Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made [Hardcover]

Alan Eisenstock (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 13, 2012

In 1982, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Chris Strompolos, eleven, asked Eric Zala, twelve, a question: “Would you like to help me do a remake Raiders of the Lost Ark?  I’m playing Indiana Jones.”

And they did it.  Every shot, every line of dialogue, every stunt.

They borrowed and collected costumes, convinced neighborhood kids to wear grass skirts and play natives, cast a fifteen-year-old as Indy’s love interest, rounded up seven thousand snakes (sort of), built the Ark, the Idol, the huge boulder, found a desert in Mississippi, and melted the bad guys’ faces off.

It took seven years.

Along the way, Chris had his first kiss (on camera), they nearly burned down the house and incinerated Eric, lived through parents getting divorced and remarried, and watched their friendship disintegrate.

Alan Eisenstock's Raiders! is the incredible true story of Eric Zala and Chris Strompolos, how they realized their impossible dream of remaking Raiders of the Lost Ark, and how their friendship survived all challenges, from the building of a six-foot round fiberglass boulder to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Here’s a making-of book about the production of the coolest movie you might never see. Back in the early 1980s, when Raiders of the Lost Ark was still in theaters, a couple of kids (Eric Zala, 12, and Chris Strompolos, 11) decided to remake the movie, using a borrowed camera, a cast of friends, and as much realism and accuracy as they could muster. They figured they could do it during their summer vacation; it took seven summer vacations. This is a magnificent book. Eisenstock gives it a real let’s-put-on-a-show feel; fans of the recent movie Super 8 will note a definite similarity in tone, pacing, and sheer gosh-wow excitement. These guys weren’t just making a half-assed tribute to their favorite movie; this was supposed to be a shot-for-shot remake, using the actual script (obtained by sneaking into the movie and recording it on the sly), with music, sound effects, and visual effects (Eric set himself on fire to replicate the burning-bar scene). And think about some of the scenes they were trying to replicate: the escape from the snake-infested Well of Souls, the truck chase, a villain’s exploding head, melting faces, and the famous boulder sequence. Sure, there were compromises—a scene near the beginning replaced a biplane with a dinghy with an outboard motor (because who would give a couple of kids an actual biplane?)—but the thing is, they got the movie made. At a nearly catastrophic cost, to be sure—the account also chronicles the post-production meltdown of Eric and Chris’ friendship—but they did it. An amazing, one-of-a-kind book about a triumphant, one-of-a-kind film production. --David Pitt

Review

“The mother of all fan movies.” –The Los Angeles Times

“Alan Eisenstock’s Raiders! is a fantastic, magical book…I can’t recommend this book any higher, it’s amazing and deserves to be read by anyone even remotely interested in film or fandom. Read it!”
—unitedmonkey.com

“Before the age of Final Cut Pro and laptop editing, these resourceful kids created all their own costumes and effects, performed their own stunts (including the boulder scene), wrangled the actors, and eventually grew into young men.”
—Seattle Weekly

"Raiders! is much more than just the story of some kids making a fan film. It’s about the best and worst of childhood and growing up and sharing a geeky obsession through the whole journey. It’s intense and enjoyable and heartbreaking and powerful."
—Wired magazine's GeekDad Blog

"The legend of two young superfans' seven-year odyssey remaking Raiders of the Lost Ark lives in Alan Eisenstock's colossally cool Raiders!"
—Vanity Fair

"A super-charged (parents: read with caution!) mini-epic that replaces Hollywood dazzle with something far more compelling: the agony and ecstasy of raw adolescent delirium"
—Daniel Clowes (Ghost World)

“The ingenuity that went into the production [of the film] was astounding…. But the book really shines in its emotional wallop.”
—The Hollywood Reporter

