Page To Screen # 3
It’s the time again to move your eyes away from the screen and let them
drift over to the printed word. In Page To Screen # 3, those books that
are influenced by – and, indeed, influence - the worlds of film and
television are brought to the fore as Laurence Boyce examines how
someone is making a monkey out of biographies, someone else is making
us nostalgic for classic Saturday night telly and how a certain writer
recreated that nostalgia to give the BBC one of its most successful
franchises ever.
Yes, Russell T Davies has managed to resurrect a show that, by the time the classic series ended in 1989, was something of an embarrassment for Auntie Beeb. But, thanks to his writing talent, love for the show and – let’s face it – sheer bloody mindedness, RTD managed to make Doctor Who into one of the jewels in the crown of modern TV history. In Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale (By Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook, published by BBC Books) the executive producer of Doctor Who reveals the effort that goes behind making the show. And a bloody fine book it is too. Taking the form of a series of back and forth emails between Davis and journalist Benjamin Cook, the book reveals Davies inspirations, disappointments and the amazing speed at which the show works. Davies is surprisingly candid (with some BBC bigwigs and online fans getting it in the neck) but it’s his insights into the writing the show that are the most fascinating. From the long dark nights of the soul where nothing is working to those moments of brilliant inspiration, the book is a revealing insight of a leading player in the TV industry and an essential textbook for those wanting to know more about the whys and wherefores or writing for television. A gripping read.
With every good franchise, spin-offs follow. Such as Doctor Who: The Time Traveller’s Archive (by Steve Tribe, published by BBC Books). It’s a nice and glossily illustrated item which puts the chronology of the new series and guides the reader from the dawn of time to the end of the world. With articles on some of the historical events and characters – such as the destruction of Pompeii, Queen Victoria and Agatha Christie – plus some explanation of the future events mentioned in the series, this is a breezily written and nice looking tome that should keep people – especially the youngsters – entertained. Just watch out that they understand what is fact and fiction, or they might be convinced that the great fire of London was actually started by The Doctor. There’s also a spin off of a spin off in The Torchwood Archives (by Gary Russell, published by BBC Books), in which – much like the in The Time Traveller’s Archive - we’re given a chronological history of the Welsh based agency dedicated to saving the world from aliens. And I don’t mean Plaid Cymru. Taking the conceit that it’s the notes of a missing journalist who was researching the mysterious organisation, we’re given a thorough tour of the history of the place and its current adventures. The fictionalised conceit of the book will annoy some, but Torchwood fans will enjoy some of the revelations and the amount of nice pictures on offer.
And there’s even more 'Torchwood' with the latest novels based on the show finding their way on to shelves. Pack Animals (by Peter Anghelides, published by BBC Books) is a rip-roaring adventure about monsters invading the Earth, with Anghelides capturing the characters well and never letting up at all with the action. SkyPoint (by Phil Ford, published by BBC Books) channels the spirit of JG Ballard’s High Rise (in subject matter rather than searing insight into society) in telling the story of the team fighting an evil menace in a futuristic apartment block. Again, this all zips along nicely and will make a perfectly pleasant companion for a journey. Finally we have the best of the bunch, Almost Perfect (by James Goss, published by BBC Books). People are always striving for perfection. But when somebody offers you this perfection just should you take it? And just how will it affect the rest of the world around you? With moments of great humour, a well thought out narrative and really good feel for the television series that it was inspired by, this has some inspired moments.
Now if reading those previous reviews made you all warm and fuzzy for your TV viewing days then The Encyclopaedia Of Classic Saturday Night Telly (by Jack Kibble-White and Steve Williams, published by Allison and Busby). Kibble-White and Williams are best known for their website TV Cream , and their love for the TV shows they talk about is evident. From the dominance of Noel Edmonds, to the rise of the TV talent show this is a well researched book into the shows that still haunt the recesses of many of our minds. However, this is not a dry tome are the authors make many wryly humorous comments whilst not being afraid to slag some of the more poor Saturday night offerings that British television had to offer (let’s just say if your last name is Davidson and first name is Jim, then you might not like what is said about you. Yet I’d wager you’re used to that anyway). A book that positively encourages you to dip in and out of it, this is great fun. Also comes with foreword from the late Jeremy Beadle.
Whilst he’s never been lauded as the best actor ever to grace our screens, Roger Moore has still managed to retain a place in the heart of audiences worldwide. His suave persona, wry smile and – seemingly – devilish eyebrow managed to entertain people throughout his storied career. In My Word Is My Bond (by Roger Moore, published by Michael O’Mara Books) he recounts many pleasant anecdotes from his humble beginnings to his time as the world’s most famous secret agent. Those who are looking for scandal and dirt dishing will be disappointed as Moore proves to be as much the English gentleman he portrays on screen with him repeating the adage “If you have nothing nice to say about someone, don’t say anything.” Yet, there are still lots of funny stories with his Bond stories being a highlight whilst there are poignant moments such as his rushing to David Niven’s deathbed. There’s also impassioned talk about his role as an ambassador of UNICEF and many mentions of his celebrity friends. Like the man himself, it may not set the world alight but it has a charm that can’t help but entice many.
