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The Crow: The Story Behind the Film
The Crow is the ultimate cult movie, with a dedicated worldwide following, and two sequels, plus a fourth currently in production. Now, ten years after the original film’s release, the full story of this seemingly cursed production can finally be told...
In The Crow’s last days of filming, its star Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee) was killed in a strange on-set accident, while filming his character’s death scene. Bridget Baiss describes the chain of events which led from O’Barr’s creation of the graphic novel, up to this fateful day, and beyond, to the film’s final, triumphant release.
The definitive account of The Crow’s production and the phenomenon it became, packed with scores of interviews with the film’s cast and crew.
In The Crow’s last days of filming, its star Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee) was killed in a strange on-set accident, while filming his character’s death scene. Bridget Baiss describes the chain of events which led from O’Barr’s creation of the graphic novel, up to this fateful day, and beyond, to the film’s final, triumphant release.
The definitive account of The Crow’s production and the phenomenon it became, packed with scores of interviews with the film’s cast and crew.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2016
Five star book about a five star movie.
The title of the book is self explanatory. But what's inside is so much more than you can imagine. The chaos and tension, fights and fun, everything everyone had to go through during the making of this story and film...it's unbelievable and shocking. And that doesn't even get to the unexpected and heartbreaking accident that fell upon Brandon Lee while filming. Was something that took an enormous toll on everyone. Cast, crew, family, friends especially. And of coarse fans and moviegoers everywhere. And yet, considering everything, we all know what happened. Working past what was missing, and keeping with them the heart and intentions that filled the person who was missing, the cast and crew manage to come together, like a strong family, to finish and release The Crow.
Really good book. I was hooked from beginning to end. Sounding true to everyone interviewed and genuine. It also really helps you get an idea of the way Brandon Lee was. How full of life he was, happy, willing, disciplined, loving and talented. Had he lived, I think we all know he would've come so much further with his talent for acting. Something he was passionate about.
However, I do believe that he may be doing very well...wherever he is :-)
Great acting. Great story. Great direction. Great picture. Great action. Great emotion. Amazing purpose. A film everyone should see followed by a good book going back to it with every step.
The title of the book is self explanatory. But what's inside is so much more than you can imagine. The chaos and tension, fights and fun, everything everyone had to go through during the making of this story and film...it's unbelievable and shocking. And that doesn't even get to the unexpected and heartbreaking accident that fell upon Brandon Lee while filming. Was something that took an enormous toll on everyone. Cast, crew, family, friends especially. And of coarse fans and moviegoers everywhere. And yet, considering everything, we all know what happened. Working past what was missing, and keeping with them the heart and intentions that filled the person who was missing, the cast and crew manage to come together, like a strong family, to finish and release The Crow.
Really good book. I was hooked from beginning to end. Sounding true to everyone interviewed and genuine. It also really helps you get an idea of the way Brandon Lee was. How full of life he was, happy, willing, disciplined, loving and talented. Had he lived, I think we all know he would've come so much further with his talent for acting. Something he was passionate about.
However, I do believe that he may be doing very well...wherever he is :-)
Great acting. Great story. Great direction. Great picture. Great action. Great emotion. Amazing purpose. A film everyone should see followed by a good book going back to it with every step.
July 21, 2016
This book was a gift from my grandma a couple of years ago, because she knows as well as anyone else that The Crow is my all-time favorite movie.
I didn't think it was possible to love this movie more, but the book managed to do just that, make me love it more. This book encompassed every part of the filmmaking process--including some laugh-out-loud pitches that were made to James O'Barr early on!--from the choosing of the director all the way down to the very last shots that had to be improvised after Brandon's death. We even see why the movie almost wasn't released after all.
All of the cast that were interviewed for this made a cult classic even more special...except for Sofia Shinas, the actress who played Shelly Webster. I felt that her comments about Brandon Lee's fiancée were unwarranted and came across as petty; it made Sofia look unprofessional, and it made me feel like she was purposely kicking Eliza while she was already down.
Overall this was a fantastic read and an absolute must for any diehard Crow fans out there.
I didn't think it was possible to love this movie more, but the book managed to do just that, make me love it more. This book encompassed every part of the filmmaking process--including some laugh-out-loud pitches that were made to James O'Barr early on!--from the choosing of the director all the way down to the very last shots that had to be improvised after Brandon's death. We even see why the movie almost wasn't released after all.
All of the cast that were interviewed for this made a cult classic even more special...except for Sofia Shinas, the actress who played Shelly Webster. I felt that her comments about Brandon Lee's fiancée were unwarranted and came across as petty; it made Sofia look unprofessional, and it made me feel like she was purposely kicking Eliza while she was already down.
Overall this was a fantastic read and an absolute must for any diehard Crow fans out there.
July 4, 2019
A very in-depth and well-organized book about the making of the original Crow movie. As with all non-fiction books, I'm sure it's not 100% accurate and authentic, but she didn't seem to put any overt spin on the events and she interviewed A LOT of people so I would say that any misinformation is probably due to the interviewees mis-remembering things. I think this is probably only a good book if you are VERY invested in the comic and movie because otherwise I could see it being a bit dry at times, but I really enjoyed it and ended up reading it all in one day.
