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Product Description
From the age of thirteen Ray Harryhausen knew his future lay in special effects. Drawing inspiration from his mentor Willis O’Brien, creator of King Kong, Ray took the art and skill of stop-motion animation one step further, weaving his magic on dinosaurs, aliens and mythological creatures alike. From early experiments with animating fairy tales in his father’s garage to creating groundbreaking effects for blockbuster movies, Ray Harryhausen shares the fascinating story of his ‘animated life’. The last great animator before the introduction of CGI, he takes us through the pleasures and pitfalls of sixty years dedicated to making movie magic. Learn how Raquel Welch was picked up by a flying dinosaur in One Million Years B.C., why the octopus in Mysterious Island had only six limbs, and what Medusa’s blood was made from in Clash of the Titans. From the flying harpies in Jason and the Argonauts to battling skeletons in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Ray recounts the films’ journeys from original concepts through to the critics’ reviews. Anecdotal, insightful and honest, An Animated Life features hundreds of photos from Ray’s personal archive. It explains the basics of special effects and stop-motion animation, what it was like to work with actors including Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith and Lionel Jeffries, and how his creations were ultimately the real stars of the movies.
About the Author
Ray Harryhausen is one of the most innovative and influential film-makers in the history of the medium. The winner of countless awards, including a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his work has inspired numerous directors and animators including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Nick Park. Ray was born in Los Angeles but now lives, together with his wife Diana, in the heart of London. Now retired, he continues to take an active interest in dimensional animation and occasionally gives talks on his work. Ray’s collection of memorabilia is held in trust by the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation. His books include Ray Harryhausen Fantasy Scrapbook, The Art of Ray Harryhausen, A Century of Modern Animation and Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life.
Tony Dalton is a writer and film historian who has known Ray Harryhausen for over thirty years. They met whilst Tony was working for the British Film Institute and have been close friends ever since. Tony has worked as a film publicist, television researcher and producer. Today, in addition to writing, he is a consultant to The British Academy of Film & Television Arts (Bafta). He is also curator of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation.
Tony Dalton is a writer and film historian who has known Ray Harryhausen for over thirty years. They met whilst Tony was working for the British Film Institute and have been close friends ever since. Tony has worked as a film publicist, television researcher and producer. Today, in addition to writing, he is a consultant to The British Academy of Film & Television Arts (Bafta). He is also curator of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
From the point of a lifelong fantasy film buff, a stunning book. Profusely illustrated with many previously unpublished photos and drawings.Many of his up until now secret cinematic techniques for bringing his stop motion animated characters to the big screen. The story of a young boy starting out in Los Angeles who's whole life was changed by seeing the 1933 epic film, King Kong at age 13. How he persevered throught the years to become the world's leading fantasy filmaker from the 1940's till his retirement in the early 80's. Lucas and Speilberg both consider Ray a major influence in their careers. This is the book film and fantasy lovers have been waiting for.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Some of my most vivid childhood memories revolve around the creations of Ray Harryhausen, so it was as a fan of the movies, rather than a scholar of animation, that I bought this book. Firstly, the text: Ray Harryhausen and Tony Dalton deserve huge credit for writing such vivid recollections. The book is laid out chronologically, and is hefty in detail. However, the text will appeal to a broad readership. Stop-motion techniques and insights into the making of the movies abound, but even the casual film-fan will enjoy the enthusiasm and clarity of the writing. Filled with interesting memories, facts and inspiration, reading this book is rewarding for all. Each and every Harryhausen project is charted - including those that failed to reach the screen. Of course, the bulk of the tome recalls the making of those fabulous movies for which Ray is famed. Secondly, the illustrations: Ray appears to be proud of his work and the amount of material he archived during the various stages of his career is astounding. That body of material has been plundered, with great effect, for this book. We have orginal storyboards, pre-production drawings, reproduction movie posters, location photographs, animation photographs, cast and crew photos - the lot. All beatifully presented and well referenced. I could go on, but you get the picture by now: If you are interested in movies; an animation enthusiast; enjoy a great read about somebody who loves his work; or, like me, are just a big fan of those ground-breaking movies; I urge you - buy this book, you won't regret it. Wonderful in its own right, and a perfect companion piece for the films.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I purchased this book as it brought back memories of some classic effects films I watched as a child. What I did not expect was that it would provide such a fascinating insight into the painstaking production of some tremendous animation sequences. I was particularly impressed by the concept artwork and storyboards for these action films. This book would make a great teaching aid to anyone interested in the history of special effects or the development of animation from artwork to moving image. Excellent commentary and analysis throughout.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A worthy book on the career of a great man
If there was any justice, two men in the history of fantasy and sci-fi TV/cinema would be billionaires-way ahead of anyone else. Read more
Published 5 months ago by fat man on a bicycle
Well illustrated and interesting
Haven't got time to write a long review but this book is great. Very much one for the fan of old films as there's plenty of detail. Heartily recommended.
Published on 12 April 2010 by M. HARVEY
The King of the Saturday Matinee Tells All!
When one thinks of the great filmmakers of all time, one needs just list the last names: Hitchcock, Spielberg, Scorcese, Ford, and Wilder, just to name a few. Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2009 by Reginald D. Garrard
This book is a must have for any RH fan.
This wonderfull book is worth the price just for the illustrations. There are hundreds, rainging from early sketches, to storyboards, film stills, photos & posters. Read more
Published on 29 Jun 2008 by Grasshopper
dont look in her eyes!!!!
if you have grown up watching these movies, prepare to travel back in time. its fantastic, love the drawings/pictures/posters of all his films. very happy!!!!
Published on 8 Dec 2007 by Mr. J. Warrington
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