had on the industry. The Hays Code is mentioned numerous times, but with scant discussion about why it was introduced, what it entailed, or why it eventually went away. The biggest failing to me is the complete lack of discussion on either of Hollywood's red scares and the impact that the ensuing blacklists had on the industry. I'm no expert on film history, so seeing the absence of what I consider basic information felt strange.
The next ten chapters really started to fall apart for me though. Each chapter is intended to dissect a genre, but the chapters are much closer to being movie recommendations rather than extensive genre dissections. Additionally, there were some genres that were either under discussed or entirely left out. There are chapters on the Western and Film Noir, but no chapters on other period pieces, romance films (aside from romcoms), sports movies, animation, or race/blaxploitation films. Musicals had an entire chapter, but martial arts movies had a single page tucked inside the larger "action movie" genre, which was instead mostly focused on spy thrillers. Foreign films, rather than being considered as part of the other genres discussed, instead had a chapter talking about them as being "art house." Overall, even for an entry point I found the genre breakdown to be fairly reductionist.
Within the chapters, the authors would single out three movies that they believed were the best representations of the genre, mostly in terms of how the story was written and presented. There was not enough discussion on the acting (especially acting techniques) or direction. Other movies were also frequently mentioned as counterpoints to the authors' genre darlings, but there definitely seemed to be a bias towards older movies rather than the new. Overall, the book was fine and is probably best read by people with essentially no knowledge of film technique or history, because even as a novice this book was lacking.
April 17, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Rowman & Littlefield Publisher for an advanced copy of this guide to watching and enjoing movies both as art and as entertainment, with many suggestions to view and enjoy.
My first movie experience was seeing Walt Disney's Robin Hood in a small theater in the Bronx. My mom and I got there early and we had to line up outside the doors while the movie was still playing to wait to get in. Occasionally the doors would open and I could see a castle. Later a snake, after that a fox. With loud music and sounds. I was hooked just from what I saw outside the theater and a long love affair began one with a few breaks and for a while a long separation. My DVD and VHS collection and laser discs for that matter are awkwardly big, as are my watch lists on Kanopy, MAX and others. And I have always read about movies, even when not watching them, from magazines to film booklets, and more. This is the kind of book I would have loved years ago, and I am glad to be reading now. The 12-Hour Film Expert: Everything You Need to Know about Movies by Noah Charney, James Charney is a guide with what to watch, how to watch, and the tricks of the trade that keep people watching, along with a history of films, and some of the important people who played a role in film history.
The book starts with the authors, son and father, discussing how they became interested in films and how they started watching. The book than goes into a history of the moving picture, how it came about, with names like Edison, Georges Méliès, and others. Readers follow the growth of films from shorts, to longer movies, from silent to talkies, along with the advent of technology, and ideas of how to make a scene that are still used today. Once sound is introduced the book breaks into genres film noir, musicals, science fiction and more. Films are recommended to be of importance, key directors, actors and changes in the studio system, and film distribution is looked at and discussed. And as always lots of movies.
The title comes from the idea that the book should take about 12 hours to read and at the end one should have a better appreciation for films. As an uncle who has a hard time getting nephews to watch movies, I can understand how hard it is for people to appreciate older movies. Once my nephews see a black and white film they are over it. This is a good introduction to film as it covers quite alot, from the people behind the camera, the terminology, and what appears on the screen. The writing style is very good, never bogging down on technique, or getting lost in the ideas of so many film movements, but explaining ideas clearly and moving on. Film choices will always cause in argument, but the films suggested really do serve as prime examples of their genre.
Recommended for beginners in film who want to know more, and for film lovers who can't get enough information about movies. A good collection of history and information, and a lot of fun to boot.
My first movie experience was seeing Walt Disney's Robin Hood in a small theater in the Bronx. My mom and I got there early and we had to line up outside the doors while the movie was still playing to wait to get in. Occasionally the doors would open and I could see a castle. Later a snake, after that a fox. With loud music and sounds. I was hooked just from what I saw outside the theater and a long love affair began one with a few breaks and for a while a long separation. My DVD and VHS collection and laser discs for that matter are awkwardly big, as are my watch lists on Kanopy, MAX and others. And I have always read about movies, even when not watching them, from magazines to film booklets, and more. This is the kind of book I would have loved years ago, and I am glad to be reading now. The 12-Hour Film Expert: Everything You Need to Know about Movies by Noah Charney, James Charney is a guide with what to watch, how to watch, and the tricks of the trade that keep people watching, along with a history of films, and some of the important people who played a role in film history.
The book starts with the authors, son and father, discussing how they became interested in films and how they started watching. The book than goes into a history of the moving picture, how it came about, with names like Edison, Georges Méliès, and others. Readers follow the growth of films from shorts, to longer movies, from silent to talkies, along with the advent of technology, and ideas of how to make a scene that are still used today. Once sound is introduced the book breaks into genres film noir, musicals, science fiction and more. Films are recommended to be of importance, key directors, actors and changes in the studio system, and film distribution is looked at and discussed. And as always lots of movies.