The only thing I could have done without were the bits at the end of several chapters before she got to Brandon's death where she would say things like 'he was planning on doing such and such after filming wrapped up, but of course that would never happen'. To me it read as the kind of hokey thing a TV documentary would do to make sure you tuned back in after the commercial break. Like, we all know what is going to happen so you don't need to drum up 'suspense' or whatever. Besides those few parts though I thought it was very respectful overall.
The only thing I could have done without were the bits at the end of several chapters before she got to Brandon's death where she would say things like 'he was planning on doing such and such after filming wrapped up, but of course that would never happen'. To me it read as the kind of hokey thing a TV documentary would do to make sure you tuned back in after the commercial break. Like, we all know what is going to happen so you don't need to drum up 'suspense' or whatever. Besides those few parts though I thought it was very respectful overall.
February 5, 2014
My boyfriend bought this book for me a few years back because The Crow is one of my all-time favorite movies. I honestly don't know why it has taken me this long to pick it up and read it. Probably because of the tragic death of Brandon Lee, which quite possibly could have been avoided if the gun had been cleaned or checked before that fateful scene was filmed. It started out slow for me, although, I do understand that in order for this story to be told right it has to start at the beginning. The process of the getting the comic book accepted by a production company, and the script-writing, pre-production, and hiring of the crew was not the story I was wanting to hear. But it was necessary to have that background, so the reader can understand all that went into this movie. The parts I liked the most is when the author gives us some insight into what kind of person Brandon was. Had he lived, I'm certain that he would be a huge star, with multiple movies under his belt. It's a very informative read and I would recommend it to fans of the movie.
April 9, 2016
Well-researched account of the making of The Crow, including detailed interviews with the cast and crew. RIP Brandon.
September 24, 2017
*2,5*
Informative, but terribly poorly written
Informative, but terribly poorly written
November 24, 2018
Would The Crow have been as successful a movie without the tragic death of it's leading man?
Personally, I think so. The movie touches a chord in people (our obsession and fears with death) and it's gothic overtones, gritty nature, superb action sequences and romantic theme would surely have translated over into big box office revenue. There was an audience ready and waiting for this movie.
Having said that, the spectre of Brandon Lee's death looms over EVERY aspect of this cult film. It's literally impossible to watch the film without being haunted by the fact that the undead character is being played by an actor who would meet his own end on that very set.
Bridget Baiss had to climb a mountain of contempt and hostility in order to bring this book to light. No one wanted to talk about what it was like to make this movie - and apparently with good reason. Tensions on set, casual attitudes to safety (one lighting rigger actually caught on fire one day on set - but no one ever talks about that) and creative differences (leading to one of the producers being banned from the set) couldn't have contributed to an enjoyable working environment. But people did eventually relent and the amount of people involved that agreed to be interviewed for this book is considerable and impressive.
Every fan of The Crow should read this book - but be warned. It's so exhaustive that you may end up learning things you wished you hadn't. How can I explain? Reading about your favourite Brandon Lee moment in the movie - only to find out it wasn't Brandon Lee at all - digital face mapping was added over his stunt double. See? Kinda ruins it, doesn't it? In addition, the descriptions of Brandon's accident and his short time in hospital is brutal and hard to read. You will feel it in your stomach. I did.
That aside, if you ever wanted to know as much as possible about the production of this gritty flick, look no further than this title. It's a fascinating, if not slightly morbid, book.
Personally, I think so. The movie touches a chord in people (our obsession and fears with death) and it's gothic overtones, gritty nature, superb action sequences and romantic theme would surely have translated over into big box office revenue. There was an audience ready and waiting for this movie.
Having said that, the spectre of Brandon Lee's death looms over EVERY aspect of this cult film. It's literally impossible to watch the film without being haunted by the fact that the undead character is being played by an actor who would meet his own end on that very set.
Bridget Baiss had to climb a mountain of contempt and hostility in order to bring this book to light. No one wanted to talk about what it was like to make this movie - and apparently with good reason. Tensions on set, casual attitudes to safety (one lighting rigger actually caught on fire one day on set - but no one ever talks about that) and creative differences (leading to one of the producers being banned from the set) couldn't have contributed to an enjoyable working environment. But people did eventually relent and the amount of people involved that agreed to be interviewed for this book is considerable and impressive.
Every fan of The Crow should read this book - but be warned. It's so exhaustive that you may end up learning things you wished you hadn't. How can I explain? Reading about your favourite Brandon Lee moment in the movie - only to find out it wasn't Brandon Lee at all - digital face mapping was added over his stunt double. See? Kinda ruins it, doesn't it? In addition, the descriptions of Brandon's accident and his short time in hospital is brutal and hard to read. You will feel it in your stomach. I did.
That aside, if you ever wanted to know as much as possible about the production of this gritty flick, look no further than this title. It's a fascinating, if not slightly morbid, book.
