Dances with Wolves: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film

by Kevin Costner, Michael Blake, Jim Wilson

Now back in print in an expanded edition with additional production notes and photos in full color, to coincide with major DVD launch from MGM in spring 2002. The fascinating official pictorial moviebook (over 300,000 copies sold of the first edition) of the seven-time Oscar®-winning film (including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay) takes readers behind the scenes to tell the complete story of the epic film, in a combination of screenplay and narrative, surrounded by text, photo, and art features on the Plains Indians, the frontier, and the Civil War history on which the movie was based. Includes articles by star/co-producer/director Kevin Costner, author Michael Blake, coproducer Jim Wilson and more than 170 photos and drawings—plus the complete cast and credits. Over 200 illustrations, 100 in color.

Author Biography: Kevin Costner won the Oscar for Best Director and, with co-producer Jim Wilson, won Best Picture for Dances With Wolves. He has since starred in, produced, and directed many major motion pictures. Michael Blake wrote the novel Dances With Wolves and the sequel The Holy Road.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Native American

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1990

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on a big Dances with Wolves kick since watching the movie on TV a few weeks ago. Since then, I recorded it and have watched it two more times. I loved the movie the first time I saw it back when it was released and plan to read the book that inspired the movie. I really like John Dunbar's thoughtful narration and his deep contemplation of whatever circumstances he finds himself in.

[Jason Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrated with both coloured and black and white photography, with detailed movie dialogue, description, and diagrams, this companion to "Dances With Wolves" is indeed a story. Historical excerpts of the film's time period are scattered throughout, as well as brief biographies of the main actors and film contributors. Based on author Michael Blake's novel of the same name, who is the screenwriter for "Dances," this is a companion to the Academy Award-winning best picture of 1990, essentially identical to the movie from start to finish.

Kevin Costner, who directs, also stars in this film as Lieutenant Dunbar, who, while awarded for his heroism in the American Civil War with any post in the Army, falls in love with the Western frontier. His story envelops mutual trust and friendship with the Sioux and love with a beautiful woman. And, of course, a metaphorical relationship with a frontier wolf that bears Dunbar's Sioux name encompasses the story.

Historically accurate, this is a much needed book for any "Dances" fan.

[C2015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mix of the screenplay, including scenes that were cut from the theatrical version, history, knowledge about the first nations in the United States, and anecdotes of filming. I had just recently watched the directors cut, the long one, and had totally forgotten about Cisco and Two socks getting killed… I’m so heartbroken. I know that was deliberate to show the horrible disregard for the value of the natural world … It was devastating. I was so pleased to hear that the first nations were pleased with their depiction… I thought it was beautiful and I’d much rather live that society than what we have done. Wind in his hair was just about the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and still is. my only complaint about this book is I would have loved to have had more anecdotes from filming and have interviews with the indigenous actors.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say enough about this book. I wish that I had read this book first before seeing the movie. This book brings to life a period in history that I know only from what I was taught in school so many years ago. The book takes history to a new level. Indian life and culture were more than the "cowboys and Indians" theme. In my limited experience the book portrayed the relationships more realistically. This book is worth the time to read. it.

[Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion to both book and movie