Going to the Movies

A life in film. An extraordinary career. An unforgettable story—from the “most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world” (The Hollywood Reporter)

“[Field’s] illuminating, consistently entertaining memoir displays enough wit, intelligence, and empathy to inspire a host of great films.”—Publishers Weekly

What makes a great movie great? An actor legendary? A screenplay extraordinary or just ordinary?

Syd Field has spent a lifetime seeking answers to these questions. His bestselling books on the art and craft of screenwriting have become the film industry’s gold standard.

Now, Field tells his own remarkable story, sharing the insight and experience gleaned from an extraordinary career. Using classic movies from the past and present—from Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane to Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski’s The Matrix—Field provides a guided tour of the basic elements common to all great films. You’ll learn:

• What makes La Grande Illusion a groundbreaking timeless classic
• How Casablanca teaches one of the most important elements of creating memorable characters
• Why Pulp Fiction might be one of the most influential films of our time

In Going to the Movies, Field introduces the legendary filmmakers, films, and stars who shaped his understanding of the medium, from French director Jean Renoir to The Wild Bunch’s Sam Peckinpah. Rich in anecdote and insight, Going to the Movies is both entertaining and informing, deepening every moviegoer’s appreciation of the magic behind the silver screen.