This is a review of Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature (published April 6, 2007). It is a great combination of equal parts photography/art/images and content. Highly recommended to fans of the film(s).
Overview (from the publisher)
Join directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez as they resurrect the blood-soaked, sex-fueled exploitation double features of the “grindhouse” circuit. Together with cast and crew, Tarantino and Rodriguez chronicle the making of not one but two motion pictures: Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof and Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror. Compiling never-before-seen production artwork, hundreds of behind-the-scenes photos, exclusive interviews and enough blood, flesh and gore for two books, Grindhouse: The Sleaze-Filled Saga Of An Exploitation Double Feature offers fans the definitive insider’s guide to the world of Grindhouse!
Book Facts (from the publisher)
# Hardcover: 251 pages
# Publisher: Weinstein Books (April 6, 2007)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1602860149
# ISBN-13: 978-1602860148
# Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
# Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
Written Content (9/10)
This book includes a great amount of content. It opens with introductions by both filmmakers – Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. There is also an interesting “co-interview” between the two directors, discussing the “grindhouse experience”.
The full Planet Terror screenplay is included (strangely, the Death Proof screenplay is not, but sold separately). Accompanying the script are photos selected from the films, and some character bios from the actors playing each role.
Also, for Planet Terror, is a Making of the Movie, as well as many chapters devoted to different elements of filmmaking, including props, wardroe, special effects, production design, vehicles, the “damaged film” effect, locations, and cast & crew. It is very comprehensive, and great details into many steps of the movie making process.
There are many of the same topics devoted to Death Proof, though, as noted it is sans the screenplay, and not as many pages are devoted otherwise. Having said that, what is there is excellent.
Throughout both sections are contributions from many involved in the films – the directors, crew members, stunt people, actors, etc. Great perspectives all around.
There is also content devoted to the faux trailers in the film, which really rounds out the book.
Visual Collateral (9/10)
The visuals in this volume are excellent. There is something to look at on every page. Included is images from the film, making of and behind the scenes shots, promotional material, posters, and more. It is comprehensive and worth the price of the book on its own merit.
There are few full page photos, but ample room is dedicated to what is presented.
In terms of props and costumes, there is good coverage of what’s important from the films, so it is a great resource for prop collectors.
Presentation/Quality (9/10)
It’s a nice-looking, letter-sized hardcover book sans jacket (which is my preference). More, it is very durable, and the cover design is made to look worn/used, consistent with the “grindhouse” look. One wouldn’t give a second thought at to handling it to enjoy, and it really invites flipping around to different sections and chapters, or just admiring the visuals.
The interior pages are of a high quality, and I get the impression it will hold up to handling quite well.
There is a very usable, straight forward table of contents, and the content is laid out well, organized by film.
The design is wonderful – Editor/Designer Kurt Volt did an incredible job making every page bold and well designed. The tome is really a work of art on its own.
Overall Value (8/10)
The retail price is $29.95, which is fairly standard for this type of book, leaning toward reasonable.
It can be had via Amazon.com for $19.77 and deeply discounted at other retailers as well; I think it is absolutely a buy at that price, especially given the entertainment value as well as overall resourcefulness.
Conclusion and Overall Rating (9/10)
This is a great book for fans of the film/films. It offers something for everyone, in equal measures. It is a great resource, and lends itself to casual reading in no particular order, based on one’s interest. Highly recommended.
Jason De Bord