Going to the Movies: A Personal Journey Through Four Decades of Modern Film

Going to the Movies chronicles screenwriting expert Syd Field's experiences and evolution as a film enthusiast from the 1950s through the 1990s. The memoir follows his path from cinema-loving youth to respected Hollywood script consultant and educator. Field recounts his encounters with influential filmmakers and analyzes pivotal films that shaped both the industry and his own understanding of the craft. His behind-the-scenes perspective reveals the changing dynamics of Hollywood across four decades of technological and cultural transformation. The narrative includes Field's time at Cinemobile Systems, his development of screenwriting paradigms, and his work with major studios. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, he documents the transition from Classic Hollywood to New Hollywood and beyond. The book serves as both cultural history and industry memoir, examining how changes in filmmaking reflect broader shifts in American society. Field's unique position as both observer and participant provides a distinctive lens for understanding cinema's evolution as an art form and business.

Readers note this as a memoir-style reflection on Field's career rather than a screenwriting guide like his other books. Many found value in his personal Hollywood stories and interactions with filmmakers like Sam Peckinpah. Likes: - Behind-the-scenes film industry insights - Historical perspective on Hollywood's evolution - Analysis of how specific films influenced cinema Dislikes: - Some sections read as self-congratulatory - Less practical screenwriting advice than expected - Several readers mentioned redundant anecdotes Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) One reader commented "Field offers intimate details about the changing movie business from someone who lived it." Another noted "The personal stories work better than the film analysis sections." Several reviews highlighted the book's value for film history buffs but suggested those seeking screenwriting instruction should read Field's other works instead.

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Making Movies by Sidney Lumet The director of Network and Dog Day Afternoon reveals the technical and artistic decisions behind film production through a chronological breakdown of the moviemaking process.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind This chronicle documents the transformation of Hollywood during the 1970s through the stories of filmmakers like Scorsese, Coppola, and Spielberg.

Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris Harris examines the cultural shifts of 1960s Hollywood by following the five Best Picture nominees of 1967 from conception to release.

The Movie Business Book by Jason E. Squire Film industry professionals provide first-hand accounts of every aspect of movie production, distribution, and exhibition through detailed case studies and practical examples.

🎬 Syd Field is often called "the guru of screenwriting" and his books have influenced countless Hollywood screenwriters, including Tina Fey and Judd Apatow. 📝 The book draws from Field's extensive experience teaching at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, where he helped develop the careers of many successful filmmakers and writers. 🎥 Field's famous "paradigm" for screenplay structure, discussed in the book, has become a standard teaching tool in film schools worldwide. It divides scripts into three acts with specific plot points at key moments. 🌟 Throughout the book, Field shares personal anecdotes about his interactions with legendary filmmakers like Jean Renoir and Sam Peckinpah, offering unique insights into their creative processes. 📚 Unlike his previous technical screenwriting guides, this book blends memoir with film analysis, making it both a personal history and a chronicle of Hollywood's evolution from the 1960s through the 2000s.