Positives Reviewers widely acclaim Directing the Story as an exceptional guide to visual storytelling, emphasizing the art of captivating an audience and immersing them in a narrative. Many consider it one of the best books on the subject, a "must-read" that offers a masterclass in its field. The author, a former Disney story artist, is praised for his deep knowledge and clear, engaging writing style. The book effectively breaks down complex directing and storytelling principles - such as pacing, scene cutting, character development, and guiding the audience's attention - into easily digestible points. A standout feature is the inclusion of a fully storyboarded example story, which masterfully demonstrates all the techniques taught, proving that story remains paramount even in sketch form. This comprehensive approach, combining theory with practical illustration, makes it highly valuable for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Negatives Despite widespread praise, some reviewers noted a few areas for improvement. A minor point raised was the physical format of the book, described as an "awkward rectangle." Content-wise, some readers felt the book focused more on general storytelling principles rather than specific storyboarding techniques, or that the provided examples did not always resonate with them. There was also a sentiment that the approach, while effective, leaned heavily into a traditional "Disney" style, which might not appeal to those seeking alternative or more avant-garde methods. A few reviewers also mentioned a preference for a more direct presentation of facts, perceiving some "double-talk," and one noted an abundance of "namedropping." Additionally, formatting issues were reported with the Kindle version, suggesting the paperback might offer a better experience for viewing the visual content.
Conclusion Overall, Directing the Story is overwhelmingly regarded as a highly informative, educational, and engaging resource for anyone involved in visual narrative creation. Its strength lies in its ability to demystify professional storytelling and storyboarding through a well-structured blend of theory and compelling visual examples. While it may not delve into every niche of storyboarding or cater to all stylistic preferences, its core lessons on effective visual communication are universally applicable. This book is particularly recommended for aspiring and current film directors, animators, illustrators, writers, graphic novelists, and students in film or art programs. Essentially, it is a valuable read for anyone passionate about crafting powerful and immersive stories that resonate with an audience, regardless of their current skill level.
