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A Kind of Magic

Making the Original Highlander
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( 125 ratings, 24 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Kind of Magic by Jonathan Melville delves into the fascinating creation and enduring legacy of the cult film Highlander. Through interviews and insights, the book explores the challenges and triumphs behind the movie's production, its impact on popular culture, and how it became a timeless classic within the realm of science fiction and fantasy cinema.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring the cultural impact of iconic films and appreciate in-depth insights into their creation and legacy. It delves into the behind-the-scenes stories and the enduring legacy left by a beloved 1980s fantasy film, making it perfect for film enthusiasts and pop culture fans.

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Author Jonathan Melville looks back at the creation ofHighlanderwith the help of more than 60 cast and crew, including stars Christopher Lambert and Clancy Brown, as they talk candidly about the gruelling shoot that took them from the alleys of London, to the far reaches of the Scottish Highlands, and onto the streets of 1980s New York City.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The story of an immortal Scottish warrior battling evil down through the centuries, Highlander fused a high-concept idea with the kinetic energy of a pop promo pioneer and Queen's explosive soundtrack to become a cult classic.

When two American producers took a chance on a college student's script, they set in motion a chain of events involving an imploding British film studio, an experimental music video director still finding his filmmaking feet, a former James Bond with a spiralling salary, and the unexpected arrival of low-budget production company, Cannon Films.

Author Jonathan Melville looks back at the creation of Highlander with the help of more than 60 cast and crew, as they talk candidly about the gruelling shoot that took them from the back alleys of London, to the far reaches of the Scottish Highlands, and onto the mean streets of 1980s New York City. With insights from Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor on the film's iconic music, exclusive screenwriter commentary on unmade scripts, never-before-seen photos from private collections, and a glimpse into the promotional campaign that never was.

If there can be only one book on Highlander, then this is it!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jonathan Melville's A Kind of Magic is highly praised for its in-depth exploration of the Highlander film, offering an engrossing and definitive account enriched with on-set anecdotes. Critics appreciate the extensive interviews and archival material, highlighting it as essential reading for fans and an insightful look into the filmmaking process. With commendations for its thoroughness and entertainment value, it is considered an indispensable companion for enthusiasts of the film.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781913538446

Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 September 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polaris Publishing Limited

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 195.0mm

Weight: 317g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Jonathan Melvilleis a freelance arts journalist whose first book, 2015'sSeeking Perfection: The Unofficial Guide to Tremors, was called 'Informative, entertaining and, above all, a joy to read - 9/10' byStarburst, whileEmpiresaid 'This high-access tell-all...[is] an unexpected treat - 4/5'. He has contributed toThe Guardian, TheScotsman,SFXand BBC Radio Scotland. He lives in Edinburgh.

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