Notes on the Cinematographer

From 1950 to 1974, French film director Bresson ( Pickpocket, Mouchette wrote notes for his own use, and over 450 of those brief reflections were collected for this slim volume. The casual but succinct observations, presented here three or four to a page, consist of short paragraphs or single sentences. Some are fragmentary phrases: ""Passionate for the appropriate.'' Some are self-directed: ``Apply myself to insignificant (non-significant) image.'' Some are maxims: ``Empty the pond to get the fish.'' Some are quotations: ``Cezanne: `At each touch I risk my life.' '' Some are questions: ``Is it for singing always the same song that the nightingale is so admired?'' All demonstrate a scintillating curiosity and quest for perfection. (March)