Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Filming of the Doublas Adams Classic

It took 25 years to make the film version of the beloved SF classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and this illustrated book goes a long way towards explaining why. The 400 color photos, sketches, storyboards and artwork (much of which hasn't been seen before) reveal the project's massive scope. There are notes on the cast (which includes Sam Rockwell, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel and John Malkovich) and in-depth explanations of how the zany characters were created. The peek into Jim Henson's ""creature workshop"" in London is fascinating; readers learn how puppeteers fashioned the Vogons, creatures belonging to ""one of the most unpleasant races in the Galaxy."" They also get an education on how Marvin, the ""manically depressed robot,"" came to life; and how Zaphod, the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie, was designed (using a technique called cyberscanning, which is similar to the way an MRI scan at a hospital works). Other sections show how artists designed and constructed the Heart of Gold spaceship, with sketches of various concept designs for its interior. This comprehensive companion to the movie will delight those who've been enthralled by Hitchhiker as well as all lovers of science fiction film.