Review by Booklist Review
Many reviewers of the sf movie The Matrix (1999) compared it, usually pejoratively, to a comic book, but few may have known that its directors, Larry and Andy Wachowski, began their careers in comics. They mapped out its complex story in an elaborate series of shot-by-shot storyboards drawn by prominent comics artists. Those 600 storyboards--essentially, a giant comic-strip of the film--are the core of this lavish tome that includes storyboards and commentary for three scenes cut before filming. Rounding out the massive volume are four gatefolds displaying conceptual drawings, thumbnail sketches by the Wachowski brothers, 32 pages of stills and posters, and the complete screenplay. The Matrix now enjoys a phenomenally successful afterlife as the largest-selling DVD ever, so expect this elaborate souvenir book, with its behind-the-scenes details, to be hugely appealing to the movie's insatiable fans. With two sequels to the movie in the works, the book may have long legs--shelf life, that is--too. --Gordon Flagg
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"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. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by School Library Journal Review