“Here’s a making-of book about the production of the coolest movie you might never see. Back in the early 1980s, when Raiders of the Lost Ark was still in theaters, a couple of kids (Eric Zala, 12, and Chris Strompolos, 11, decided to remake the movie, using a borrowed camera, a cast of friends, and as much realism and accuracy as they could muster. They figured they could do it during their summer vacation; it took seven summer vacations. This is a magnificent book. Eisenstock gives it a real let’s-put-on-a-show feel; fans of the recent movie Super 8 will note a definite similarity in tone, pacing, and sheer gosh-wow excitement. These guys weren’t just making a half-assed tribute to their favorite movie; this was supposed to be a shot-for-shot remake, using the actual script (obtained by sneaking into the movie and recording it on the sly), with music, sound effects, and visual effects (Eric set himself on fire to replicate the burningbar scene). And think about some of the scenes they were trying to replicate: the escape from the snakeinfested Well of Souls, the truck chase, a villain’s exploding head, melting faces, and the famous boulder sequence. Sure, there were compromises—a scene near the beginning replaced a biplane with a dinghy with an outboard motor (because who would give a couple of kids an actual biplane?)—but the thing is, they got the movie made. At a nearly catastrophic cost, to be sure—the account also chronicles the postproduction meltdown of Eric and Chris’ friendship—but they did it. An amazing, one-of-a-kind book about a triumphant, one-of-a-kind film production.”
—Booklist (starred)

“Swift, compelling reading”
—TheSubStream.com

“An excellent read and is just a fun book…Perfect for the entire family and a must own for anyone that is a fan of the Raiders franchise. I cannot recommend this book more highly!”
—Fort Bend Southwest Star Newspaper

“One of the best books I’ve read all year.”
—Susan Spann of the Debutante Ball blog

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (November 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1250001471
• ISBN-13: 978-1250001474
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #695,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Endearing and Enchanting November 30, 2012

By K. Mozaffari

Format:Hardcover

I received a hardcover copy of this novel from the publisher for review. (No further compensation was received.)

Like many who will read this book, I was already familiar with the basics of the story. I read what I could about it, found the trailer online, and even reached out to the filmmakers at one point in an unsuccessful bid to bring them to my city, just so I could see the film in its entirety. Ironically, perhaps, that was seven years ago.

But where I regrettably failed in my quest to experience the magic of this film, author Alan Eisenstock has thankfully succeeded in bringing the story to life with Raiders!.

I should start out by saying that I have never read this type of book before, so the concept and writing style of biographical fiction was new for me and took a little getting used to. Because of the narrative nature, I found myself more than once wondering where the lines blurred between fact and fiction; by the end of the book, I came to the conclusion that it was only in the minor details.

The story actually started a little slow for my taste, beginning with Eric Zala just before, during, and immediately after Hurricane Katrina, detailing the devastation left in its wake of Eric's family home. While these scenes felt a little lengthy and extraneous at first, their importance was felt later on.

The slow buildup was, in fact, an establishment of styles. Eric's story is methodical, organized - just like Eric himself. Eisenstock switches his style of prose when introducing Chris; although not overt, there is a frenetic energy that moves it along quickly, giving you the sense that he is on "Hollywood time" - totally appropriate for Chris's story and personality.... The two styles seem to mesh when the kids come together, and the result is nothing short of charming.

So while it did take a bit for Raiders! to get rolling (no pun intended), it leapt into the story enough to really hold my interest somewhere in the 50-page range. Around page 67, my cheeks suddenly felt sore, and I realized it was because I had been smiling ever since.

While still not my favorite genre, perhaps it is a strength of biographical fiction to allow you into the thoughts and feelings of the people portrayed, insights that might elude capture in other forms.

In describing the early years of the boys' project, I honestly felt 12-years old again, that unique time when the imagination left over from youth coupled with the feeling that you can accomplish anything transforms into an alchemy of inspired creativity, and that spirit was really captured in these chapters.

While I was a wannabe fan of Raiders: The Adaptation before, I never really appreciated what Eric, Chris, and their friends went through to make this film. My recollections of the original Raiders was a bit fuzzy, and as more details of the scope and magnitude of the remake production were revealed, I couldn't help but alternately giggle (as a former pre-teen) and cringe (as a current mom). The ingenuity and creativity Eric and Chris displayed is unbelievably impressive, second only to the awe-inspiring level of dedication required to finish this labor of love over the course of SEVEN YEARS.

The last few sections feel a little bit rushed and, in some ways, unfinished; the same dedication has been paid to the well-constructed prose, but it feels almost as if there are pieces missing when compared to the chapters before - but the strengths of the earlier storytelling makes it easy to forgive any minor faults.

The last section of the book covers a contemplative, post-Raiders period in the lives of the boys-turned-men, replete with fluctuating highs and lows. Parts of it are sobering, melancholy, and brought up feelings about my own life that I hadn't expected. I know it's a tired cliché to say, "It made me laugh! It made me cry!" But it really did - not howls of laughter or body-shaking sobs, but the book genuinely moved me, and it's one that will be passed around to my friends and family before ultimately finding its place on my bookshelf of treasured tomes.

