Name: Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion
Author: Mark Cotta Vaz
Publisher: Penguin UK
Release Date: February 2013
Pages: 144, Paperback
Source: For review (from publisher)
Rating: 4 stars
Rating: 4 stars
Explore the making of the film Beautiful Creatures in this ultimate visual companion, lavishly illustrated with full-color photos of the cast, locations, and sets. This beautiful paperback edition celebrates the on-screen creation of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's fascinating world, brought to life by screenwriter and director Richard LaGravenese.
With never-before-seen images, exclusive interviews and personal stories, Mark Cotta Vaz takes you behind the scenes with cast and crew, uncovering intimate details of the filmmaking process.
[summary taken from Goodreads]
Beverley's Review
Having been rather curious about the film, I jumped at the chance to review this movie companion. And I think everyone who's planning to see the film should read this first or even if you've already seen it, this is definitely well worth the read.
This book is full of detail and gorgeous photographs and charts the whole process of making the film. It was particularly interesting to hear that the director wanted to keep the film as similar to the book as possible. I don't really like it when adaptations aren't entirely faithful to the original so I'm eager to see how the film turns out so present fans of the book needn't worry! Another thing which was refreshing to hear is that CGI wasn't used too heavily as they wanted to keep things as natural as possible to fit in with the idea that 'magical' people like Casters can meld in seamlessly in society. The detail about how different scenes were created was spectacular and it felt as if the scenes were actually playing out in front of me as I read!
In addition to the detail, the photographs really complemented the book and added a depth of vividness. They brought the book to life and filled it with a sort of magic and splendour that pushed me further into the realms of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's world. If a book about a film can be so stunning, surely the film must be amazing too?
I'm without a doubt very glad that I read this because when I do go and see the film, I will appreciate it even more because I'll be aware of the sheer effort and dedication that the 'backstage' crew put in. Sometimes we forget about the people behind the scenes but this book brings fabulous awareness to them and ensures the audience do not forget that it's not only the actors who are creating the magic before them.
Overall this movie companion was great entertainment, spilling all the secrets on the film-making process and a wonderful encouragement for readers to hurry up and see the film in all its glory! This is a must read for existing and soon-to-be Beautiful Creatures fans alike!
In addition to the detail, the photographs really complemented the book and added a depth of vividness. They brought the book to life and filled it with a sort of magic and splendour that pushed me further into the realms of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's world. If a book about a film can be so stunning, surely the film must be amazing too?
I'm without a doubt very glad that I read this because when I do go and see the film, I will appreciate it even more because I'll be aware of the sheer effort and dedication that the 'backstage' crew put in. Sometimes we forget about the people behind the scenes but this book brings fabulous awareness to them and ensures the audience do not forget that it's not only the actors who are creating the magic before them.
Overall this movie companion was great entertainment, spilling all the secrets on the film-making process and a wonderful encouragement for readers to hurry up and see the film in all its glory! This is a must read for existing and soon-to-be Beautiful Creatures fans alike!
4 Teacups for Beautiful Creatures: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion
*Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!*
Posts
I've never checked out a movie companion before, but this one seems like I good pick to start with, considering how soon the movie is going to come out! I haven't read the book, though, so I think I should get on that before watching this in theatres. Lovely review, Beverley! Glad you enjoyed all the pics and details! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel so guilty... I haven't read the book or seen the film -.- I have heard so many good things about it and since it is so popular I have no doubt that it is good. The photographs sound gorgeous :) Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThis actually looks really good, I definitely need to see the movie as well! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThis actually looks good, LOL! I've read the original book and I wasn't impressed, but I'm interested in seeing the movie. Comparison, I guess. ;) The photos just seem like a nice effect for some reason. I love when people do stuff like that! ;) Lovely review, Beverley!
ReplyDeleteLoves,
Megan@The Book Babe
I really enjoyed the movie so I might check this out too. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm the last person on the planet who has neither read the book nor seen the movie, but form the stills I've seen in other people's posts, it all looks very visually impressive. I'll definitely jump on this train soon enough, and I'll keep this book in mind.
ReplyDeletefound your blog on GoodReads, love your review! and your site is beautiful
ReplyDelete-Danielle @ Coffee and Characters
www.daniellecromero.blogspot.com
I really want to see this film! I have the books in e-book, so hopefully I will finally read them soon. I really WANT to like them - the whole idea of the series just appeals to me. It's really neat to see they didn't use more CGI than they had to!
ReplyDeleteMolli | Once Upon a Prologue
While I haven't seen the movie for Beautiful Creatures yet, I have read the series, so I'm really interested to see the behind the scenes work that went into making the movie! You're so right Bev, when you say that sometimes we forget all the work that the backstage crew puts into a movie. I'm pretty intrigued about this companion now, especially because it has pictures as well. :D
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Bev! I think I'm going to have to get a copy of this before I go see the movie. <3
-Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life
I absolutely loved the book, and will be seeing the film shortly! But in all honesty I love reading the movie companions of films! I read all the Twilight and how they created the werewolves and everything and I know it ruins the paranormal/magic of some films, but they are really interesting! And I agree, the photographs are really good in them! Lovely review, Beverly! :)
ReplyDelete