James Cameron: An Unauthorized Biography Of The Filmmaker

By Marc Shaprio

As told by veteran entertainment journalist Marc Shapiro, the story of James Cameron is rich in history and as explosively entertaining as any of his masterpiece films. Cameron the youngster built toy rockets and submarines and displayed at an early age the drive to win at any cost. The Cameron legend has it that when a neighbor stole some of little Jim's toys, he sneaked into the boy's backyard and sawed through the branches supporting his treehouse. When the treehouse collapsed, Cameron's rival ended up in the hospital. Ever since that day, James Cameron has been leaving many of those who cross his path in a state of mental or physical disrepair. But his fanaticism and incredibly strong work ethic also win the respect of those around him, and inspire many to go the extra mile. The teenager who was awestruck by the visual power and special effects of Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking "2001: A Space Odyssey" and immediately decided to become a filmmaker, has grown up to be one of the very best. But at what cost? Those who would label Cameron a self-absorbed, egotistical maniac have plenty of ammunition to back up their claims. As early as 1984's "The Terminator," cast and crew members took to wearing T-shirts with the slogan "You can't scare me...I work for James Cameron." Of course, the infamous director never really talks to co-workers on his sets, he barks at them in succinct soundbites. And he doesn't play favorites. Not even his franchise player, Arnold Schwarzenegger, got special treatment during the filming of "True Lies." High on a crane and ready to film a scene, he reports: "I had to go to the bathroom read bad. Jim screams up to me, 'No you can't You're a military man on a mission, would a real pilot land just to go to the bathroom?'" "James Cameron: An Unauthorized Biography of the Filmmaker" includes other revelations and insights: * how the idea for "The Terminator" came to him in a fever dream* how he fell overboard in love with actress Suzy Amis on the set of "Titanic"* how Cameron's antics drove several stars of "The Abyss" to near nervous breakdowns* how someone on the set of "Titanic" allegedly attempted to incapacitate the lovable director by slipping him, and the rest of the crew, the drug PCP

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158063124X
• ISBN13: 9781580631242
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Renaissance Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.4" x 1.2" x 6.2"

Customer Reviews

EGO MANIAC ON THE LOOSE

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL DIRECTORS OF LAST 2 DECADES. JAMES CAMERSON IS AN EGO MANIAC, PERFECTIONIST, WORKAHOLIC,SLAVE DRIVER. HE IS SELF CENTERED AND AROGANT. HE HAS HAD 4 MARRIAGES AND FAILED IN EACH. HE ALSO IS A TALENTED, SELF MOTIVATED, INTELLIGENT, AND CREATIVE PERSON. HE SEEMS TO STRIVE ON STRESS, PRESSURE, AND CHAOS. THIS BOOK CONTAINS MANY INTERESTING AND AMUSING TALES OF HIS DARK SIDE (MIJ). THE TELLING OF HIM GOING DOWN IN A MINI SUB TO DO SOME FILMING OF THE WRECKAGE OF THE TITANIC HIMSELF IS IN ITSELF A GREAT STORY. THIS IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES TO READ ABOUT BEHIND THE SCENES ABOUT MOVIE MAKING AND LIKES TO READ ABOUT GOSSIP CONCERNING SO CALLED HOLLYWOOD STARS. THE AUTHOR HAS A REALLY GOOD READ HERE.VERY RECOMMENDED.

Is he a psycho, or a genius?

This book is amazing. It explains all of James Cameron's movies, in detail. As well as the process he went through in making them, writing them, directing them, pre-production, production, and post-production. Not to mention the reviews critics gave the film, and it's popularity in the box office. And it explains his life and interest in moviemaking from the age of 10 to where he is now.

A very interesting book to read.

Over my life the "unauthorized" biographies are usually books with sorted details of sex, drugs and other scandals. Those books are usually a real turnoff for me. However, Marc Shapiro has written a book that I found both fascinating and enlightening at the same time.What Shapiro gives you is an inside look at the Filmmaker who is responsible for films like Titanic, The Terminator, True Lies and Terminator 2. Read and learn how Cameron got his start working for another film genius, Roger Corman.While this book leaves you to ponder the question of whether or not Cameron was the power hungry, controlling and manipulating filmmaker some have claimed or is Cameron just another Hollywood Movie flake or possibly the film industry's greatest genius.The quick and interesting read makes this book a real pleasure. If you like to read about how the movie industry moves and shakes than this book is one you'll want to add to your collection. Overall an excellent job and well worth the time to read!