Jonathan Sanger

Luck plays its part when the author of a script is friends with the producer’s babysitter. Skill plays its part when the written page captivates and enthralls the man who will bring it to the screen. Knowing the right people helps a lot—choosing the right people, giving the right people freedom to make their own choices… making friends, being ready to forgive and try again, staying loyal, being kind… together all these skills combine to make a wonderful movie and an intriguing book. In Jonathan Sanger’s memoir, these skills come together to inform, inspire and entertain the reader in a tale that’s enjoyably readable and accompanied by well-chosen photos from the movie and from behind the scenes.

Making the Elephant Man invites readers into and behind the film set, telling the story from concept to completion, and including a wealth of fascinating facts, vignettes of well-known characters, information about filming method, the tasks of producers and directors, the making of masks, and even the choice of which scene should be filmed how and when. I really enjoyed the insight into a world I shall never know. But I also enjoyed the sense that these lessons could be applied elsewhere in any creative endeavor. As an English American, I loved the contrasts between our countries too. Now I want to watch the film again!

Disclosure: I was given a copy by a marketing company and I offer my honest review.… (more)