The Eisenstein Collection: Sergei Eisenstein

by Sergei Eisenstein, Richard Taylor (Editor)

Eisenstein was one of the world´s greatest filmmakers, theorists and teachers of cinema. His work includes some of the most important films in the history of cinema: Battleship Potemkin, Ivan the Terrible and October. The Eisenstein Collection brings together his key writings in one volume for the first time. This edition covers the period from Eisenstein´s dispute over the authorship of his first feature film, The Strike, in 1925 to his film-making and polemical activities during World War II, including his correspondence with Soviet leaders over Ivan the Terrible. The most complete edition of Eisenstein´s writings, the volume also includes new material not previously available.

434 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Sergei Mikhailovich Eisenstein was a Soviet film director and film theorist, a pioneer in the theory and practice of montage. He is noted in particular for his silent films Strike (1925), Battleship Potemkin (1925) and October (1928), as well as the historical epics Alexander Nevsky (1938) and Ivan the Terrible (1944, 1958). In its 2012 decennial poll, the magazine Sight & Sound named his Battleship Potemkin the 11th greatest movie of all time.

Eisenstein was among the earliest film theorists. He believed that editing could be used for more than just expounding a scene or moment, through a "linkage" of related images. He developed what he called "methods of montage":
1) Metric
2) Rhythmic
3) Tonal
4) Overtonal
5) Intellectual

Eisenstein's articles and books—particularly Film Form and The Film Sense—explain the significance of montage in detail. His writings and films have continued to have a major impact on subsequent filmmakers.

Reviews

[Arnoldo Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sergie Eisenstein was one of the creators and inventors of modern cinema. IN other words, he was great. This collection of writings provides deeper insights into his visual thinking and language which everyone knows about because we go to the movies or watch t.v., MTV, YouTube. If you don't have time tor ead, pick up some of his movies: The Battleship Potemkin, Ivan the Terrible, October -- his masterpieces -- and learn how he survived and thrived even under the worst of regimes.