Moore’s replacement is currently Daniel Craig: just mentioning it because there’s a new Bond film out and there’s been very little advertising for it. Sarcastic? Me? You can now look behind the scenes in Bond on Set – Filming A Quantum of Solace (by Greg Williams, published by DK) which does what exactly what it sets out to do. Photographer Greg Williams takes us to the various exotic locations and snaps all the action both in front of and behind the camera. Those expecting an in-depth look at the making of a movie will be disappointed as there’s a few perfunctory paragraphs from the likes of director Marc Forster. But the photographs are lovely and Bond fanatics will find this a must for their collection. You can also buy the James Bond – The Secret World of 007 (by Alistair Dougall, published by DK) which is cheerful encyclopaedia aimed at the younger end of the market. Whilst it doesn’t explain how the world of 007 can be that secret when there’s a massive book about him, there’s lovely photos and explanations of all the gadgets, guns and girls in the world of the suave and smooth agent. Again, not exactly in-depth information, but enormous fun to skim through.
With fine upstanding heroes such as Superman and Batman, D.C Comics have presented fans with fine ideals of truth, justice and always brushing your teeth after meals. So when there was something a little darker needed just where would you go? The answer was the D.C imprint ‘Vertigo’ which saw such comics as Neil Gaiman’s 'Sandman,' '100 Bullets' and 'The Fables 'bring a more adult view to the cartoony world. The Vertigo Encyclopaedia (by Alex Irving, published by DK) takes an A-Z look at all the wonderful and vital work produced by the imprint since its inception. There’s all you needed to about the brilliant Hellblazer (later turned into the anaemic Hollywood film Constantine) with a fine précis of all the twists and turns of its many hundreds of issues alongside many other long series in the range. There’s also the many one-shot deals including Alan Moore’s 'V For Vendetta' and 'The History Of Violence', one of the few graphic novels for which the big screen has ever done justice. Irving know his stuff and – even rabid comic fans – will be able to find something new whilst there, unsurprisingly, many gorgeous illustrations and examples of comic art. An exquisite book which will have fans of graphic novels (of which I count myself) squealing with delight
Two of the latest studies from the BFI are also now available with the first being a study of one of the most beloved genre shows of all time. BFI TV Classics: Star Trek (by Ina Rae Hark, published by BFI/Palgrave Macmillan) is a productive examination of all the incarnations of the series from the slightly camp original to the up-to-date, special effects laden shows of the past few years. Hark provides an interesting take on the politics and ideals behind the show, probing how the utopian aspects of the show mutated over the years to encompass increasingly more complex notions of humanity, diversity and racism. With some intriguing textual analysis and an engaging style, this is a useful addition to the canon of work that examines the show. Slightly more highbrow is BFI Film Classics: 8 ½ (by DA Miller, published by BFI/Palgrave Macmillan) an excellent addition to one of the finest collections of film criticism ever collated. Respected critic Miller compellingly argues that Fellini’s masterpiece is facing a ‘cultural death’ due to the fact that it’s fresh and shocking take on narrative and filmmaking is no longer surprising to an audience of today. Furthermore, he argues that its irrelevance is what makes the film so fascinating today. He makes an interesting and persuasive argument for his theory and, like much great criticism, sheds new light on a classic film.
Less academic but still immensely entertaining are the books in the Pocket Essentials series. The latest, Monster Movies (by Emma Wooward, published by Pocket Essentials) sees a cornucopia of scary movies analysed for your edification. With all the classics such as Jaws, Aliens and The Thing this will prove a nice trip down memory lane for all those who like the cinema to send shivers down their spine. Woodward writes enthusiastically about her subject and her love for all things terrifying shines through. The highlight of the book is various interviews with the likes of Roger Corman, John Carpenter and Ryuhei Kitamura (who directed the latest Godzilla movies in Japan) that are both informative and engaging. A great addition to the series.
Jan Svankmajer remains one of the greatest animators in cinema history. A member of the Czech Surrealist movement and an influence on countless other directors, including Terry Gilliam, his importance cannot be underestimated. In The Cinema Of Jan Svankmajer (by Peter Hames, published by Wallflower Press), Svankmajer’s development as a filmmaker is chronicled in a series of essays that not only explore the notions of surrealism, the use of objects within his work and the group of filmmakers that he found himself attached to. Within this there’s an in-depth interview with the man himself in which he speaks candidly about his career. With – comparatively - little work done on Svankmajer this is an indispensable study of a man and his art. However, novices may find some of this very hard going indeed so only those with a good grasp of film studies need apply.
