Deep Focus

by Satyajit Ray

About the Book: Deep Focus: Reflections on Cinema Satyajit Ray is acknowledged to be one of the worlds finest film-makers. This book brings together some of his most cerebral writings on film.With the economy and precision that marked his films, Ray writes on the art and craft of cinema, pens an ode to silent cinema, discusses the problems in adapting literary works to film, pays tribute to contemporaries like Godard and Uttam Kumar, and even gives us a peek into his experiences at film festivals, both as a jury member and as a contestant. Including fascinating photographs by and of the master, Deep Focus not only reveals Rays engagement with cinema but also provides an invaluable insight into the mind of a genius. About the Author: Satyajit Ray, Sandip Ray Satyajit Ray (1921-92) was one of the greatest film-makers of his time. His first film Pather Panchali (1955) won an award at the Cannes Film Festival and established his reputation as a major director. Over the next forty years, he made a number of films, many of which went on to be acknowledged as all-time classics. He is the only Indian to have received the Oscar for Lifetime Achievement. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna. His other writings on cinema include Our Films Their Films and Speaking of Films, both bestsellers. Reviews: Satyajit Ray was a game changer... he was as creative and articulate in his writing as he was in his film-making - Shyam Benegal

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, India, Art, Essays, Indian Literature

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Satyajit Ray (Bengali: সত্যজিৎ রায়) was an Indian filmmaker and author of Bengali fiction and regarded as one of the greatest auteurs of world cinema. Ray was born in the city of Calcutta into a Bengali family prominent in the world of arts and literature. Starting his career as a commercial artist, Ray was drawn into independent filmmaking after meeting French filmmaker Jean Renoir and watching Vittorio De Sica's Italian neorealist 1948 film, Bicycle Thieves.

Ray directed 36 films, including feature films, documentaries and shorts. He was also a fiction writer, publisher, illustrator, calligrapher, graphic designer and film critic. He authored several short stories and novels, primarily aimed at children and adolescents.

Ray's first film, Pather Panchali (1955), won eleven international prizes, including Best Human Documentary at the Cannes Film Festival. This film, Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959) form The Apu Trilogy. Ray did the scripting, casting, scoring, and editing, and designed his own credit titles and publicity material. Ray received many major awards in his career, including 32 Indian National Film Awards, a number of awards at international film festivals and award ceremonies, and an Academy Award in 1992. The Government of India honoured him with the Bharat Ratna in 1992.

Early Life and Background:
Ray's grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was a writer, illustrator, philosopher, publisher, amateur astronomer and a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious and social movement in nineteenth century Bengal. Sukumar Ray, Upendrakishore's son and father of Satyajit, was a pioneering Bengali author and poet of nonsense rhyme and children's literature, an illustrator and a critic. Ray was born to Sukumar and Suprabha Ray in Calcutta.

Ray completed his B.A. (Hons.) in Economics at Presidency College of the University of Calcutta, though his interest was always in Fine Arts. In 1940, he went to study in Santiniketan where Ray came to appreciate Oriental Art. In 1949, Ray married Bijoya Das and the couple had a son, Sandip ray, who is now a famous film director.

Literary Works:
Ray created two of the most famous fictional characters ever in Bengali children's literature—Feluda, a sleuth in Holmesian tradition, and Professor Shonku, a genius scientist. Ray also wrote many short stories mostly centered on Macabre, Thriller and Paranormal which were published as collections of 12 stories. Ray wrote an autobiography about his childhood years, Jakhan Choto Chilam (1982). He also wrote essays on film, published as the collections: Our Films, Their Films (1976), Bishoy Chalachchitra (1976), and Ekei Bole Shooting (1979).

Awards, Honors and Recognitions:
Ray received many awards, including 32 National Film Awards by the Government of India. At the Moscow Film Festival in 1979, he was awarded for the contribution to cinema. At the Berlin Film Festival, he was one of only three to win the Silver Bear for Best Director more than once and holds the record for the most Golden Bear nominations, with seven. At the Venice Film Festival, he won a Golden Lion for Aparajito(1956), and awarded the Golden Lion Honorary Award in 1982. In 1992 he was posthumously awarded the Akira Kurosawa Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Reviews

[Sonali V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read most of the articles here, so it was a Re-read, except for a few. As usual Ray expresses himself so clearly, so punctiliously, it is a joy to read what he writes. Of course all the while his deep baritone, with perfect pronunciation keeps ringing in the mind. Always a pleasure to read...

