Rodriguez, much like many independent filmmakers, entered the cinema world with a movie that cost not even a skirmish of a typical Hollywood blockbuster. To make the movie, Rodriguez used his own money (a piddling $7,000) by participating in a experimental clinical drug testing and even veto some of the seemingly inexpensive movie tools (slate) to keep the costs down. The result was "El Mariachi", the movie that launched his career and showed that with a little creativity, anyone could make it in the business.
No matter what your opinion on the movie is (which is very good, in my opinion), you cannot deny that "Rebel Without a Crew" is a fantastic read. Rodriguez depicts the making of the film and then its subsequent celebration at film festivals in chronological order, breaking them down into dates like a diary. In the process, he shows what he did to keep the costs down and used a variety of techniques to make a movie look like a million bucks, such as using a ladder instead of crane for crane shots, a wheelchair for a dolly a la Godard or using a sound effects track on a VHS camera. It's also important to note that Rodriguez shot this whole film with only one camera and not a single crew member on the set. He was also 23 years old, two years younger than Orson Welles was when he made "Citizen Kane". This is a rags-to-riches story straight out of "Cinderella" and yet it's true. The book is so gripping that it would make an excellent movie. That's how good it is.
This book is extremely entertaining, but it's also very informative and refreshingly without prejudice towards Hollywood. When reading this book, you get a complete understanding of what it takes to get not only your movie made but also sold, distributed and promoted. Rodriguez gets to meet or contact with many of premier directors at that time, most notably Jonathan Demme, Richard Linklater and, of course, his future war buddy Quentin Tarantino. As the movie becomes more successful, Rodriguez achieves critical recognition, winning numerous awards and successfully entering the mainstream with films like "Desperado" and, after the book's release, "The Faculty" and "From Dusk Til' Dawn". In the end, Rodriguez had done the near impossible: he became an independent filmmaker that succeeded in Hollywood without losing his roots.
The icing in the cake, however, is the astonishing "Ten-Minute Film School", one of the book's final appendixes that details how you could make a movie without the need of a million dollars or even ten THOUSAND dollars. Rodriguez argues that using your smarts to overcome financial barriers, rather than being expensive, can turn a bad little movie into a great little movie. In the end, he offers encouragement for aspiring directors to keep their passions strong and following them will lead you to enormous fulfillment. Amen to that, hombre.
"Rebel Without a Crew" is one of the best books about making movies ever conceived, a tonic to the costly film schools and programs that promise you many and deliver little. At the same time, it's also a great underdog story of how a certain nobody used his brains and wit to achieve the impossible and become a success story - all for a mere seven grand. Engrossing, insightful and endlessly engaging, "Rebel Without a Crew" belongs in every movie lover's collection. Don't even think of making movies without buying this book first.
Strongest recommendation to buy.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$14.76
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 10
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Fans of Film will Enjoy
I had low expectations for this book and was pleasantly surprised to encounter a novel of such depth of field.
Top reviews from other countries
Edder Leyva
A BOOK THAT EVERY FILMMAKER SHOULD READ// UN LIBRO QUE CUALQUIER CINEASTA DEBERÍA LEER
Reviewed in Mexico on March 8, 2021
Amazon Kunde
Inspirierendes Buch für Filmliebhaber
Reviewed in Germany on May 20, 2021