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The Filmmaker's Book of the Dead: How to Make Your Own Heart-Racing Horror Movie ReviewAs a member of the film-community, I am notoriously critical of these "how-to" texts. In general, they are either 1.) halfheartedly written with recycled material or 2.) unnecessarily pretentious and alienating. Therefore, when I ordered Draven's Book of the Dead, I guess you could say I was dubious of its value. In an (admittedly) unfair way, it began with a "strike against it" ... and won me over in no time!Pros:
-Draven provides plenty of practical "tips" you may never consider. For instance, Draven suggests renting equipment/shooting during holidays: "I often shoot films 2 weeks before Christmas ... I usually get a lot of equipment upgrades for free" (89). Draven's years of experience become your guide to saving money. Another "for instance" ... exploring thrift-shops for inexpensive props/costumes (92). Not only is this a fantastic suggestion for maintaining a budget, but you'll be more inclined to find "unique" pieces. Clever. Likewise, he offers some critical tips you WILL need ... such as "how to communicate with your editor" (161).
-Draven's text includes "Interview Boxes" in which actors, directors, producers, and composers discuss relevant issues with a dash of humor. (Ex. "What are some of the most annoying, penny-pinching things low-budget films producers do when making a film?" (71).) Moreover, these aren't your "obvious" interviews! I was ecstatic when I spotted Draven's discussion with John D. LeMay. As a huge fan of Friday the 13th: The Series, I very much enjoyed an inside glimpse into this underrated television show. You won't find this attention to originality in any other text. Moreover, these interviews underscore that this is a "guide" for those who know and love the horror genre. This isn't a superficial "Let's have a conversation with John Carpenter" stuff (don't get me wrong, I dig his films, but every text in the world makes him its keystone ... yawn).
-Draven acknowledges a huge catalog of films. Instead of remaining in the "comfort zone" of the last fifteen years, Draven elects to reference Polanski, Murnau, and Corman along with more contemporary directors. Again, this brave move emphasizes how this text appeals to the true fans and creators of horror. And, it is so appreciated!
-I'm going to credit Focal Press for this next "pro." This book has GORGEOUS, full color pages on thick (i.e. expensive) paper-stock! While many publishing houses will release these texts in black and white, Focal did justice to these amazing photos, stills, posters, examples, etc... Beyond mere aesthetics, this enhances the learning potential of this piece. And, believe me, it's worth the couple of extra bucks that were probably added to the book. This is, by all means, an exciting visual masterpiece! I doubt you'll be willing to lend out this book ... it's JUST THAT "beautiful" (And, yeah, I believe a pop-corn box overflowing with viscera can be "beautiful").Cons:
-I honestly cannot find one fault with this text ... and, it's not for lack of searching.
Buy this text if you are a struggling film-maker, a neophyte in the field, a professor of film-studies (it's a great window into the "making-of" stuff) ... even if you are a lover of horror (because you will very much enjoy all the references to obscure films that your friends have never even heard of)! Hey, any text that has stills from Kiersch's Children of the Corn is genius ... and you know it! This book is unadulterated brilliance! Buy it already!
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