[Tamoghna Biswas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will never understand why this book was made a mandatory reading by institutions like Pune FTI, I mean sure it's got its pros, but at the end of the day, it doesn't teach you much about the process of filmmaking. It relates to you the process, and talks in depth about Ray's perspective on contemporary Indian and Western cinema, as well as the Indian audience's perception of movies. But that's about all.

Though I probably have to read this book again, and maybe I will appreciate it more then?

[Selva · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a collection of essays by Satyajit Ray on various topics related to cinema. He covers film festivals, the difference between our films and films from the west, why his films work universally, and small chapters on masters like Godard, Antonioni and some more. Also includes pics and sketches done by Ray himself. I liked it enough to finish it pretty fast. I knew he had won many awards including an Academy award. But he has won the Golden Bear for best direction at Berlin film festival like 3 times. All that came as a little surprise. For cinephiles.

[Gorab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding. A tribute to the legend. A collection of his essays and articles, some of them never published before.

Many of these essays are a little bit technical on the aspects of film making.

Topics like:
Is it bad to make a film on someone else's idea?
Whether the arrival of new text cameras is going to impact the cameraman and film in a meaningful way?

The book also delves into the genius of Ray and his experiences in different film festivals, meeting up prominent world film personalities.

Leaving aside the topic at hand, i was enjoying the usage of such a polished language. Which Indian in 1940s wrote in such an elegant manner!

Overall:
It's a must read for anyone curious about the art of film making.
Would also recommend "Our Films, their films" over this one.

[Amitava Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray’s essays had been my first and most important catalyst in film appreciation more than two decades back , and even today reading these feels like gaining fresher understanding of the craft and idiom of the most important artform of twentieth century.

[Pratishtha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for Ray's fans. Even you aren't one, you'll turn into one after reading this. I certainly did. "

[Gaurav Dhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Deep Focus: Reflections on Cinema, and I feel genuinely ecstatic at having absorbed so much knowledge about cinema straight from the maestro himself. This book is a collection of Satyajit Ray’s articles and essays originally published in newspapers and magazines, and together they form a fascinating portrait of his thoughts on the art of filmmaking.

Ray writes with clarity and conviction, exploring a wide range of topics—filmmaking techniques, the state of Indian and world cinema in his time, film festivals, and even candid portraits of figures as diverse as Jean-Luc Godard and Uttam Kumar. At times, the pieces feel deeply personal, and Ray never hesitates to speak his mind.

For anyone passionate about cinema, whether a student of film or simply a devoted lover of the medium, this book is a treasure trove. If you want to immerse yourself in Ray’s insights and see the world of cinema through his lens, Deep Focus is an absolute must-read.

[Ritojeet Basu · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite filmmaker talks films! What else do I need.

[Meema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous . Fantastic. And a whole chapter on Uttam. Woo to the hoo.

Had I not read this, I would never have known what a harsh critic this man was. HE was a student of cinema and an artist who wanted due respect for the art form. A must read for all Ray fans and genuine cinema lovers.

[Anirudh Karnick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slight.

[Chitra Ahanthem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Focus: Reflections on Cinema by Satyajit Ray is a collection of the maestro’s writings on the art and craft of film making from his writings in various publications over the years. There are three parts in the slim volume: The Film maker’s craft that looks into the elements and process of film making; Pen Portraits which are his impressions of some of the best names in film making and Celebrating Cinema that captures the ambience, struggles and dynamics at film festivals across the world.

My major complaint with the book is that it could have paid better attention to the editing to avoid repetition. Considering that the writings have been put together from individual writings by the author over time, it is only natural that they would have written about twice or more in his writings since they were for different publications at different times. But to have those anecdotes repeated looks careless. Having said that, I will recommend this book for non fiction readers and those who love the medium of films.

detailed review on my blog: https://bookandconversations.wordpres...

[Pratichi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okayish. Have been a huge fan of Ray's fiction writing growing up, but not as impressed by this non fiction. I understand it's a compilation of his various write - ups in magazines and journals, and hence lacks a holistic feeling. But the individuals essays themselves lack the flair and poetics of Ray's other works. Even in terms of a technical text, this does not say or inform much. They seem to be repetitive and can get boring. Pwrhaps, better editing and choosing of the essays would have made a difference. However, one essay that I did enjoy was 'Under Western Eyes'. It brings out Ray's anxieties and apprehensions of his film being seen by the Western audience, his ability to self criticise, and his general opinion on Indian movies seen by foreign audiences. All this is done in a easy storytelling fashion, without getting tedious. Another thing, I did like are the wonderful posters and sketches included in the book, a lot of them originals by Ray.

