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| All I Need to Know about Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger | 
 enlarge | Authors: Lloyd Kaufman, James Gunn, Roger Corman
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Category: Book
Buy New: $18.50
Buy New/Used from $10.33
Avg. Customer Rating:  (188 reviews)
Sales Rank: 486927
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 352
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.1 x 1
ISBN: 0425163571
Dewey Decimal Number: 791.430233092
EAN: 9780425163573
ASIN: 0425163571
Publication Date: August 1, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Save your money March 16, 2007
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
I love How-To books. I've read scores of them and have learned something worthwhile from every one. Except this one. It's 300 pages of self-indulgent, autobiographical rambling.
I wanted to get an overview and some nuts-and-bolts insights into independent filmmaking. Instead I got Kaufman talking about himself, which is his favorite thing to do. It's not uninteresting, and he is a character, but where's the beef in the burger? It's all condiments and anecdotes about how clever and iconoclastic and offensive the producer is. Here and there he lets slip real information such as how much soundtrack editing costs per day, but most of this will only interest fans of Troma films.
A really helpful nonfiction book will give you a bibliography at the end so you can find more information on the topic. Kaufman the salesman gives a 22-page filmography of Troma productions so he can make more money off you.
Funny & Informative! February 19, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you're a fan of Lloyd Kaufman, Troma's films, or just interested in independent cinema....you need this book! The details on the early days of Troma are fascinating, and Kaufman never lets things get even slightly boring. Although this is a humorous, often outrageous book...there really is a wealth of information on how to make a movie on a budget. Troma has always cultivated a sense of community with their fans, and this book is the icing on the cake.
The Winningest Sleazebag In Show Business February 13, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I recently met Lloyd at the Tromadance Film Festival and found him to be a perfectly charming man with an appalling taste for puns. I later read this book and learned that Lloyd is not only charming but a real artist, a savvy businessman and a total freak! I mean, this guy could give Freud's Rat Man a run for his money! What's interesting is that Lloyd presents his predilection for scatological mayhem with such innocence and good will, as if he thinks this is the sort of thing that everybody likes: "Offensive? Really? But I thought you wanted her belly to be ripped open and have rats and maggots come pouring out. Sorry." Needless to say this book is a complete delight and I highly recommend it. Also, Mr. Kaufman's protestations to the contrary, this is in fact a very good and accurate guide to making an actual independent movie.
Great read! December 14, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is really entertaining even if you aren't an aspiring film maker. If you are just a Troma buff, or a B movie buff, or you just have a fleeting interest in low budget movies. It's an easy read. Funny stuff!
Hilarious, Best Book on Filmmaking EVER!! October 2, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is, by far, the best book for an aspiring filmmaker. Laced with entertaining anecdotes, as well as practical filmmaking advice on actors, props, and even special effects. Forget Spielberg, Welles, and Bergman, Lloyd Kaufamn is a true cinematic artist that shares all of his low-budget cinema secrets. A must read!
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