The Art of the Matrix (Hardcover)

by Spencer Lamm (Editor), Andy Wachowski (Author), Larry Wachowski (Author), Steve Skroce (Contributor), Geof Darrow (Introduction, Illustrator), Phil Oosterhouse (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"The corner has been turned, where the impossible becomes possible," writes film editor Zach Staenberg in his introduction to the high-octane science fiction sensation that captured four Oscars less than a year ago. Illustrating the arduous production process, this hefty tribute showcases everything from Steve and Andy Wachowski's original stick figure sketches to the conceptual designs and dynamic, scene-by-scene storyboards (drawn and commented on by Geof Darrow, Steve Skroce and Tani Kunitake) that convinced Warner Bros. to green-light the project. Although some stunts, like Trinity's dive into a window from the top of a moving El train, were aborted because of safety and budgetary concerns, the movie closely mirrors the seamless narrative of the storyboards. In addition to the visuals, this comprehensive volume includes a final draft of the shooting script as well as scene notes and deleted script excerpts provided by Phil Oosterhouse, assistant to the Wachowski brothers. One cut that fans will find of particular interest occurs in the first scene. What was initially a segment addressing the consequences of leaving the Matrix and everyone in it is replaced by Trinity's thrilling introduction and narrow escape. The final pages will whet the appetites of Matrix enthusiasts further with an offering of several full-color promotional film shots and an enthusiastic afterword by renowned SF author William Gibson. As the first and only movie companion licensed by the Wachowski brothers, this pictorial feast is a must-have for SF fans and Matrix loyalists this gift-giving season.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School-The Matrix, according to science-fiction author William Gibson, is "something very special: a big, muscular `effects' movie that's wildly generous with visual thrills,-and, most important of all, has a good heart." Substitute the word "book" for movie and you have a decent description of this title. It includes storyboards, both black and white and in color, with commentary by the artists; conceptual drawings; movie stills; information about cut scenes; scene notes; and the shooting script. The storyboards are essentially a graphic presentation of the movie. It is particularly fascinating to read the artists' own comments about their work. Fans of The Matrix and film-studies students will appreciate this glimpse into the preproduction process. The only disappointment is not hearing from the Wachowski brothers themselves, but they are apparently hard at work on the sequels. This is a large, beautifully designed book, with high-quality paper and sharp, striking pictures. It includes four gatefolds of marvelously detailed conceptual drawings. A browser's delight.-Susan Salpini, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 488 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press (December 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557044058
• ISBN-13: 978-1557044051
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #311,820 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The title says it all., December 31, 2000

By	"skincrawler" (Dayton, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

The Art of the Matrix is exactly that, an ART book. The storyboards are incredibly detailed and look fantastic. The majority of the drawings are done in black and white but there are some in color and color picture stills from the movie as well. The artist comments are fun to read and provide some insight as to what they and the directors were thinking. The only thing this book lacked was an interview or essay done with the Wachowski's themselves. Other than that I'm completely happy with this book. If you're looking for more info on the production and visual effects check out the following magazines, Cinefex #79, and American Cinematographer April 1999.

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful., February 25, 2001

By	A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Undoubtedly this is the most lavish publication of a screenplay in the brief history of published screenplays, and it's hard to imagine it being topped any time soon. The title makes the book's priorities clear, this is a book about the art behind the film, and how it was used to bring the Wachowski Brothers' vision to life. In reading the book, it's made abundantly clear that The Matrix was a film with a vision first, and then a script. And, like it or not, the storyboards did more to tell and sell the vision to the money men and get the movie made, than the script could ever have hoped to. This is a lesson that those in the screenwriting community would do well to file away in the back of their brains. Sometimes (albeit very, very rarely) the story in your head simply can't be fully communicated in screenplay form to those who count, you might have to look to simple storyboarding to tell/sell the whole story. It should be noted that in the case of The Matrix, these were high-end storyboards by professional comic book artists. From the Wachowski Brothers's stick figures, to 700 scene-by-scene storyboards, to conceptual art, it's all in here, including scenes that were never filmed for safety or budgetary reasons, as well as the shooting script and ten pages of script notes and deleted scenes from the script. The one major flaw is the absence of any commentary from the Wachowskis themselves. And naturally, there is a bit of filler near the end, but on the whole, the book's deisgn reflects the attention to detail and high quality of the film-and repeatedly reminds you that there are two more Matrixes to come. Thankfully, unlike "Making of" film books, the emphasis is on the storyboards and script, and thus the story, rather than the technical effects wizardry that makes it all happen onscreen. This makes it much more appealing to a general audience, rather than simply to those entranced by effects. Sadly, the book is quite expensive and there is no paperback edition in sight, so you might want to wait for next Christmas.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book for the true Matrix Fan., August 21, 2001

By	"m0rph3u5" (Sunny Florida) - See all my reviews

This book is definitely a must-have for any matrix fan. This book goes in depth about each scene in the 1999 Blockbuster hit movie.

It includes mostly black and white illustrations and some colored ones of each and every scene. It's as if you're watching the movie in a book. Along with the illustrations are many commentaries to let you know what the Wachowski brothers were trying to accomplish. If this isn't enough, even the Wachowski brothers have commentaries in this book.

There are also illustrations in this book that are NOT in the movie. Commentaries will tell you why these scenes were omitted.

This book is pulling out all the stops to the movie, so why not add more? If illustrations and commentaries aren't enough for you, there's the ENTIRE script of the movie. It includes omitted dialogue.

Still not enough for you? Well then I'll go on. There's the full credit listing for this awesome movie. There's also a page for the Academy nominations and awards this movie has received...including the acceptance speeches. Okay okay, so these things aren't such a big deal, but I can only show you the door...you have to walk through it (Read on).

So you've decided to read more? Well, besides the illustrations, commentaries, unedited script, script commentaries, full cast and credits, awards page, there's 27 FULL PAGES of COLOR photos taken directly from the movie. There's the movie cover taking up a full page to start off with. Trinity, Neo, Morpheus and the Agents all have pages too. Let's not forget the Morpheus and Agent Smith fight scene, Tank, Cypher, Dozer, Apoc and Switch...they're in here too. There's the shootout scene, the rooftop scene and more all in this book. These are beautiful, high quality color photos taken from the movie and put into this book for your enjoyment. To see these pictures, go to the official site and go to the photo gallery. MORE THAN HALF all of those pictures are here.

And the last page is a note about the upcoming matrix sequels. There is nothing more left to tell you. I have told you what this book contains. True matrix fans will adore this book. It makes a great gift to any matrix devotee out there. So go ahead and get plugged into the Matrix and buy this book!