The title comes from the idea that the book should take about 12 hours to read and at the end one should have a better appreciation for films. As an uncle who has a hard time getting nephews to watch movies, I can understand how hard it is for people to appreciate older movies. Once my nephews see a black and white film they are over it. This is a good introduction to film as it covers quite alot, from the people behind the camera, the terminology, and what appears on the screen. The writing style is very good, never bogging down on technique, or getting lost in the ideas of so many film movements, but explaining ideas clearly and moving on. Film choices will always cause in argument, but the films suggested really do serve as prime examples of their genre.
Recommended for beginners in film who want to know more, and for film lovers who can't get enough information about movies. A good collection of history and information, and a lot of fun to boot.
August 12, 2024
This book, written by Noah and James Charney, is a distilled film school. A guide to film-making illustrated through particular films. They drill down into different genres, their tropes and the techniques the developed that make them interesting and into the modern era a useful chapter on special effects and what different parts of the CGI process are, e.g. compositing.
Their choices of films are usually excellent, although I judge harshly anyone who think the remake of 'The Italian Job' is either a good film or one superior to the original. That was the only moment in the book when I was made to question their opinions on EVERYTHING.
As the title suggests this isn't a film studies course that goes into granular detail on all aspects of the film making process. It is more a 'this is what a Western is, if you want to see some good examples here are three we're going to talk about in detail.'
The also deal, briefly, with a little bugbear of mine whether British films counts as Art House to Americans or not. A lot of the films that people talk about as British blockbusters in recent years, like Harry Potter, seem to me to be American financed films made in Britain but with British casts. But the nuts and bolts of the British film industry makes small scale 'art house' films. That occasionally go gangbusters at the box office.
I found it useful in providing me with language and concepts to analyse film that I might have heard mention or seen but which I haven't had a clear understanding of until now. And I really, really want to read a good book on Expressionism. They explain things in clear and simple language too - which is harder to do than you think.
And, worst comes to the worst, this gives you an excellent list of films to watch and enjoy. Recommended if learning more about film and film-making is your bag.
Their choices of films are usually excellent, although I judge harshly anyone who think the remake of 'The Italian Job' is either a good film or one superior to the original. That was the only moment in the book when I was made to question their opinions on EVERYTHING.
As the title suggests this isn't a film studies course that goes into granular detail on all aspects of the film making process. It is more a 'this is what a Western is, if you want to see some good examples here are three we're going to talk about in detail.'
The also deal, briefly, with a little bugbear of mine whether British films counts as Art House to Americans or not. A lot of the films that people talk about as British blockbusters in recent years, like Harry Potter, seem to me to be American financed films made in Britain but with British casts. But the nuts and bolts of the British film industry makes small scale 'art house' films. That occasionally go gangbusters at the box office.
I found it useful in providing me with language and concepts to analyse film that I might have heard mention or seen but which I haven't had a clear understanding of until now. And I really, really want to read a good book on Expressionism. They explain things in clear and simple language too - which is harder to do than you think.
And, worst comes to the worst, this gives you an excellent list of films to watch and enjoy. Recommended if learning more about film and film-making is your bag.
July 15, 2024
What a delightful and informative read! I am a huge film lover and thought I knew all I need to know about films - I was mistaken -- this book is great for everyone - from novices to experts! What really impressed me about this book is how the authors were able to distill down so much information about film in such a concise way. This book is incredibly comprehensive -- covers everything from the discovery of moving pictures, silent movies, classic Hollywood, and then have chapters on 9 different genres of film, centering on 3 films in each. The final genre is on International Art house which again I was amazed, effectively teased out the differences between "Hollywood Films" and "Art House Cinema" with a very helpful list of what differentiates these. Reading this book not only has compelled me to watch films they mentioned that I have not yet seen but also re-watch those I have (with additional insights gained from this book). Another thing I really liked is throughout the book, the authors explain different terms (helpfully in bold) - such as "Lewton bus," "Chechov's Gun" 'Macguffin device," CGI terms as well as a list at the back of key behind-the-scenes roles (gaffers, best boys, grips, etc.) There is also a playlist of additional movies sorted by genre and recommended additional reading. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Rowman & Littlefield for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.
June 30, 2025
I will give this 5 stars for enjoyment, and 3 stars for quality, so it averages out at 4 stars.
Overall, what I love is that The 12-Hour Film Expert is very concise and densely packed with information. I definitely think this is a really great Intro To Film book. It carries you through the history of film from the invention of moving pictures to modern day hollywood blockbuster cinema and MOST everything in between. The emphasis is on most, because there is a LOT that isn't covered, but that's okay, this is an overview, not a full study.
However, the biggest negative is that while most of the movies keyed in on during each chapter for examples, there's probably about at least 25% of the synopses of movies in here that is entirely unnecessary. I'm not going through to find examples, but at some points it really felt like the authors were just wanting to talk about a movie they really loved when they had already covered what was needed to be covered by another movie in that chapter they talked about.
