Product Description

The film-maker Robert Rodriguez describes how he made "El Mariachi" for $7000, demonstrating many ways in which a film-maker can do for nothing what professionals spend thousands of dollars doing without a second thought.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #163461 in Books
• Published on: 1996-02-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 296 pages

Customer Reviews

Funny, informative and inspiring
As a film fan and someone with a creative urge, the story of someone making a movie on a miniscule budget was a compelling one and you won't realise just how extraordinary it is until you read this book.
Any exact details I tell you about the way Robert Rodriguez financed, filmed and sold El Mariachi will just spoil this book, as most of it just beggars belief, but it is basically his diary from the time and, as is displayed in his movies, Rodriguez is an entertaining story teller with a very easy and glib style and his love of movies shines through without ever losing track of reality (you won't find any glossy fairytale-esque takes on Hollywood and the movie industry). You get the feeling that this is a very lucky but very normal guy just living out his dream and it so refreshing to get such honesty from books like this.
By the end of it all you can't help but feel that you too could go and make a movie on a shoestring but it also reassures you that your dreams are possible if you're willing to put the effort in and see it through and in this age of nay-sayers and miserable pessimism (best displayed in recent British rock groups) it is a joy to hear someone give you a qualified 'yes you can' message and it is that which broadens this books appeal from beyond the prospective movie maker to anyone who has a longing to do anything creative and although it helps if you do have an interest in movies you don't have to worry about jargon busting.
At the end of the day this is a compelling story and the fact that it is a true story only adds to its mystique. Entertainingly written and wholly inspiring this book will make you dream again.

If you have ever wanted to make a film, READ THIS BOOK!
This is the best film-makers book about. There is no messing, this is true inspiration. "Get a camera, make a film", Rob manages to deliver this painfully simple advice in a most amusing way and the book will leave you wanting to do just that. It also includes the classic advice: Buy a crap tripod, just so you look professional, then don't use it. Static shots are stilted and boring, hold your camera and keep everything moving, it's much more exciting. I suppose you have to understand that the man makes action films, but there you go. A wonderful, well writen read. Nice one Rob.

Am essential budget film-making guide, and a funny read
Not knowing what to expect prose-wise from a film-maker famous for stylised violence, this text was a pleasant surprise; Rodriguez is erudite, funny (especailly in his recollection of selling himself to medical science to fund the film)and his obvious enthusiasm rubs of on you. He is honest, self-deprecating, and thankfully ego-free. This was one of the most entertaining reads I have ever read about film, made better because of the complete lack of pompous piety that Hollywood is famous for.