Kingdom of Heaven: The Making of the Ridley Scott Epic (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook) (Hardcover)

~ Ridley Scott (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With a scheduled release date set to accompany that of Ridley Scott's new film, Kingdom of Heaven, this behind-the-scenes book explores the history of the Crusades, the era of the movie's inspiration. The film follows Balian, "a blacksmith turned Crusader," during a rare and brief peace-time among the Christian and Muslim cultures, between the Second and Third Crusades. As the book reveals, the idea for the film began shortly after the September 11th attacks, but Scott argues in his introduction that the film is not meant to "moralize or propagandize." Later in the volume, screenwriter William Monahan reveals his intent: "The two civilizations, arguably, being again at war, I was interested in examining a time when there was a period of...if not peace, then accommodation-when the Muslim world and 'Christendom' were at an equal strength." Aside from discussion of the film's subject matter, the book explains other details most moviegoers may not notice. For example, although much of the story takes place in the Near East, the filmmakers opted for landscapes in Spain and Morocco, since many of the original locations are either in ruins or have become too modernized to be useful. Also, many of the film's characters are a mixture of fictional heroes and real historical figures. This promotional picture book includes impressive photos of the star cast, including Jeremy Irons and Liam Neeson, and of the elaborate film sets. But movie buffs may appreciate more the generous inclusion of architectural concept drawings and set models, the annotated script pages and storyboards, or even the detailed costume designs.
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Product Description

With films like Gladiator, Blade Runner, and Black Hawk Down, director Ridley Scott has shown his mastery of cinematic storytelling that is epic in dimension but with a deeply personal core. In Kingdom of Heaven, he turns to the Crusades—that world-shaping 200-year collision between Europe and the East—to frame the tale of a young Frenchman who defies all odds to become a knight, then lives out what that glorious title really means. "I'd always wanted to make a movie about knights and medieval times, the Crusades especially," says Scott. "Historically, the knight—like the cowboy or the policeman—has given us great opportunities to tell stories about a hero."

With the cry "God wills it!" Pope Urban II in 1095 urged Christian Europe into a frenzy to reclaim the holy city of Jerusalem, conquered by Muslim armies that swept through the Middle East in the 7th century. Thousands answered the call, from kings to peasants, and in the ensuing waves of war ancient cities fell to bloody sieges, Christian kingdoms were founded in the Holy Land, and unspeakable atrocities were committed on both sides. Between the Second and Third Crusades, however, two visionary leaders—King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and the Saracen general Saladin—forged a short-lived peace amid the carnage. Drawn into this immense drama is the young blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom). Fleeing his village under a death sentence, and fleeing his own demons as well, Balian joins forces with a great knight, Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), who swears him to serve King Baldwin and up-hold the truce—that fragile "kingdom of heaven." On reaching the Holy Land, Balian falls under the spell of the king's sister, Sibylla (Eva Green), and becomes embroiled in a struggle for the kingdom's soul, as the dying king is assailed by extremists bent on war. Ultimately, Balian must choose between his love and his sense of knightly honor. And when Jerusalem faces its greatest peril, he must use all his wits and courage to defend it against staggering odds.

Scott and his production team scale new heights in creating worlds on film: building vast sets on locations in Morocco and Spain, peopling them with international stars and thousands of extras, enhancing filmed action with state-of-the-art effects. Scenes of medieval warfare, breathtaking in scale and realism, feature weapons and machines that were carefully researched and built for real. This splendid companion book, illustrated with more than 200 photos, drawings, and Scott's own storyboards, documents this landmark production behind the scenes and before the cameras. But it also delves into the details of storycrafting that give Kingdom of Heaven its solid historical grounding, and includes a lively primer on the Crusades that will expand readers' appreciation of both the film and the history behind it. With more than 200 photographs and illustrations.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press (May 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155704662X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557046628
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #622,042 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for fans of the film, June 10, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kingdom of Heaven: The Making of the Ridley Scott Epic (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook) (Paperback)

The latest entry in the acclaimed "Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook" series, Kingdom Of Heaven: The Ridley Scott Film And The History Behind The Story is the definitive film documentary of "Kingdom of Heaven", the large-scale historical epic about the Crusades that pitted the forces of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem against the armies of the Saracen general Saladin. Directed by Ridley Scale and starring Orlando Bloom, the commentary is in two major parts: "Kingdoms in the Holy Land: The Crusades and the Film Story" and "Swords and Stones: How Kingdom of Heaven Was Made". This informative guide to the film and its making is enthusiastically recommended for fans of the film, as well as professional, academic, and community library Cinematic Studies reference collections.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!!!!, May 24, 2005

By	Mrs Bloom (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kingdom of Heaven: The Making of the Ridley Scott Epic (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook) (Paperback)

I already saw this movie three times. It's sooooo amazing. The book has lots of beautiful pictures and interesting information about the movie.
For everybody who loves the movie, this book is a must have. And of course the screenplay which is coming out in june.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Ridley Scott's Masterpieces, August 1, 2005

By	Raymond F. Gillis (Yonkers, New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Kingdom of Heaven: The Making of the Ridley Scott Epic (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook) (Paperback)

If you enjoyed Gladiator you should love Kingdom of Heaven. It has all the thrills and color and then some...and it's far more authentic. This is an epic film filled with color and colorful characters. This book points out the details and should really be inspiring to up and coming film makers. The use of flags and banners is especially strong. I think you'll learn a lot more about the Art of film making from this book, a superb collection. Try it!