Also, oddly, more than once I found copy-editing errors that jumped out at me and were very distracting. Like one was the word 'antic' when it was clearly meant to be 'frantic' in the context it was in. It doesn't matter really, but it does distract for the moment and I felt was worth mentioning.
Overall, what I love is that The 12-Hour Film Expert is very concise and densely packed with information. I definitely think this is a really great Intro To Film book. It carries you through the history of film from the invention of moving pictures to modern day hollywood blockbuster cinema and MOST everything in between. The emphasis is on most, because there is a LOT that isn't covered, but that's okay, this is an overview, not a full study.
However, the biggest negative is that while most of the movies keyed in on during each chapter for examples, there's probably about at least 25% of the synopses of movies in here that is entirely unnecessary. I'm not going through to find examples, but at some points it really felt like the authors were just wanting to talk about a movie they really loved when they had already covered what was needed to be covered by another movie in that chapter they talked about.
Also, oddly, more than once I found copy-editing errors that jumped out at me and were very distracting. Like one was the word 'antic' when it was clearly meant to be 'frantic' in the context it was in. It doesn't matter really, but it does distract for the moment and I felt was worth mentioning.
August 8, 2024
This is a thoroughly enjoyable yet informative read for film buffs and anyone looking to broaden their film knowledge. In contrast to other books in the same field, the two authors write in an easy-to-read style.
It is divided into 12 chapters that correspond to different periods in film history and genres. Chapters describing the origins of film were especially interesting, from the forefathers and directors who pioneered the early days of film, such as Muybridge and Eastman, to early actors like Chaplin and Keaton.
The writers cover a wide range of films, from Mel Brooks spoofs to Truffaut arthouse films, and each is highlighted for its special qualities. What's noteworthy is that they never come across as judgmental in their choice of films. Your favourite movie will likely be mentioned, regardless of your preferences.
The 12-hour Film Expert is full of interesting facts and film techniques, but it's also a useful guide that explains what to look for when watching films. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys films. Perfect for reading from cover to cover or dipping in when needed.
It is divided into 12 chapters that correspond to different periods in film history and genres. Chapters describing the origins of film were especially interesting, from the forefathers and directors who pioneered the early days of film, such as Muybridge and Eastman, to early actors like Chaplin and Keaton.
The writers cover a wide range of films, from Mel Brooks spoofs to Truffaut arthouse films, and each is highlighted for its special qualities. What's noteworthy is that they never come across as judgmental in their choice of films. Your favourite movie will likely be mentioned, regardless of your preferences.
The 12-hour Film Expert is full of interesting facts and film techniques, but it's also a useful guide that explains what to look for when watching films. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys films. Perfect for reading from cover to cover or dipping in when needed.
July 3, 2025
When I finished the second chapter, it was a 4/5. When I finished the tenth, it was a 3/5. Having finished the whole book, it's a 2/5. The first three chapters are great, they focus on film history, the origins of film, the changes from silent films to the talkies. After that, you learn as much from reading this book and its bog standard genre summaries, coupled with unsubstantiated opinions and claims by the authors (such as that The Creature of the Black Lagoon was the worst horror film of the 50s?), as you would scrolling on Wikipedia, which might actually be more productive. If you're in a library or bookstore and see this book, flip to the very end, take pictures of the recommended films, and walk away. That list is all this book is good for.
September 17, 2024
I have been spending a lot of time at the Tompkins Square library and they always have the coolest books on display. This one was a fun read and I enjoyed learning about the history and the ‘how it’s made’ of movies. Over the past year or so I have gotten really into film/movies so this felt topical (is it nerdy of me to admit that I took a few notes lol)
I wish I could hold onto this book and watch all the movies mentioned, I would trust any recommendation from this author after they mentioned RHPS and the Babadook.
The whole chapter on horror was so fun for me to read, I’ll likely give it another pass before I return this
New Yorkers it’s new members month! Go get urself a card!
I wish I could hold onto this book and watch all the movies mentioned, I would trust any recommendation from this author after they mentioned RHPS and the Babadook.
The whole chapter on horror was so fun for me to read, I’ll likely give it another pass before I return this
New Yorkers it’s new members month! Go get urself a card!
October 7, 2024
A pretty quick read if reading straight through (I really doubt I took me the 12 hours as promised in the title). A nice refresher for people really into "film" (as opposed to "movie watchers") - I was lucky enough to take a film class in college that really opened my eyes to a lot of the same things expressed here. Makes me want to watch (and re-watch) a bunch of great movies!
December 3, 2024
Definitely does what it says on the box--if you’re an aspiring cinephile that wants to know the “classics” of each genre to be sure to watch, and also want some commentary to understand why they are classics, this is a great intro.
December 30, 2024
3.5 I did pick up some tidbits here and there, but this was a little elementary for me. But, for someone who really didn't know anything about the history of and basic movie facts, it would be great.
June 21, 2024
Perfect just wish they spoke more about coming of age movies!!
September 7, 2025
Сподобалась книга, де в цікаво подається коротка історія кінематографа, пояснюються основні жанри фільмів на конкретних прикладах, а також дається хороший список кінокартин для перегляду
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews