Sculpting in Time: Tarkovsky The Great Russian Filmaker Discusses His Art

"Sculpting in Time" is truly an amazing work of art in its own right. Certainly filmmakers have written books about their artistic styles in the past. Philosophers have written elaborately on the subject of aesthetics as a whole in the past as well. And yet "Sculpting in Time" offers those with aesthetic interests something truly unique.It should be forewarned that Tarkovsky, like Ingmar Bergman, was heavily interested in aesthetic philosophy. In fact Tarkovsky's ideas regarding art borderline the metaphysical (as this book is often used in higher level philosophy classes), and yet - through the tone in which the book is written - "Sculpting in Time" manages to appeal to the average Tarkovsky or cinema studies fan in such a way that no other aesthetics book has managed.Tarkovsky's self-written "Sculpting in Time" is an amazing supplement which describes the brilliant filmmaker's use of filmic techniques but also goes a step further by explaining (at great length), why the filmmaker believes those techniques are significant. The value of his tried efforts to create a meaningful work of art directly relate to Tarkovsky's view of art as a whole.Tarkovsky's views of art are complex and yet are reiterated for the reader so simply they stand out in "Sculpting in Time" like a gem. For instance the underlying theme in Tarkovsky's writing is the idea of an "absolute truth" of art which can be derived a given piece of art. Without giving too much away, Tarkovsky's beliefs, as expressed in his chapter "Imprinted in Time" mostly, is simply that art done for the right reasons - containing some form of objective truth within it - serves to link us (subjective beings), with an "absolute." From that blooms Tarkovsky's entire creative aspect fans of his films know and love him for.I have to recommend this book to anyone interested in aesthetics, cinema studies, or Tarkovsky. I think this is a nice supplement to have when watching Tarkovsky films as well, so it might just serve to spark the interest in a philosophy buff to check out a few Tarkovsky films! Enjoy!

Best book I have ever read on film. Good for any film student; absolute necessity for Tarkovsky fans. Not just influential on film topics, but also reflects Tarkovsky's beautiful reflections on life in general. Very serious book.

Any Tarkovsky fan or a fan of film in general should have this book! Tarkovsky, a master of film, provides insight to his craft and his particular works in this book. Also, included are some beautiful, high quality images from scenes in his films. Some master directors have not shared their knowledge and wisdom of the medium, as accessibly as Tarkovsky has in this book. So, I feel lucky that we got this book out of Tarkovsky because of how much it let's us learn about him and his art.I ordered the paperback edition, and it was not damaged in shipping, despite minimal packaging. So, you can rest relatively easily in regards to shipping for this awesome book.

Amazing book

If there had to be only one book you read on filmmaking as an art form, this would be it. By far the most important literature I have read on the medium. It's not only about film, it's about art, and how to reconcile making entertaining films that can also be artful. Watch the Tarkovsky filmography, read this book, and you'll be a better filmmaker by the end of it.

This book is page after page of almost an Eastern philosophical view of film. It resonated deeply with me and I've definitely grown as a film professional with a deeper foundation in WHY I'm doing what I do for a living. Essentially we have to communicate something deeply spiritual and nourishing as creative professionals, he says. This is more true today than ever when you see how much crap in being created for Netflix and Amazon that is belittling or society and culture. So it's a breth of fresh air to have something so inspired by Tarkovsky.

*Review is more so about physical quality rather than book content. Book arrived with huge crease down the front cover, will be there forever unfortunately. Also worth noting the pictures are all black & white.

If you love film, this is one of the best books you can read. If you love art as a whole, this is one of the best books you can read.