[Aditya Ansh · Rating 4 out of 5]

SATYAJIT RAY {Also called Manik Da among his fans}
A versatile Bengali Film Maker, Lyricist, Magazine Editor, Author, Illustrator and music composer.
Pather Panchali to Apu Trilogy, Aparajito and Charulata. Were among his best works...
.
This book, "Deep Focus" brings together some of his most cerebral writings on film. It is not only a collection of his articles but also provide an insight into mind of the genius. I love the way this book is written. Illustrations and sketches drawn by Satyajit Ray have been printed, Movie Posters are also included and a whole new chapter for the 'Filmography' is given.
.
I recommend it to those who love cinemas mainly Indian Cinemas and have this urge to know more about Behind The Scenes in creation of Bangla films which were made by Manik Da.
.
Individual Rating- 4/5

[Rajarshee Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a foray into his creative mind which we have already acquainted ourselves with through his timeless cinema. The book is very skillfully and thoughtfully written by Ray narrating us his views on word cinema, craftsmanship and his tryst with all aspects of film-making. He often explains what made him do a particular scene in a specific way and answers several questions that critics have often raised about his movies. His views and reasons have come into a beautiful amalgamation and penned wonderfully in this collection of essays.

[V.K. Dadhich · Rating 4 out of 5]

What made me buy the book - the fame of the author, and the fact that I haven't witnessed his work - ever. I'm guilty.

What I liked about the book - the vision of the cinematic genius. Despite coming from a family of literary giants, he chose and carved an eternal throne for himself by capturing the essence of life that we think we know

Who will I recommend the book to - a cinephile

What did the book teach me - you've got to trust your audience

#OBAAT One Book At A Time

[Vinod Mathad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a gold mine for film enthusiasts and fans of Ray. Ray takes you through his journey of filmmaking while explaining the craft, his struggle, innovation and achievement of excellence with it across multiple articles written over the years. It also contains the auteur’s candid views about several renowned film directors throughout the world and the prestigious film festivals of cinema world.

[Atreye Majumdar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satyajit Ray was truly a genius. His writing is so flawless, as each of his articles captures you completely. He is clear, engaging and brings to you complex opinions with such ease. Each section gives a glimpse into his world, his craft and you feel the joy that was his. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter with the eagerness for more.

[Enan Ajmain · Rating 2 out of 5]

These writings are mostly about the craft of filmmaking and marketing the films, and that too of his own time. What little parts I found interesting - the musings about silent films, the compromise between the artist and the financer - these are not areas I am interested in. But it was a short read, took me little more than two hours, so I am not terribly disappointed.

[Vampire Who Baked · Rating 4 out of 5]

even after so many decades the essays feel surprisingly fresh in perspective. some of the the references, though, are pretty dated and unfamiliar, especially all the films and filmmakers and actors from the 1920s/30s

[Ritvij Tiwari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I have a better grasp on Satyajit Ray as a filmmaker now that I've read his pieces on cinema. Can't wait to explore more of his filmography. I also need to buy Andrei Tarkovsky's Sculpting in Time, even though it's paperback's price is ridiculously high on Amazon.

[Bharat Godugula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very few filmmakers give a certain insight into their films and filmmaking and Ray is certainly one of them.as one goes through the book, one can clearly understand the clarity of thought he had on the medium.very insightful one and validated many of my opinions and thoughts over cinema.

[Namratha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must-read for cinema-buffs and Ray lovers.

[Dany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The average American film is a slick, shallow, diverting and completely inconsequential thing."

[Arvind GB · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a conversation with the legend himself. So much insight and a treasure house of knowledge for any cinema lover.

[Sucheta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps.

[Kandachamy Vijayakumaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of Ray on Cinema I read. It was a collection of articles picked up from many places made into some order. The articles show how deeply Ray was involved in the 'Art' of cinema. A must read for all in the field of film making.

[TIYASH PAUL · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An invaluable insight into the mind of a genius.."

[Mahesh Bochare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening! Need more revisits too, in the future. Beside those behind the scenes images are worth having.

[Harsimran Jit · Rating 4 out of 5]

insightful and impactful

[Rima Bhattachariya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of essays by Satyajit Ray.