About In The Scene: Agnes Varda"Paul Sutton's comprehensive and highly readable book covers her life and work with commendable thoroughness, including plentiful biographical detail, a developed sense of her cultural context, and illuminating critical insights. Its film-by-film format makes it an ideal companion for those exploring Varda's work for the first time as well as for those wishing to extend their familiarity with the faces and places of her world. Highly recommended for students and teachers, newcomers and adepts alike." - Chris Darke, author and film critic"One I keep finding more and more enjoyable are the works of Agnès Varda. I believe my first was a documentary on her husband's movies, and one I enjoyed. As I caught up, I was always amazed at how ahead Varda seemed, in the way people reacted, conversed, and went about their lives. All of this captured in this wonderful book. In the Scene: Agnes Varda by writer of both fiction and criticism Paul Sutton is a look at the life and work of the artist, showing the work, the effort the thoughts and the ideas behind many of Varda's movies, as well as explaining what makes them so enjoyable.The book looks at the films, feature length, short, documentaries, even works done for commercials and for news segments. In addition Sutton explores Varda' photography and the art installations that became so important to Varda late in life. The book starts with an overview of Varda's life, birth opportunities, and the eye for photography that helped Varda so much in directing movies. Sutton looks at the work of Varda's husband Jacques Demy, and how their marriage, both ups and downs affected Varda's works, and how championing of Demy's films filled her later life. The book covers everything Varda has done all examined in chronological order. Sutton breaks the movies down looking at where the ideas for works came from, difficulties in financing, projects lost, or later adapted into something else. Sutton goes into the filming of the movies, looking at reviews both good and bad, awards one, and even breaks the themes of the movies down.The book is both fascinating and educational to people working in the creative field. Sutton does a very good job of breaking down the movies, be it fiction or nonfiction, describing what works, what occasionally doesn't, and why film watchers even after all these years should care. Sutton has a good eye, and a very nice writing style, able to talk technical about film, shots and equipment, and also looking at the emotional aspect that makes many of these films stay with watchers. One not only appreciates that art, but the artists, and the work, and sometimes sacrifices Varda had to make.A really wonderful film book, of interest to fans of Varda, and those who love to read about film history and creation. And for those who would like to life an artistic life. A book I learned quite a bit from, and one that will cost me quite a bit in tracking down those films I have missed." ****-- Dan O'Leary, Netgalley reviewerAbout other books in the series:"...accessibly and incisively gets us to the heart of why Jane Campion's films connectwith viewers around the world. This book is hugely enjoyable and insightful." --James Clarke Film writer and Lecturer"From his early films inTaiwan to his most recent films this gives insight into the director, his lifeand the incredible range of styles and subjects Lee has covered in his work." **** -- Amazon reviewer "...provides useful insight into the director's background and motivations andoffers easy-to-read reviews of his numerous films, documentaries andexhibitions. An invaluable guide to the incredible work Steve McQueen hasproduced since his time as an art student until today."- Tony Warner, co-founder,chair of African Odysseys programme "A highly readable andwide-ranging consideration of McQueen's work."-Kirkus reviews-