The only photos in the book are on the dust jacket, and you won't really lose anything if you get the digital version. Devotees, however, will likely want to spring for the hardcover.

All in all, Raiders! really does capture the magic of "the greatest fan film ever made" and gives you insights into its wild popularity; after reading, you will understand why, for a film that rarely sees the light of day, it has developed a large cult following.

While I still lament not being able to arrange or attend a screening, reading this book feels like the next best thing to seeing the film itself.

Highly recommended. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fans Of Indy Will Love This November 13, 2012

By M. G. Gagliano VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

The 411 by Maria:

This book was tremendous. I loved reading every page. RAIDERS! THE STORY OF THE GREATEST FAN FILM EVER MADE is a story from start to finish of the making of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation by at the time teenagers Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala.

The boys meet, have a love of an amazing movie and decide to try to reenact every moment of the
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas masterpiece. From writing the complete dialog, creating storyboards, making boulders, and obtaining a "Indy" jacket and hat, these boys were focused. With school, life and girls getting in the way, it took them some time to complete it but it was worth it especially after they receive a letter from SS himself!

The enthusiasm of the boys starting out to the awkward, hormonal teenage years was told in such candid detail. It is a fast read great for fans of Indiana Jones!

After reading the book and not allowing myself to watch the video until I was ready for the review. I have to tell you that I am in awe of how much work they put into this movie. Simply amazing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A true sense of wonder! January 24, 2013

By Kelvin Mao

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the story of two childhood best friends- opposites yet the same, whose youthful sense of wonder and enthusiasm fuels them as they traverse the ups and downs of growing up in small town Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Their struggles and growth are paralleled and reflected by the impossible task of recreating a movie that symbolizes their tender aspirations and dreams.

As they mature, leaving high school for college, college for jobs, the same passions destroy their friendship as young adults. Their differences seemingly outgrow their commonalities, splitting their paths as each finds his own way into adulthood, until finally... Fate brings them full circle, reunited under the most unlikely chain of events. You can't make this stuff up.

This book is really about friendship, and how no matter what multitude of people you meet as an adult, and how close you become with those people later in life, no one can know you quite the same as your best friend when you were ten. The book does a wonderful job chronicling Eric and Chris' journey to this poignant discovery- the true Ark of this tale.

Though their film amazingly made it to Steven Spielberg, found a greater audience than they ever imagined- reaching a generation of fellow Indiana Jones fans, and spawned this book, I don't see Raiders: The Adaptation as just an homage to Spielberg's seminal film. Viewed through the lens of adulthood, it's truly a love letter to childhood, a unique time capsule wherein those simpler joyful times can actually be relived- though best enjoyed with a packed house.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift January 15, 2013

By SandyNYC

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read a review for this book and thought it would make a fun birthday gift for my husband whose reading choices lean more toward the serious....He enjoyed it immensely.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for fans of the movie and fans of movies November 25, 2012

By L & R

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As you read Alan Eisenstock's account of the making of the Raiders adaptation fan movie, you will be tempted to assume license has been taken with the facts. How could two kids and a cohort of their friends pull off this crazy stunt to make this movie? Further, amidst the drama of their lives, why did these two friends continue for 7 years? Yet, all of the material comes from multiple interviews, archival footage and outtakes from the fan film itself. This story to be succinct is true.

Reading more like a novel than a recount of 30 year old history, the book demands you turn pages one after or another. (Or at least tap on your kindle screen!) The style is fluid and approachable and fun. Suspense comes from the narrative but also from feeling the angst of two teen boys. Being just a few years older than Eric and Chris during the 1980's, I could appreciate the desire to find oneself and stick with a project. Yet at the same time, approaching girls and worrying about grades and the rules are all there too. So, the story ultimately becomes a coming of age tale with the film itself acting as the structure of the book and, to use a George Lucas term for Indy's treasure, a McGuffin.

Having been a Raiders fan since the day I saw it in June 1981, having worked on the TV show Young Indy and being a member of the Indiana Jones fan community, this book is an excellent edition to any collection. And as someone who went to film school and has loved movies all his life, this is a wonderful tale about the power of making movies together and the paths that this endeavor leads to.