They may have made a monkey out of him, especially when you consider that he was probably paid peanuts, but he’ll be glad to know that people will go ape at Me Cheeta (by Cheeta -honest, published by Fourth Estate). And I promise that’s the end of the monkey puns. Yes, it’s the autobiography of the monkey that accompanied Tarzan as he swung through the trees. But, as you will learn, there was much more to it than that, with stories of the stars that may have you wondering who the real animals are. This is a simply brilliant spoof of the Hollywood autobiographies that seem content to dazzle you with famous names and then tell you what complete and utter bastards everyone was. But this is not just an exercise in savage satire, though it does have that in abundance. There’s an underlying regret for an era that has passed, a lament for the Hollywood star that no longer exists and a fascination about the hidden faces of the people we often worship. A brilliantly savage and sharp book that would be chimp at half the price. Sorry, I lied.
The men of Easy Company were best known for being immortalised in Steven Spielberg’s awesome mini-series ‘Band of Brothers’. Now you can find out about their real story in Easy Company: 506th PIR in Photographs (edited by Alex Hedley, published by Genesis Publications), that comes complete with a foreword from Tom Hanks. It’s a wonderful document with more than 400 photographs interspersed with the memories of those who were there at the time. From the stiff and formal posed photographs to the candid shots of the company relaxing, it’s a revealing insight into a group of people whose bravery is unquestioned and whose brotherhood could never be broken. Limited to an edition of 1000 copies, the book is beautifully presented in an individually hand-bound edition complete with US Army Recruitment leaflet and army map. Whilst it’s not cheap, rabid fans of the series and photography enthusiasts will find this a very worthwhile investment.You can order the book HERE.
The days of the picture palace are long since over, with multiplexes becoming the new churches at which cinema is meant to be worshipped – though it may be argued that popcorn and soft drinks are the new gods in those places. In Shazam – The History Of A Regal Cinema (by Rob Hemming, published by word4word) the history of one of the great cinemas is recounted with affection and regret. Opened in 1932, The Regal in Evesham brought cinema to the people of the city. With employees that would be worthy of the cast of any Hollywood film, stories that would make the most jaded cinema goer a chuckle (such as the miscreant who slashed the seats only to get a job as an usher, as he knew all the troublemakers personally) and a wealth of information that will fascinate any film historian. But this is more than the history of an individual cinema: it’s also the history of the Hollywood studio system, the changing attitudes towards film throughout the decades and a personal exploration of one person’s love for the moving image. Hemming is a fantastic writer, with a wry sense of humour and a marked enthusiasm for the subject. If you love cinema history then this engaging and well illustrated book is just for you. For more information on buying the book go to www.shazam-the book.co.uk .
And in a few more TV and movie related books, there’s High School Musical - The Essential Guide (published by DK). Now, I admit I’m not exactly target audience for this phenomenon so I passed the book, which is a colourful guide to the films, on to a four year old who absolutely adored it. On that basis, I would say it’s pretty good actually. A perfect present for those who don’t have a clue what to buy little nieces/nephews. For people who are somewhat older there is School for Cooks (by Rosemary Shrager, published by DK), with 140 recipes from the ITV series. Written in an easy to understand style, the proof is in the pudding. In my case a French Apple Tart. I managed to make one, eat it and – hey – I’m still alive. So a thumbs up from me – and all those who come round my house for dinner. Look out for two audiobooks based on classic novels, which themselves have been turned into classic movies and TV shows. Firstly there's Brideshead Revisited (BBC Audio) which is a full Radio 4 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's classic starring Ben Miles and Eleanor Bron. As alwats with BBC Radio adapatations, this treats the source material with sympathy and elicits great performances out of its cast. It would make a great companion for a long journey as would Peter Firth's unabridges reading of Tess Of The D'Urbervilles (BBC Audio). Firth reads Thomas Hardy's story of a young girl held back by her past with passion and clarity and will keep absorbed, particualrly if it were a long winter night in front of the fire.
Finally, a round up of some of the newest film magazines that are available now. The Autumn ’08 edition of Electric Sheep (www.electricsheep.com ) With some typically eclectic articles, including a focus on Cruel Games in the cinema (including pieces on Battle Royale and Cube), an interview with Charles Burns and plenty of film and DVD reviews. Another brilliantly alternative look at the cinema. The latest issue of Film And Festivals Magazine (www.filmandfestivals.com) sees it go to an all digital format, which you can download for free. The current issue includes an examination of green issues, an interview with Simon Ellis and a focus on upcoming film festivals. Oh, and in the name of full disclosure, I also write for the magazine,. But don’t let that put you off. Finally, look out for issue 20 of Little White Lies (www.littlewhitelies.co.uk) including a focus on the Dardennes Brothers, interviews with Chuck Palahniuk and Terence Davies and other excellent features. One of the best designed movie magazines available.
Right that’s it. Page To Screen will be back in a few weeks with some of the best books that you can get to buy as presents or to immerse yourself in as you try and avoid the Xmas madness. If you have any books, magazines or anything else that you think will be relevant to this magazine then please email