Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845131304 ISBN 13: 9781845131302

Publisher: Aurum Press, 2006

Illustrating that the history of special effects is a long and varied one and much more than images of sleek starfighters or CG raptors this fascinating account documents the incredible advances made in creating realistic special effects for film over the decades. From the barely concealed wires on Douglas Fairbanks’ flying carpet in The Thief of Baghdad, to groundbreaking effects for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this incisive guide showcases how the industry has been manufacturing new and cutting edge ways to fuel viewers’ imaginations. Beautifully designed with a pictorial history of the special effects industry, with in-depth analyses of the varied techniques of audio and visual effects, and packed with more than 500 color illustrations taken from iconic movies and personal portfolios of the experts in the field, this remarkable manual is an essential resource for fans of filmmaking, and anyone looking to build a career in this fast-paced and revolutionary industry.

About the Author:

Richard Rickitt is an author, a filmmaker, and teaches filmmaking and film history at the British Film Institute.

From Booklist:

Rickett tells the story of that perennial box-office draw, special effects, from "trick photography" through today's astonishing, computer-assisted cinematic legerdemain. Individual chapters examine components of the special effects artist's toolkit. Optical illusions, models, and animation are each dissected and appreciated, and ditto makeup and sound effects. The chapter headed "Physical Effects" gives simple instructions for creating the illusion of a snowstorm; "fake snow is infinitely preferable to the real thing," Rickett says. Okay, so most of the tricks described aren't fit for home application, but then why should they be? This is a measured account of an integral part of what makes today's movies, as always, bigger than big and huger than huge. Fascinating stuff for gadget freaks, sf geeks, plain old film fans, and picture-book peepers. Mike Tribby
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