Book Review: Taking Shape: Developing Halloween From Script to Scream

Reading is a big part of my daily routine during this COVID-19 business, and I'm tearing through a book a week at the moment. So I figured it was high time to dust off the weekly Book Review, and provide like-minded peeps with some possible reading material.

Being a huge fan of the Halloween franchise, I was stoked to get my mitts on a copy of Dustin McNeill and Travis Mullins Taking Shape: Developing Halloween From Script to Scream. It traces each film's journey from script to screen, and includes interviews with the directors, writers, producers, cinematographers and even the authors who penned the novelizations.

As you can tell, this is a pretty in-depth read. You learn everything you'd ever want to know about the franchise, including all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans that resulted in some of the best -- and worst -- movies. To be honest, it's a miracle some of these films were ever made.

As a fan, this is a fascinating read. I enjoyed the stories behind the movies, and found an interview with Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers screenwriter Daniel Farrands of particular interest. That entry gets a lot of flack, but Farrands was on the right track with his script. The level of studio incompetence and interference, though, was staggering. No wonder so many of Dimension's films sucked.

Personally, I'd like to have seen what director Fred Walton (When A Stranger Calls) would have done with that film...

Anyway, this is a solid read for film and Halloween fans. I'm giving it a Good, and highly recommend it.

Comments

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ". I know I remember them. This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present. With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good. It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters. This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's. In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking. I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e...

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo...

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends. With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher. When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up. Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila! Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink. The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink. The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices. In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors. The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Sout...

Search This Blog