Big Title
Rayford Publishing
About the Book
Second Takes samples a broad spectrum of movies from the “golden years” of filmmaking, highlighting outstanding artists who have created the hallmarks of the medium. The book is a collection of fifty essays focusing exclusively on classic cinema, each exploring the themes, cultural contexts, and creative ideas that came together to deliver fascinating films.
Mojtahed employs traditional values in film criticism to create fresh takes on classics. Readers will discover how interactions of visual elements with components such as sound effects, music, color, dialogue, and editing create a dynamism that shapes our response to films.
Detailed examinations reveal how this synergy of diverse elements leads to a thematic cohesion, or a recurring motif, that audiences relate to both emotionally—and intellectually.
In additional to traditional classics, Second Takes also includes several important films that are overlooked or seldom discussed, and a list of “Suggested Further Reading” provides readers with a vast resource to expand their perspective on the art of cinema even further.
About the Author
Naser Mojtahed’s passion for cinema began in high school. Though he followed family tradition by enrolling in medical school at Tehran University, as he expanded his exposure to cinema and its literature, he developed a deeper understanding of the medium.
At the same time, he was engaged in translating movie reviews from English-language periodicals for various newspapers and magazines. Following the launch of the Tehran Film Festival, he was invited to contribute to film criticism, thereby establishing his voice in cinematic discourse.
In 1988, he left his country to follow the practice of gastroenterology in the United States. Despite the heavy demands of the medical profession, his dedication to cinema never wavered. He continued watching films extensively, recording his thoughts while raising new questions with repeated viewings. Over time, these notes evolved into essays, ultimately forming the foundation of his debut book, Second Takes.
Read Naser's Blog for More Cinematic Thoughts
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