July 7, 2018
I first watched The Crow when I was about 10 or 11 years old. I was only 5 years old when the movie was released and didn't pay attention to or know about it at the time. I believe my first time watching it was on TV and just fell in love with the movie. Became a huge fan and think that Brandon Lee was perfect for the role. It is very sad that he died during the making of the film. I honestly think he would have become a very big star.
This book is filled with details of the behind the scenes of making the movie. The author interviewed many of the cast and crew. It was very interesting to read. I definitely think fans of the movie will enjoy this.
This book is filled with details of the behind the scenes of making the movie. The author interviewed many of the cast and crew. It was very interesting to read. I definitely think fans of the movie will enjoy this.
April 17, 2018
I found this book to be a very interesting, in depth telling of the story behind The Crow movie, start to finish, from the point of view of many cast and crew members. It's clear the author put in a lot of time and effort interviewing these individuals for her story.
I only gave it 4 stars since I found the overall writing to be lacking finesse. The verbiage could be improved and the original 2000 release had numerous typos.
Overall a great read for any true Crow fan who wants to hear the whole story of how the movie was made.
I only gave it 4 stars since I found the overall writing to be lacking finesse. The verbiage could be improved and the original 2000 release had numerous typos.
Overall a great read for any true Crow fan who wants to hear the whole story of how the movie was made.
October 12, 2024
Although The Crow is a dark movie, it was one of my favorites from the 90’s. It includes a lot of backstory to the movie, the characters, and sadly the loss of Brandon Lee’s life. I usually don’t read a lot of non-fiction, it typically has to be very specific to one of my interests, and this one fit the bill. If you liked the movie, you’ll enjoy this book. It was well written and researched.
January 15, 2018
This is a great book filled with interesting information for any 'The Crow' fan. My only complaint is that there are a lot of typos and inconsistencies; even some names of actors are incorrect!
July 5, 2022
crow
Though I thoroughly love the crow as well as the graphic novel I found this book on the crow to Bd a hot hard to read and not that enjoyable.
Though I thoroughly love the crow as well as the graphic novel I found this book on the crow to Bd a hot hard to read and not that enjoyable.
March 31, 2025
Respectful. Detailed. But in the end... a mausoleum.
I read this book years ago and admired it for what it offered—a careful, heartfelt chronicle of the making of The Crow, filled with reverence for Brandon Lee and the effort it took to complete the film after his death. It’s informative, respectful, and deeply tied to the film’s legacy.
But revisiting it now, I found myself detached. What once felt emotional now feels embalmed—archived in amber, not alive. The book reads like a beautiful mausoleum: a place you enter with quiet respect, maybe even grief… but not a place you linger. It preserves something meaningful, yes—but it doesn’t breathe.
If you love The Crow film and want to understand the behind-the-scenes struggle and reverence that shaped it, this book has value. But if you’re searching for something that pulses with the raw spirit of O’Barr’s original pain and fury—this won’t give you that. It’s a monument, not a fire.
I'm grateful for what it meant to me once. But I’m letting it go.
This review was made on June 5,2018
----------------------------
This book, by Bridget Baiss, has a lot more depth and heart than the CoA Diary. As they made the movie and got to the part about each person dealt with the loss of Brandon, I felt what they felt. I honestly do not remember how I felt about this the first time but if you like the Crow movie, you'll like this.
I read this book years ago and admired it for what it offered—a careful, heartfelt chronicle of the making of The Crow, filled with reverence for Brandon Lee and the effort it took to complete the film after his death. It’s informative, respectful, and deeply tied to the film’s legacy.
But revisiting it now, I found myself detached. What once felt emotional now feels embalmed—archived in amber, not alive. The book reads like a beautiful mausoleum: a place you enter with quiet respect, maybe even grief… but not a place you linger. It preserves something meaningful, yes—but it doesn’t breathe.
If you love The Crow film and want to understand the behind-the-scenes struggle and reverence that shaped it, this book has value. But if you’re searching for something that pulses with the raw spirit of O’Barr’s original pain and fury—this won’t give you that. It’s a monument, not a fire.
I'm grateful for what it meant to me once. But I’m letting it go.
This review was made on June 5,2018
----------------------------
This book, by Bridget Baiss, has a lot more depth and heart than the CoA Diary. As they made the movie and got to the part about each person dealt with the loss of Brandon, I felt what they felt. I honestly do not remember how I felt about this the first time but if you like the Crow movie, you'll like this.
January 10, 2017
The book says it all no explanation needed
You guys all know the drift of the story and tragedy behind this film it goes in great detail of how this movie became to be what it is today
You guys all know the drift of the story and tragedy behind this film it goes in great detail of how this movie became to be what it is today
September 16, 2013
Interesting read!! Great insight into the making-of of the movie!!
June 28, 2013
One of the best book I've ever read
March 20, 2016
Lots of good information about the movie and the death of Brandon Lee. It could, however, use some proofreading.
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April 14, 2017great book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews