Items > Escape From New York > Books > Movie Tie-In Novel
Germany
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Bastei Lübbe
Pages: 181
Release Date: 1982 [Paperback]
Price: DM 6.80/Austria S 52.-
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Bastei Lübbe
Pages: 181
Release Date: 1991 [Paperback]
Price: DM 7.80/Austria S 61.-/Netherlands f 10.25/Spain P 700
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Apex-Verlag
Pages: 300
Release Date: February 12, 2019 [Paperback]
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Apex-Verlag
Pages: 264
Release Date: November 28, 2020 [Hardcover]
Thailand
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: N/A
Pages: 342
Release Date: May, 1982 [Paperback]
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: N/A
Pages: 238
Release Date: 1996 [Paperback]
UK
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Corgi
Pages: 181
Release Date: September 18, 1981 [Paperback]
US
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Bantam Books
Pages: 181
Release Date: July, 1981 [Paperback]
Price: $2.50
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Bantam Books
Pages: 181
Release Date: October, 1981 [Paperback]
Price: $2.50
Description: 1997: In an America ravaged by war and gutted by riots and social collapse, "Snake" Plissken was the deadliest man alive. Ex-soldier, Ex-hero, Outlaw, Snake was so slippery no trap could catch him, no jail could hold him. Then he was set up, betrayed captured. They sent him into the ultimate prison: New York City. A penal colony 12 miles long and two miles wide. An urban jungle where men had become things and only the the most brutal survived. But they gave him one shot at freedom. Somewhere in that cesspool of humanity was the President of the United States. Snake had twenty-four hours to find him. The rest was easy. He just had to get out alive.
Writer: Mike McQuay
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Pages: 181
Release Date: December, 1985 [Paperback]
Price: $2.95/CAN $3.50
Interviews:
There's Inspiration In B Movies [The Daily Oklahoman/Jan 25/1981/US] By Bruce Westbrook
On Living With Snake [Snakebit 2/Nov/1988/US] By Mike McQuay [Available in Escape Artists Vol. 1]
EFNY Author Mike McQuay On A Guy Named Snake [Pharr Out!/Issue 1/1994/US] By Kim August
Escape From New York: The Official Story of the Film
France
Description: Over forty years after the release of the iconic hit, Escape From New York: The Official Story of the Film delves into the archives to showcase the creation of the movie. Directed by John Carpenter and released in 1981, Escape From New York thrilled audiences worldwide with its memorable characters, gritty premise and creative special effects.
This must-have book is the ultimate retrospective to the cult-classic movie, illustrating the production process of the science-fiction blockbuster, plus the impact and influence in popular culture, as well as the costuming, special effects, music, posters, and much more. Featuring brand new interviews with cast and crew, plus a foreword written by award-winning filmmaker, Corin Hardy, this extraordinary collection of never-before-seen art will give fans exclusive insight into every aspect of the movie.
Writer: John Walsh
Publisher: Ynnis
Pages: 160
Release Date: November 16, 2022 [Hardcover]
Price: €45.00
Germany
Description: Over forty years after the release of the iconic hit, Escape From New York: The Official Story of the Film delves into the archives to showcase the creation of the movie. Directed by John Carpenter and released in 1981, Escape From New York thrilled audiences worldwide with its memorable characters, gritty premise and creative special effects.
This must-have book is the ultimate retrospective to the cult-classic movie, illustrating the production process of the science-fiction blockbuster, plus the impact and influence in popular culture, as well as the costuming, special effects, music, posters, and much more. Featuring brand new interviews with cast and crew, plus a foreword written by award-winning filmmaker, Corin Hardy, this extraordinary collection of never-before-seen art will give fans exclusive insight into every aspect of the movie.
Writer: John Walsh
Publisher: Cross Cult
Pages: 160
Release Date: November 07, 2022 [Hardcover]
Price: N/A
Japan [Limited Edition: 2000 Copies]
Description: Over forty years after the release of the iconic hit, Escape From New York: The Official Story of the Film delves into the archives to showcase the creation of the movie. Directed by John Carpenter and released in 1981, Escape From New York thrilled audiences worldwide with its memorable characters, gritty premise and creative special effects.
This must-have book is the ultimate retrospective to the cult-classic movie, illustrating the production process of the science-fiction blockbuster, plus the impact and influence in popular culture, as well as the costuming, special effects, music, posters, and much more. Featuring brand new interviews with cast and crew, plus a foreword written by award-winning filmmaker, Corin Hardy, this extraordinary collection of never-before-seen art will give fans exclusive insight into every aspect of the movie.
Writer: John Walsh
Publisher: Du Books
Pages: 160
Release Date: December 24, 2021 [Hardcover]
Price: ¥4.500
UK
Description: Over forty years after the release of the iconic hit, Escape From New York: The Official Story of the Film delves into the archives to showcase the creation of the movie. Directed by John Carpenter and released in 1981, Escape From New York thrilled audiences worldwide with its memorable characters, gritty premise and creative special effects.
This must-have book is the ultimate retrospective to the cult-classic movie, illustrating the production process of the science-fiction blockbuster, plus the impact and influence in popular culture, as well as the costuming, special effects, music, posters, and much more. Featuring brand new interviews with cast and crew, plus a foreword written by award-winning filmmaker, Corin Hardy, this extraordinary collection of never-before-seen art will give fans exclusive insight into every aspect of the movie.
Writer: John Walsh
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 160
Release Date: December 14, 2021 [US] [Hardcover]/December 17, 2021 [UK] [Hardcover]
Price: $50.00/£35.00
Trailer:
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film
Interviews:
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - Interview With Author John Walsh [Dragons and Droids/Oct 28/2021] By Mark Salter
Videos:
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - Poster Art With Matt Ferguson
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - John Walsh Discusses His New Book On London Live
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - John Walsh Discusses His New Book On Talk Radio Europe
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - John Walsh Discusses His New Book On 1980s Now Podcast
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - John Walsh Discusses His New Book On Dice Geek Podcast
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - Darren Monk Super Fan
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - Forbidden Planet TV Interview
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - John Walsh Discusses His New Book On The Filmumentaries Podcast
Escape From New York: The Official Story Of The Film - Trailer King
US
Escape Artists Vol. 1: Escape From New York Interviews [Support the site and buy my book on Amazon!]
Description: Join production historian Andreas Johansson and over sixty cast and crew for a journey back to the most dangerous place on Earth where breaking out is impossible and breaking in is insane. Contained within this book are untold stories from the making of John Carpenter's cult classic Escape From New York. Explore virtually every aspect of production through in-depth interviews and vintage articles. The book also features over fifty rare behind the scenes photos, some never before seen.
Writer: Andreas Johansson
Publisher: Harker Press
Pages: 338
Release Date: October 24, 2024 [Hardcover/Paperback]
Links:
Escape Artists Vol. 1 & 2 [Info/Trailer/Flyers]
Related Books [Selected]
Japan
On Set with John Carpenter: The Photographs of Kim Gottlieb-Walker
Description: John Carpenter's producing partner Debra Hill hired photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker to be the unit photographer on Halloween, and Kim soon became part of Carpenter’s filmmaking family, going on to shoot stills on the sets of some of his most iconic films: Halloween, The Fog, Escape From New York, Halloween II, Christine.
Collected together here for the first time is the best of that on-set photography, with iconic, rare, and previously unseen images. All accompanied by exclusive commentary from those involved, including John Carpenter himself, and other key crew and cast.
From production stills, to candids of the stars between takes, and the crew in action, alongside portrait shots of the actors who would eagerly pose for Kim, this book gives an unprecedented glimpse into the action on set with John Carpenter.
Escape From New York [Pages: 68-125]
Writer: Kim Gottlieb-Walker
Publisher: Yosensha
Pages: 176
Release Date: May 07, 2016 [Hardcover]
Price: ¥3.000
UK
On Set with John Carpenter: The Photographs of Kim Gottlieb-Walker
Description: John Carpenter's producing partner Debra Hill hired photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker to be the unit photographer on Halloween, and Kim soon became part of Carpenter’s filmmaking family, going on to shoot stills on the sets of some of his most iconic films: Halloween, The Fog, Escape From New York, Halloween II, Christine.
Collected together here for the first time is the best of that on-set photography, with iconic, rare, and previously unseen images. All accompanied by exclusive commentary from those involved, including John Carpenter himself, and other key crew and cast.
From production stills, to candids of the stars between takes, and the crew in action, alongside portrait shots of the actors who would eagerly pose for Kim, this book gives an unprecedented glimpse into the action on set with John Carpenter.
Escape From New York [Pages: 68-125]
Writer: Kim Gottlieb-Walker
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 176
Release Date: October 21, 2014 [US] [Hardcover]/October 24, 2014 [UK] [Hardcover]
Price: $29.95/CAN $34.95/£24.99
Interviews:
Kim Gottlieb-Walker Discusses Her New Book, On Set With John Carpenter [Daily Dead/Sep 10/2014] By Heather Wixon
Behind The Lens With John Carpenter's Set Photographer [Dazed Digital/Sep 25/2014] By Peter Yeung
Kim Gottlieb-Walker Takes You 'On Set With John Carpenter' [Halloween Daily News/Oct 17/2014] By Matt Artz
Kim Gottlieb-Walker On Capturing John Carpenter’s Landmark Horror Classics [Flavorwire/Oct 21/2014] By Alison Natasi
On Set With John Carpenter Author Kim Gottlieb-Walker [Deep Fried Movies/Nov 04/2014] By Matt Mulcahey
Kim Gottlieb-Walker On The Set With John Carpenter [Manta Ray Pictures/Dec 01/2014] By Terry Wickham
On Set With John Carpenter: The Photographs Of Kim Gottlieb-Walker [Little White Lies] By David Ehrlich [N/A]
Bringing Darkness Instead Of Light: Conversations With John Carpenter
Description: The definitive book on the archetypal Hollywood maverick
Since exploding onto the film world with his startling, sardonic science fiction debut Dark Star in 1974, John Carpenter has carved himself a unique course. His seminal 1978 slasher movie Halloween changed the face of horror cinema forever. Yet the disheartening initial reception endured by his 1982 shocker The Thing briefly thretened to derail Carpenter's career. In retrospect, the film has been enshrined as a masterpiece of genre cinema, and is now widely cited as the definitive example of a classic that was unrecognized by clueless critics upon release, only to enjoy a burgeoning reputation courtesy of a budding dedicated fanbase.
This outcast status has continued to haunt Carpenter throughout a career characterized by films as adored by his ever-growing army of devotees as they were initially dismissed, derided, even reviled by the critical establishment. Once considered merely as one of the most distinctive, influential, visionary filmmakers of the last fifty years, responsible for timeless, subversive cult favorites such as The Fog, Escape From New York, Christine, Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live, and In the Mouth of Madness.
Fully approved and endorsed by John Carpenter himself
Bringing Darkness Instead of Light is the culmination of over 15 years of startlingly candid conversations between John Carpenter and author Michael Doyle. In a wealth of frank, often funny and lively exchanges, we enjoy an unprecedented insight into the famously-private filmmaker's life and career, rich with amusing anecdotes and jaw-dropping details never previously seen in print. They delve not just into the production of his movies, but also the creative process, and Carpenter's forthright views on topics as diverse as politics, fear, drugs, and the weird tales of the author H.P. Lovecraft, alongside Carpenter's frequently colourful opinions on his contemporaries in the film business. This is further supplemented by interviews conducted by Doyle with over a hundred of Carpenter's closest collaborators, family, colleagues, and friends.
The result is a groundbreaking, boldly unguarded insight into an iconic Hollywood legend, accompanied by numerous previously unpublished photos. Bringing Darkness Instead of Light will delight and enlighten not only John's worldwide legion of fans, but also everyone with an interest in the horror and science fiction genres, and the ineffable magic of cinema.
Writer: Michael Boyle
Publisher: FAB Press
Pages: 648 [Estimated]
Release Date: Spring, 2025 [FAB Press Exclusive/Hardcover with Slipcase]/Summer, 2025 [Hardcover]
US
Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound
Description: The Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound embraces the subject of sound for motion pictures and television productions with a dedicated emphasis on the art and application of the various techniques and philosophies. Told through interviews with the top sound craftsmen in the industry and firmly grounded in practical techniques, this book will provide real-life examples and relevant technical data, as well as an appreciation of all of the processes involved in creating motion picture sound.
This book covers motion picture sound from the point of view of the key figures in the sound department on a set and describes the practices common in the industry today. The accompanying audio CD presents demonstration material, as well as a large library of sound effects, while numerous charts, illustrations, and photographs help to demonstrate techniques and industry practices.
Escape From New York [Page: 23]/Test Audience Screening [Page: 179]/Custom Sound Effects [Page: 202]/Special Effect Trick [Pages: 288-289]
Writer: David Lewis Yewdall
Publisher: Focal Press
Pages: 267
Release Date: September 01, 1999 [Paperback]
Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound
Description: Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound embraces the subject of sound for films. Based on the experience of the author and other top sound craftspeople and firmly grounded in practical techniques, this book provides numerous real-life examples and relevant technical data, as well as an appreciation of all the processes involved in creating motion picture sound.
This edition is completely revised, with all-new chapters on 5.1, the Nagra IV-S, and the Nagra V. The ProTools content is expanded, and there are new sections on how to record Foley in Pro Tools and the concept of ADR/looping. The accompanying audio CD presents demonstration material as well as a large library of sound effects, while numerous charts, illustrations, and photographs help to demonstrate techniques and common industry practices.
Escape From New York [Page: 23]/Test Audience Screening [Page: 179]/Custom Sound Effects [Page: 202]/Special Effect Trick [Pages: 288-289]
Writer: David Lewis Yewdall
Publisher: Focal Press
Pages: 424
Release Date: February 28, 2003 [Paperback]
Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound
Description: Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound embraces the subject of sound for films. Based on the experience of the author and other top sound craftspeople, this book provides numerous real-life examples and relevant technical data. It also is firmly grounded in practical techniques and it will show you an appreciation of all the processes involved in creating motion picture sound, from how to achieve great sound despite a small budget and less-than-perfect recording conditions to steps you will need to take to create an artful audio experience.
This edition is completely revised and expanded, and the most popular sound editing systems, Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro, are covered in-depth. The accompanying NEW DVD presents demonstration material as well as a large library of sound effects, while numerous charts, illustrations, and photographs help to demonstrate techniques and common industry practices.
Among other topics, Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound, Third Edition includes:
Preproduction planning
Production tips
Sound design
Sound editing
ADR and looping
Using Pro Tools
Using Nagra's analog and digital systems
Custom recording sound effects
Escape From New York [Page: 23]/Test Audience Screening [Page: 179]/Custom Sound Effects [Page: 202]/Special Effect Trick [Pages: 288-289]
Writer: David Lewis Yewdall
Publisher: Focal Press
Pages: 592
Release Date: May 21, 2007 [Paperback]
Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound
Description: Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound, 4th edition relies on the professional experience of the author and other top sound craftspeople to provide a comprehensive explanation of film sound, including mixing, dubbing, workflow, budgeting, and digital audio techniques. Practically grounded with real-world stories from the trenches throughout, the book also provides relevant technical data, as well as an appreciation of all the processes involved in creating optimal motion picture sound.
New to this edition are exclusive sound artist lessons from the field [including 2 new production cases studies], including insight from craftspeople who have worked on the latest Harry Potter and Batman films. All technological changes have been updated to reflect the most current systems.
Escape From New York [Page: 23]/Test Audience Screening [Page: 179]/Custom Sound Effects [Page: 202]/Special Effect Trick [Pages: 288-289]
Writer: David Lewis Yewdall
Publisher: Routledge
Pages: 680
Release Date: May 20, 2011 [Paperback]/February 07, 2018 [Hardcover]
John Carpenter: The Prince of Darkness
Description: John Carpenter, a quintessential horror movie director, is a true film auteur -- a writer, director, composer, producer, editor, and actor -- whose unique and inspired work has brought him the praise and admiration of both film critics and horror cultists. He is both the product of and an important participant in the American filmmaking tradition, and the intelligent, moody, and strange films with which his name is so quickly associated are sometimes simply Westerns in disguise. Essentially a lengthy, lively, and candid interview with Carpenter, this book covers his background, his inspirations, and his ups and downs in Hollywood and thoroughly discusses each of his films. Among the many and varied subjects that pop up are his Bible Belt childhood, German expressionism, Howard Hawks, John Wayne, The King, Barbra Streisand, Michael Myers, Kurt Russell, Stephen King, quantum physics, and attractive female extras. Among Carpenter's films are Dark Star, Halloween, Assault on Precinct 13, The Fog, Escape From New York, The Thing, Christine, Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live, Village of the Damned, In the Mouth of Madness, and Escape From L.A. In addition to penning most of the screenplays for the films he has directed, he co-wrote The Eyes of Laura Mars.
Escape From New York [Pages: 122-132]
Writer: Gilles Boulenger
Publisher: Silman-James Press
Pages: 220
Release Date: May 01, 2003 [Paperback]
Price: $19.95
The Cinema of John Carpenter: The Technique of Terror
Description: John Carpenter is a seminal figure in the history of horror and science fiction filmmaking. His work in these genres has been highly influential in their ongoing development. This book gives Carpenter's output the sustained critical treatment it deserves. It comprises essays that address the whole of Carpenter's work, as well as others which focus on a smaller number of key films. Some essays take on wide-ranging issues such as Carpenter's approach to remakes and the question of genre, while others are organized around a specific theme or technical aspect of Carpenter's film-making. The text's key strength is that it draws upon an international group of scholars offering a variety of expertise. Films discussed include Assault on Precinct 13 [1976], Halloween [1978] and its subsequent sequels, Escape From New York [1981], Escape From L.A. [1996], The Fog [1980], The Thing [1982], Village of the Damned [1995] and Ghosts of Mars [2001]. The book also features an exclusive interview with John Carpenter.
Masculinity, Kurt Russell and the Escape Films By Robert Shail [Pages: 107-117]
From Elvis to L.A.: Reflections on the Carpenter-Russell Films By Tony Williams [Pages: 118-127]
Writers: Ian Conrich & David Woods
Publisher: Wallflower Press
Pages: 224
Release Date: May 11, 2005 [Hardcover/Paperback]
Assault on the System: The Nonconformist Cinema of John Carpenter
Description: Like so many, Carpenter found a much-needed escape from reality at the movies - and his love of the medium inspired him to start up his own fanzines when he was just a kid. He initially aspired to make westerns, but fate had other ideas in mind. Sooner than resist being typecast as a horror filmmaker, Carpenter embraced the moniker of "master of horror," all the while dipping in and out of the genre as he tried his hand at everything from sci-fi romps like They Live [1988] to gritty action thrillers like Escape From New York [1981] and romantic fantasies like Starman [1984].
Carpenter's love of old school Hollywood, embodied in his passion for the films of Howard Hawks, inspired him to create a persona which eschews arthouse pretentions in favor of classical storytelling and craftsmanship. Working with budgets low and high, he always saw to it that his films looked and sounded as slick and professional as possible - and his use of anamorphic Panavision in virtually all of his theatrical features gives even the smallest of his films a larger-than-life pictorial allure. Carpenter doesn't specialize in real life: he specializes in movies-and all the artifice that entails.
Then there's the music - that distinctive minimalist approach to synthesizer scoring which gives his films an even more unmistakable personality. As the son of an accomplished musician and music historian, Carpenter brought his flair for music, as well as his sense of timing, to bear on a variety of subjects.
One of the constant themes running through Carpenter's work is a deep distrust of authority in its various forms. Early hopes of finding acceptance within the Hollywood system soon gave way to an understanding that he preferred being his own boss, working outside of the system in order to preserve the integrity of his vision.
Assault on the System - The Nonconformist Cinema of John Carpenter charts Carpenter's trajectory from screenwriter-for-hire to director of low-budget oddities like Dark Star [1974] to his meteoric rise and fall within the very system he came to distrust. All of Carpenter's films are analyzed in detail, including his forays into made-for-TV fare, and his various sideline projects as a writer, a composer, and a producer are also examined. Brand new interviews with Carpenter, his wife Sandy King-Carpenter, and actor Keith Gordon also help to provide a glimpse into the man, his methods, and what makes him tick. In addition, there are hundreds of eye-catching images, including theatrical posters, stills, behind the scenes shots, and more. The end result is a comprehensive celebration of one of America's great, yet oft-unsung auteurs, and a true independent spirit in his chosen medium. Guest essays by: Matty Budrewicz & Dave Wain, Lee Gambin, John Harrison, Randall D. Larson, Robert Russell LaVigne, Francesco Massaccesi, Paul Poet, and Nick Smith. Published by WK Books, publishers of Weng's Chop Cinema Megazine and Monster! Digest.
The President of What? [Pages: 84-97]
Writer: Troy Howarth
Publisher: WK Books
Pages: 463
Release Date: September 20, 2020 [Color Edition/Paperback]/September 25, 2020 [Standard Edition/Paperback]
Price: $64.95/CAN $86.95/£51.95/€55.95
Joe Alves Adventures In Film Design: An Illustrated Biography [Limited Edition: 1000 Copies]
Description: HE'S GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOOK...
In 1974, Joe Alves conceived the monsterous Great White Shark of Jaws. Working with a team of inventive craftmen, he unleashed a 25-foot 'pratical effect' of the most impractical sort [many said it couldn't be done]. By this feet alone, he has become regarded as a legendary Hollywood Production Designer.
During his 40-year career, he has applied and evolved his design talent in numerous feature films, television, and beyond: Forbidden Planet. Torn Curtain. Night Gallery. Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Escape From New York. And more.
His adventures in film design led him to serve in an impressive variety of production roles: Animator. Art Director. Technical Advisor. Production Designer. Visual Consultant. Feature Film Director. [Oh, and he's been a Formula Race Champion, too!]
And, along the way, he has collaborated with some of the most notebly names in the annals of film and television: Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, John Badham, Taylor Hackford, and more.
This is the official account of Joe Alves' incredible adventures in film design, contained within this incredible massive volume, fully illustrated with his original film art, photographs, design notes, and personal anecdotes.
It is a bigger book...because anything less wouldn't do.
Writer: Dennis L. Prince
Publisher: Woodhills Publications
Pages: 528
Release Date: March, 2025 [Hardcover]
Autobiographies
UK
Ernest Borgnine: My Autobiography
Description: We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty... we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity... we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra... and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind the famous roles? Now for the first time, he tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir.
For more than fifty years, Ernest -- or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends -- has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, talented actor, and a living legend. Stretching from his childhood as the son of Italian immigrants to a spectacular career that is still thriving in his 91st year, from the early days of live TV to the voiceovers for The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, Ernie tells of the trials and tribulations on his road to fame, the friendships he shared with some of the silver screen's biggest stars, and the glamorous leading ladies he loved.
Acclaimed for his ability to play sensitive and tough-guy roles equally well, he was also famous for squaring off against some of Hollywood's most formidable actresses -- including Bette Davis in A Catered Affair and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. Recalling his experiences starring in classic movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Wild Bunch, and Escape From New York, he reveals personal insights and irresistible stories about cinema's greatest icons -- including Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, Janet Leigh, Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, and Burt Lancaster. And with characteristic frankness, he also talks about his off-screen loves and passions.
Writer: Ernest Borgnine
Publisher: Aurum
Pages: 256
Release Date: April 01, 2009 [Hardcover]
US
There Are Worse Things I Could Do
Description: Adrienne Barbeau never set out to be a sex symbol and she never intended to become the poster girl for women over 50 having babies, but both those stories and a lot more are detailed in this witty, revealing memoir of the Tony-nominated actress. This book covers Adrienne's early years in New York ["No one said Mafia out loud in those days. There was always the fear you wouldn't live to say anything else."], to starring on Broadway in Grease ["Alexander Cohen swore the only way we'd win a Tony was over his dead body"]. She tells tales about her two hit television series [Maude and Carnivale], her many television and feature films [The Fog, Escape From New York, Cannonball Run, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Creepshow], her singing career ["Doc Severinson and the band had been in the audience during my nude foray off-Broadway in Stag Movie"], her romance with Burt Reynolds, her marriage to director John Carpenter, and marrying a much younger man and giving birth to twins at age 51.
Escape [Pages: 183-190]
Writer: Adrienne Barbeau
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Pages: 352
Release Date: March 21, 2006 [Hardcover]/
There Are Worse Things I Could Do
Description: Adrienne Barbeau never set out to be a sex symbol and she never intended to become the poster girl for women over 50 having babies, but both those stories and a lot more are detailed in this witty, revealing memoir of the Tony-nominated actress. This book covers Adrienne's early years in New York ["No one said Mafia out loud in those days. There was always the fear you wouldn't live to say anything else."], to starring on Broadway in Grease ["Alexander Cohen swore the only way we'd win a Tony was over his dead body"]. She tells tales about her two hit television series [Maude and Carnivale], her many television and feature films [The Fog, Escape From New York, Cannonball Run, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Creepshow], her singing career ["Doc Severinson and the band had been in the audience during my nude foray off-Broadway in Stag Movie"], her romance with Burt Reynolds, her marriage to director John Carpenter, and marrying a much younger man and giving birth to twins at age 51.
Escape [Pages: 183-190]
Writer: Adrienne Barbeau
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Pages: 368
Release Date: April 03, 2007 [Paperback]
Price: $15.95
Ernie: The Autobiography
Description: We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty... we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity... we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra... and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind the famous roles? Now for the first time, he tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir.
For more than fifty years, Ernest -- or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends -- has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, talented actor, and a living legend. Stretching from his childhood as the son of Italian immigrants to a spectacular career that is still thriving in his 91st year, from the early days of live TV to the voiceovers for The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, Ernie tells of the trials and tribulations on his road to fame, the friendships he shared with some of the silver screen's biggest stars, and the glamorous leading ladies he loved.
Acclaimed for his ability to play sensitive and tough-guy roles equally well, he was also famous for squaring off against some of Hollywood's most formidable actresses -- including Bette Davis in A Catered Affair and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. Recalling his experiences starring in classic movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Wild Bunch, and Escape From New York, he reveals personal insights and irresistible stories about cinema's greatest icons -- including Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, Janet Leigh, Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, and Burt Lancaster. And with characteristic frankness, he also talks about his off-screen loves and passions.
Writer: Ernest Borgnine
Publisher: Citadel Press
Pages: 288
Release Date: August 01, 2008 [Hardcover]
Ernie: The Autobiography
Description: We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty... we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity... we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra... and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind the famous roles? Now for the first time, he tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir.
For more than fifty years, Ernest -- or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends -- has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, talented actor, and a living legend. Stretching from his childhood as the son of Italian immigrants to a spectacular career that is still thriving in his 91st year, from the early days of live TV to the voiceovers for The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, Ernie tells of the trials and tribulations on his road to fame, the friendships he shared with some of the silver screen's biggest stars, and the glamorous leading ladies he loved.
Acclaimed for his ability to play sensitive and tough-guy roles equally well, he was also famous for squaring off against some of Hollywood's most formidable actresses -- including Bette Davis in A Catered Affair and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. Recalling his experiences starring in classic movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Wild Bunch, and Escape From New York, he reveals personal insights and irresistible stories about cinema's greatest icons -- including Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, Janet Leigh, Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, and Burt Lancaster. And with characteristic frankness, he also talks about his off-screen loves and passions.
Writer: Ernest Borgnine
Publisher: Thorndike Press
Pages: 399
Release Date: October 01, 2008 [Hardcover]
Ernie: The Autobiography
Description: We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty... we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity... we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra... and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind the famous roles? Now for the first time, he tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir.
For more than fifty years, Ernest -- or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends -- has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, talented actor, and a living legend. Stretching from his childhood as the son of Italian immigrants to a spectacular career that is still thriving in his 91st year, from the early days of live TV to the voiceovers for The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, Ernie tells of the trials and tribulations on his road to fame, the friendships he shared with some of the silver screen's biggest stars, and the glamorous leading ladies he loved.
Acclaimed for his ability to play sensitive and tough-guy roles equally well, he was also famous for squaring off against some of Hollywood's most formidable actresses -- including Bette Davis in A Catered Affair and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. Recalling his experiences starring in classic movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Wild Bunch, and Escape From New York, he reveals personal insights and irresistible stories about cinema's greatest icons -- including Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, Janet Leigh, Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, and Burt Lancaster. And with characteristic frankness, he also talks about his off-screen loves and passions.
Writer: Ernest Borgnine
Publisher: Citadel Press
Pages: 272
Release Date: August 01, 2009 [Paperback]
Ernest Borgnine: My Autobiography
Description: We wept at his Oscar-winning role in Marty... we gasped when he took on Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity... we were riveted by his compelling performances in The Dirty Dozen, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Ice Station Zebra... and we laughed at his television sitcom McHale's Navy. We loved all of Ernest Borgnine's many portrayals, but what did we know about the man behind the famous roles? Now for the first time, he tells us in his own words the fascinating story of his life in this witty, candid, and revealing memoir.
For more than fifty years, Ernest -- or "Ernie" as he's known to his friends -- has been one of the most recognized, celebrated stars in Hollywood as well as a respected, talented actor, and a living legend. Stretching from his childhood as the son of Italian immigrants to a spectacular career that is still thriving in his 91st year, from the early days of live TV to the voiceovers for The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, Ernie tells of the trials and tribulations on his road to fame, the friendships he shared with some of the silver screen's biggest stars, and the glamorous leading ladies he loved.
Acclaimed for his ability to play sensitive and tough-guy roles equally well, he was also famous for squaring off against some of Hollywood's most formidable actresses -- including Bette Davis in A Catered Affair and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar. Recalling his experiences starring in classic movies such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Wild Bunch, and Escape From New York, he reveals personal insights and irresistible stories about cinema's greatest icons -- including Spencer Tracy, James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Montgomery Clift, Gary Cooper, Janet Leigh, Raquel Welch, Gene Hackman, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd, Glenn Ford, and Burt Lancaster. And with characteristic frankness, he also talks about his off-screen loves and passions.
Writer: Ernest Borgnine
Publisher: JR Books
Pages: 256
Release Date: March 25, 2010 [Paperback]