Best-selling horror novelist Clive Barker had a rocky start with the first attempts to convert his stories into a visual medium. Directors and screenwriters turned the film adaptations of Underworld and Rawhead Rex into something barely recognizable-and box office failures as well. Consequently, when he approached film companies about Hellraiser, Barker insisted that he be involved in every step, including the direction. The resulting 1987 film has become an undisputed horror classic, spawning a movie franchise that to date includes eight films. This volume explores not only the cinematic interpretations of the Hellraiser mythos but also its intrusion into other artistic and cultural forms. Beginning with the unconventional sources of Clive Barker's inspiration, the book follows Barker from his pre-Hellraiser cinematic experience through the filming of the horror classic. It examines various themes (such as the undermining of the traditional family unit and the malleability of the flesh) found throughout the film series and the ways in which the representation of these themes changes from film to film. The religious aspects of the films are also discussed. Characters central to the franchise-and the mythos-are examined in detail. Included is a foreword by actor Doug Bradley, who portrayed the infamous Pinhead.
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About the Author
Paul Kane is a freelance writer, author and tutor from Derbyshire in the UK. He teaches Film Studies, Art and Creative Writing and has contributed to film books such as Contemporary North American Directors: A Critical Guide and Cinema Macabre.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
He has such sights to show you!,
This review is from: The Hellraiser Films And Their Legacy (Hardcover)
Paul Kane has pulled out all the stops in creating this insightful love-letter to the Hellraiser movies. Drawing from an impressive array of sources, the book offers an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes creation of each of the (8 to-date) Hellraiser movies, with supplemental chapters examining the many themes explored in each film. Films 1 and 2 (arguably the finest in the series) get the most exposure, and rightfully so as these had the strongest input from series creator Clive Barker.
Other chapters tell the fascinating story of alternate versions of Kevin Yagher's troubled "Hellraiser: Bloodline", and the sequels that never made it onto celluloid - especially the intriguing "Hellraiser: Hellfire" concept. Only one gripe - a few more "behind-the-scenes" photos would be welcome, perhaps with some in colour - but no matter, this is a book you'll very much purchase for the text! An attractive hardcover, larger format book that's a must for any Hellraiser fan's bookshelf - keep it next to your puzzle box at all times!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
finally, a Hellraiser companion book,
By
This review is from: The Hellraiser Films And Their Legacy (Hardcover)
Just bought this book, and despite the price tag, it was all worth it. Like other McFarland guide books, this one is also excellent. It's obvious Paul Kane is a fan of the Hellraiser franchise, and that enthusiasm definitely shows in his writing. He examines all the films in great detail, with the first two being discussed in more detail than others.
The book features a lot of behind the scenes photos, production sketches, and publicity photos of the actors involved. There's also a funny introduction to the book by Doug Bradley. Overall, if you're a fan of this series, then this book is a definite must buy.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER ABOUT ONE OF THE BEST FILM SERIES EVER,
By
This review is from: The Hellraiser Films And Their Legacy (Hardcover)
THE HELLRAISER FILMS
AND THEIR LEGACY I have always been a fan of this series and well to be honest the first film is possibly my favorite film of all time. I love Pinhead and well basically any thing the characters or mythos have been involved in. from the original book "The Hell Bound Heart" by the great Clive Barker all the way to the new comics, toys, and everything else that is released. When this book was first released I was all over it of course, pre order and all, I had to have it. I have read various times since and still can not put it down. This is with out a doubt one of the most in depth books I have ever read as it goes over everything that is Hellraiser, and I do mean everything. Of course it goes over the author of it all himself Mr. Clive Barker and how he came about writing the original story. Also it goes into how the first film came about and what went into getting it made and making it. The best thing is it does this in detail and does it for every one of the films that have been made, including the direct to DVD ones. Yes that is correct an in depth look at how all the films came to be and then it goes into examination mode with each film. It breaks down each film and goes into what each one means and all the different mythos that are involved with all of them, this may be the most interesting part of the book. I love how it goes into detail with each and every aspect of every film, love it. But that is not all; we also dive into the comic books, toys, and everything else that is Hellraiser. That also includes that fan film that is a hidden Easter egg on one of the Hellraiser DVD's [can you find it]. I myself though it was a brilliant short film and commend all that were involved with it; it kinda makes sense, kinda. I know you are wondering why I didn't go into detail about a book that I say is full of detail, well I don't want to ruin anything for you. I love this book and any one who is even just barley a fan of this series will love this book. Actually you don't even have to be a fan to enjoy this book since it is a window into how these films are made. Just being a film fan is enough or a horror fan. I highly recommend buying this book; it is more than worth it. Did I mention there is a forward by Pinhead himself Dog Bradley; Paul Kane did a great job with this book.
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