“Making Monsters: Inside Stories from the Creators of Hollywood’s Most Iconic Creatures,” is written by Academy Award-winning make-up effects artist Howard Berger. It is also by acclaimed journalist Marshall Julius. This book is an absolute triumph for horror fans and film aficionados. It also fascinates anyone curious about the magic behind the movie monsters that have thrilled and terrified us for generations. This lavish, insightful, and beautifully assembled book is much more than a reference guide. It is a heartfelt love letter to the creature feature genre. The book bursts with passion and unparalleled behind-the-scenes access.
🎙️ The Unrivaled Oral History
The book’s greatest strength is its structure as an illuminating and accessible oral history. Berger and Julius have assembled an enviable roster of over 75 luminaries from across the film industry. This isn’t just a book for effects artists; it’s a deep dive into the collective creative process. Readers get to hear directly from directors like John Carpenter and Wes Craven (in his final interview). They also hear from iconic actors such as Robert Englund (who pens the foreword) and Barbara Crampton. Additionally, make-up and digital effects legends like Tom Savini and Greg Nicotero are featured. Their short, heartfelt, and often hilarious “war stories” are delivered in quickly paced, insightful snippets that keep the massive 320-page collection utterly engaging. This multitude of perspectives offers a rich, complete picture of monster creation, from the initial concept to the final scream.
🎨 A Visual Treasure Trove
Beyond the engaging text, “Making Monsters” is an absolutely gorgeous piece of work that is a must-have for any coffee table. It’s packed with hundreds of images, creating an all-access collage of visual splendor. The photographs are a highlight. They feature never-before-seen on-set photos and personal pictures from dozens of interview subjects. The collection is completed with stunning film stills. There are specially commissioned, new art pieces by celebrated artists like Jason Edmiston and Graham Humphreys. These pieces add an extra layer of artistry and collectibility. The book’s intentional, easy-to-read design, which pays mind to accessibility with its font and spacing, is a thoughtful detail that further elevates its presentation.
🧠The Enduring Legacy of the Creature Feature
The book wonderfully explores the entire creature feature genre. It begins with the earliest days of monster cinema, featuring legends like Lon Chaney and Bela Lugosi. Then it moves right up to modern icons such as Art the Clown and Vecna from Stranger Things. It doesn’t just focus on the ‘how’—it delves into the ‘why’: what makes a great movie monster? By foregrounding the actual monstrous creations, the authors explore their cultural impact and enduring appeal. The volume serves as a brilliant companion piece to Berger and Julius’s previous work, Masters of Make-Up Effects. It shifts the focus from the artists to the unforgettable creations themselves. It also discusses why these creations remain so iconic. The afterword by actor/director Alex Winter perfectly encapsulates why fans remain perpetually obsessed with the artists who “feed our nightmares.”
“Making Monsters” is a phenomenal, five-star read. It is an invaluable research tool for aspiring filmmakers. It is also a deeply satisfying, chest-bursting blast of visual gore-lore for every passionate horror fan.
Don’t forget to read the other blogs in my BASEMENT BOOK SHELF series. To add this book to your library, click on the book cover below.