Series: Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook | Publication Date: February 23, 2004
With more than 125 photos in full color and the complete screenplay, the exciting companion to the only theatrical Alamo film in over 40 years—from director John Lee Hancock, starring Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, and Patrick Wilson.
This lavish volume reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the making of this extraordinary film, covering its pre-production, the 101 days of production (most of it on the largest movie set in the world, on 45 acres near Austin, Texas), and post-production. Included is first-hand testimony from stars Dennis Quaid (Sam Houston), Billy Bob Thornton (David Crockett), Jason Patric (James Bowie), Patrick Wilson (William Barret Travis), Jordi Mollá (Juan Seguin), and Emilio Echevarría (Santa Anna), as well as the talented production team who tell how they brought the world of 1836 Texas to vivid life with meticulously re-created costumes and sets. 125 color photos and drawings • Alamo chronology and bibliography.
Frank Thompson is a writer, filmmaker, film historian, and the author of over thirty books, including five nonfiction books on the Alamo, as well as Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and The Encyclopedia of Sam Peckinpah. He is also the author of the novelization, The Alamo. He lives in North Hollywood, California. John Lee Hancock is the director of The Alamo and The Rookie.
Frank Thompson is a filmmaker, comedy writer and film historian, the author of 38 books.
His most recent television work includes "Southern Fried Stings" (truTV, 2010), "High School Reunion" (TV Land, 2009), "Stringers: LA" (Tru TV, 2008-2009), "Party Heat" (Tru TV, 2008-2009), "Dance Machine" (ABC, 2008), "Speeders" (Court TV, 2007) and "Bandits vs. Smokies" (CMT, 2007). He wrote and directed a special for American Movie Classics: "The Great Christmas Movies" (1998). Other television credits include "The Bachelor: Paris" (ABC, 2006), "Blind Date" (1999-2003), "The Fifth Wheel" (2003), "Fast Food Films" (FX, 1998-99) "Reel Wild Cinema" (USA Network, 1996 - 1997), "Hollywood Babylon" (syndicated, 1992) and others.
He has written hundreds of introductory scripts for American Movie Classics hosts Cher, Alec Baldwin, Jodie Foster, Winona Ryder, Billy Bob Thornton, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Stefanie Powers, Morgan Fairchild, Phyllis Diller, Brendan Fraser, Shirley Jones, Ali MacGraw, Kirsten Dunst, Lesley-Anne Down, Patrick Wayne, Lesley Ann Warren, Sean Young and many others.
He wrote and co-produced "Frank Capra: A Personal Remembrance" (VidAmerica, 1992), and "The Making of 'It's a Wonderful Life'" (Republic Pictures, 1991), both of which appear on the DVD and Blu-Ray releases of "It's a Wonderful Life."
Thompson has contributed to several film encyclopedia and has written for magazines such as American Cinematographer, American Film, Film Comment, The Big Frame, The Hollywood Reporter, The Disney Channel Magazine, Sight and Sound, Tower Pulse! and Texas Monthly.
He has also written for many newspapers, notably The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, The Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, The San Antonio Express News.
He served as Guest Curator for a major museum exhibit called "Hollywood Comes to South Carolina: A Century of Filmmaking in the Palmetto State" which ran from January through October, 2008 at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia SC. This was a follow-up to his exhibit "Texas Movies" which ran in 2005 at the Bob Bullock State History Museum in Austin, Texas.
In 2004 he had a cameo appearance in "The Alamo" and also wrote two books that tied in with the film: "The Alamo: A Novel" (2004, Hyperion) and "The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film" (2004, Newmarket).
He has written and/or produced several videos and have contributed audio commentary to more than a dozen classic films, notably "Wild Boys of the Road" (1933), "The Time of Their Lives" (1946), "McLintock!" (1963), "Hondo" (1953) and "Track of the Cat" (1954).
And he appears onscreen in many documentaries, most recently on the Blu-Ray release of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (2009).
Frank Thompson lives in North Hollywood, California with his wife Claire McCulloch and their dogs Maggie and Jake.
Author Frank Thompson reveals hundreds and hundreds of details of the making of the most current version of 'The Alamo', which is surely to be the most historically accurate film on the subject.
From the beginning of director John Lee Hancock's interest in the Alamo in his childhood, through his early meetings with producer Ron Howard (originally slated to direct), to the hiring of two major historians and the building of the detailed and awe inspiring set, right into the extra-filled battle scenes complete with authentic weaponry and perfect period wardrobe, Thompson escorts the reader on an amazing visit to the set of what is certain to be 'the movie masterpiece of 2004'. Reading this book will educate you about the making of this weaponry, the selection of the cast, the decisions on the locales, the building of the sets, and every other intricate facet of film making at its best.
Get the inside scoop on the unusual 'naming' of extras, the selection of composer Carter Burwell (Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou), and what part Matte World Digital and CG plays in crafting 'The Alamo'. You will truly feel as if you are physically on the set hearing the actors recite their lines when you read the entire screenplay, which is contained in this book. Discover why the cast, including stars, bit players, and extras were totally personally dedicated to the making of this masterful film.
All this interesting inside information is accompanied by: 100+ beautiful color photos (many of which are full page) of the actors, the scenery and all that will make this film a beautiful visual experience, as well as historical details and time charts of the actual event that culminated with the cry of 'Remember the Alamo'.
You will 'remember' reading about the making of 'The Alamo' while you watch it unfold on the screen. This beautiful book will entertain and enlighten you and your enjoyment can only extend your pleasure when actually seeing the film for yourself.
A quote early in the book from actor Billy Bob Thornton begins: "When I first got here and I walked on the set, I got a chill up my back bone like I can't describe....and every time we walked through the gate...we were in 'The Alamo'...". Every time you open the pages of 'The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film The Alamo', you will be on that same set as if by magic.
Thompson has done an extraordinary job in capturing the making of what is destined to be a classic epic film. If you are not already dying to see this film, you will certainly change your mind after reading the book. If you ARE already hyped-to-the-max to view 'The Alamo', this will just increase your anticipation to nearly the I-can't-stand-the-wait level.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook) (Hardcover)
Featuring more than 125 full color photographs, Frank Thompson's The Alamo: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Film is an amazing tour of "The Alamo", from director John Lee Hancock, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dennis Quaid, Jason Patric, and more. "The Alamo" was the first theatric film about the brutal battle in over 40 years; The Alamo: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Film includes a point-by-point summary of historical events, an extensive tour of casting, costuming, historical recreations and set design, the full movie script, and more. A treasure for cinema buffs especially, and the perfect companion volume to anyone who enjoys and appreciates the power "The Alamo"movie has had in bringing history to life.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook) (Hardcover)
The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film is a must have for fans of the Alamo. The book includes over 120 pictures from the movie, including the making of and production stills. As well, the full script is included in the book so readers can see what was cut from the final version of the movie. It is interesting to see all the things that director John Lee Hancock had to cut from the originally intended version. The book documents the making of the huge movie, background on cast and characters, and even some Alamo history on society and in the movies. If you enjoyed the movie, I highly recommend this book. Check out Frank Thompson's The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
