The final months of 2025 have brought a wave of film literature that offers both retrospective and forward-looking perspectives on cinema. Among the standout releases are an exhaustive account of Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood,' a visual chronicle of Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein,' and the career-spanning reflections of cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins. These titles, along with several others, provide a rich tapestry of behind-the-scenes stories and critical analysis for film enthusiasts.
Jay Glennie's 'The Making of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,' published by Insight Editions, is a nearly 500-page exploration of the director's ninth film. This volume is part of the announced 'Quentin Tarantino Library' series, which will eventually cover all ten of Tarantino's films, including his forthcoming final project. The book is notable for its inclusion of set photographs by Andrew Cooper, capturing actors like Margaret Qualley, Austin Butler, Sydney Sweeney, and Mikey Madison, the latter of whom would go on to win an Oscar. One anecdote reveals how Madison, seeking a role in the Manson family, created a large painting as part of her creative pitch, a detail that underscores the film's unique casting process.
Sir Roger Deakins, the cinematographer behind films such as 'No Country for Old Men' and 'Blade Runner 2049,' has released 'Reflections on Cinematography' through Grand Central Publishing. The book offers a thoughtful look at his career, including his approach to lighting the Wallace Corporation interior in 'Blade Runner 2049,' where he aimed for a space where 'sunlight constantly played in motion.' Deakins also recounts the filming of a scene from Alex Cox's 'Sid and Nancy,' describing how a low cloud over the Twin Towers on a gray day provided a stark contrast with a pink neon 'PIZZA' sign, a moment he attributes to luck but which readers might see as skill.
For those interested in cinematic might-have-beens, David Robinson's 'Charles Chaplin’s The Freak: The Story of an Unfinished Film' (Sticking Place Books) delves into Chaplin's planned final film about a winged young woman named Sarapha, to be played by his daughter Victoria. The book includes archival photos, the full script, and recent interviews with Victoria Chaplin, offering a glimpse into a project that never came to fruition. Cecilia Cenciarelli's preface likens such unmade films to 'genies trapped in a lamp,' waiting to tell their stories.
Del Toro's Frankenstein and Other Notable Releases
Sheila O'Malley's 'Frankenstein: Written and Directed by Guillermo del Toro' (Insight Editions) documents the director's lifelong passion for Mary Shelley's novel, from his childhood reaction to James Whale's films to the construction of the Arctic ship seen in his adaptation. The book covers the film's development and production, including detailed studies of the creature's design.
The list of noteworthy books extends further. A. S. Hamrah's 'Algorithm of the Night' and 'Last Week in End Times Cinema' (Semiotext(e)) offer sharp critiques, with the former taking aim at Rotten Tomatoes' influence on criticism. Michael J. Fox's 'Future Boy' (Flatiron Books) recounts his time filming 'Back to the Future' while also working on 'Family Ties,' with humorous anecdotes about his exhausting schedule.
Other highlights include Rebecca Miller's documentary 'Mr. Scorsese' and Ian Nathan's book on the director, as well as Nicholas Rapold's exploration of Hayao Miyazaki's influences. For fans of comedy, 'No Lessons Learned' by Lorraine Ali covers 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' while 'Comedy Nerd' by Judd Apatow offers a photo-heavy career retrospective. The world of music is also represented, with books on Oasis, the Beatles, Abba, and David Bowie.
As the year winds down, these publications serve as both a celebration of cinema's past and a bridge to its future, offering readers a chance to delve deeper into the art and craft of filmmaking.
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