This website also provides other sources of information valuable to the understanding and appreciation of film.  For example, spokespeople (most notably filmmakers) often advertise their “products” on television talk shows; especially recommended are Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley when they interview these personalities.  They are unafraid of asking the most important question relating to film: What are you saying in this film?  Film texts by/about filmmakers like Norman Jewison (This Terrible Business Has Been Good to Me), Sidney Lumet (Making Movies), and Elia Kazan (Kazan: The Master Director Discusses His Films) are exemplary film manuals.

Also valuable as a learning experience is the audio commentary on DVDs.  Filmmakers often preface their comments by reminding the listener that they will be revealing spoilers and often ask if anyone ever listens to their observations, but their insight is invaluable.  Too often filmmakers included trivia to please their listeners.  For example, filmmaker Frank Darabont devotes only scant minutes about what The Mist is really about.  However, other filmmakers like the list below do not apologize for revealing their intent.

James Gray’s We Own the Night

Rod Lurie’s Resurrecting the Champ

Robert Redford Lions for Lambs