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.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs