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A Monster Calls: The Art and Vision Behind the Film
Discover the incredible story behind the creation of A Monster Calls , the new film from visionary director J. A. Bayona ( The Impossible ), based on the acclaimed novel by Patrick Ness.
A Monster Calls tells the story of Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall), a young boy whose world has been turned upside down by his mother’s (Felicity Jones) terminal illness. Conor’s life is thrown further into disarray when he is visited by a gigantic monster, formed from the bark of a tree in a nearby churchyard. The monster vows to tell Conor three stories over several visits and demands that Conor must then tell his own story. As his mother’s health worsens and Conor struggles to deal with everyday life and the visits of the monster, he must confront his worst fears to survive.
Also featuring the voice of Liam Neeson as the monster, plus an exceptional performance by Sigourney Weaver as Conor’s grandmother, A Monster Calls is an emotionally gripping tale delivered with style and panache by director J. A. Bayona, whose next film is the much-anticipated Jurassic World 2 .
This book tells the full story of the creation of A Monster Calls through revealing interviews with the cast and crew—including Bayona, MacDougall, Jones, Neeson, and Weaver—and stunning behind-the-scenes visuals, such as concept art and on-set stills. The Art of A Monster Calls also delves into the electrifying special effects that bring the titular behemoth to life and the creation of the unique animated segments that accompany the monster’s stories in the film.
The ultimate companion to one of the most exceptional films of 2016, The Art of A Monster Calls is a must-have for film fans.
A Monster Calls tells the story of Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall), a young boy whose world has been turned upside down by his mother’s (Felicity Jones) terminal illness. Conor’s life is thrown further into disarray when he is visited by a gigantic monster, formed from the bark of a tree in a nearby churchyard. The monster vows to tell Conor three stories over several visits and demands that Conor must then tell his own story. As his mother’s health worsens and Conor struggles to deal with everyday life and the visits of the monster, he must confront his worst fears to survive.
Also featuring the voice of Liam Neeson as the monster, plus an exceptional performance by Sigourney Weaver as Conor’s grandmother, A Monster Calls is an emotionally gripping tale delivered with style and panache by director J. A. Bayona, whose next film is the much-anticipated Jurassic World 2 .
This book tells the full story of the creation of A Monster Calls through revealing interviews with the cast and crew—including Bayona, MacDougall, Jones, Neeson, and Weaver—and stunning behind-the-scenes visuals, such as concept art and on-set stills. The Art of A Monster Calls also delves into the electrifying special effects that bring the titular behemoth to life and the creation of the unique animated segments that accompany the monster’s stories in the film.
The ultimate companion to one of the most exceptional films of 2016, The Art of A Monster Calls is a must-have for film fans.
- GenresFiction
328 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2016
15 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Desirée de Fez
13 books45 followersDesirée de Fez (Barcelona, 1977) es periodista y crítica de cine,y está especializada en fantástico y terror. Columnista de El Periódico de Catalunya, colabora habitualmente en la revista Fotogramas, en La Finestra Indiscreta de Catalunya Ràdio y en los programas de televisión Página Dos y Punts de Vista, ambos de TVE. También es miembro del equipo del Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya-Sitges y conduce el podcast Marea Nocturna (Radio Primavera Sound), programa de referencia sobre cine fantástico y de terror. Además, imparte clases en las escuelas FXAnimation: Barcelona3D& Film School y La Casa del Cine; en esta última, dirige un seminario sobre cine de terror hecho por mujeres. Es autora de la antología Películas clave del cine de terror moderno (Robinbook,2007); Pantalla rasgada: Quince conversaciones con cineastas y escritores sobre sueños y cine (Arkadin Ediciones,2014; escrito con Jordi Sánchez-Navarro); y los libros sobre el cine de J.A. Bayona Lo imposible. El libro de la película (Norma Editorial,2012) y Un monstruo viene a verme: El arte de la película y la visión de sus autores (NormaEditorial,2016). También ha participado en numerosas publicaciones colectivas en torno a cineastas como Sam Raimi, AbelFerrara, Don Siegel, Jim Jarmusch, Joseph Losey o Rainer Werner Fassbinder. De su labor como coordinadora destacan los libros para el festival de Sitges Neoculto (Calamar Ediciones,2012), Takashi Miike: La provocación que llegó de Oriente (CalamarEdiciones,2013) y Seven. Los pecados de David Fincher (Tyrannosaurus Books,2015).
Es superfán de Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, las canciones tristes, los estilismos de Melanie Griffith en Armas de mujer, el vino blanco (caro) y Buenos Aires, aunque nunca ha estado allí.Tiene una colección de camisetas envidiable. Y es madre de una niña y un niño que, ya desde pequeñitos, heredaron de ella su fascinación por la fantasía y el terror.
Es superfán de Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, las canciones tristes, los estilismos de Melanie Griffith en Armas de mujer, el vino blanco (caro) y Buenos Aires, aunque nunca ha estado allí.Tiene una colección de camisetas envidiable. Y es madre de una niña y un niño que, ya desde pequeñitos, heredaron de ella su fascinación por la fantasía y el terror.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 17, 2018
A Monster Calls has become one of our family's most favorite films. We've watched it a bunch of times, and introduced other friends to it. I love it because it's thoughtful, beautiful, and invites layers of interpretation and response. In other words, it's a fantastic antidote to so much of what Hollywood produces.
I also like reading "Art of..." books about movies I enjoy. Ever since I was a kid, I've been interested in the behind-the-scenes aspect of movies. I love to see how a movie works its way from concept art to finished film.
A Monster Calls: The Art and Vision Behind the Film is an exceptionally great book, far better even than most "Art of..." volumes. For one thing, it's much longer than most such books—helped by the fact that it contains the entire script for the film, matched with storyboard images. That's a really great addition. Another thing that makes is extraordinary is the quality of printing. The pages are thick and the photos throughout are glossy. This gives the photos an almost 3D effect. It's luscious, and I loved gazing at the photos, both behind-the-scenes and stills from the final film.
The content is very good. Included in the book are interviews with all of the cast members and many of the key crew members. J. A. Bayona gets to explain his vision for the film, and how he brought it from concept to reality. And what I felt from watching the movie is true: he really does know what he's doing with this story, and has a clear, thoughtful plan for all of it.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan, either of Patrick Ness's original book or of the film adaptation. It's an excellent example of the way an "Art of..." book should be done.
I also like reading "Art of..." books about movies I enjoy. Ever since I was a kid, I've been interested in the behind-the-scenes aspect of movies. I love to see how a movie works its way from concept art to finished film.
A Monster Calls: The Art and Vision Behind the Film is an exceptionally great book, far better even than most "Art of..." volumes. For one thing, it's much longer than most such books—helped by the fact that it contains the entire script for the film, matched with storyboard images. That's a really great addition. Another thing that makes is extraordinary is the quality of printing. The pages are thick and the photos throughout are glossy. This gives the photos an almost 3D effect. It's luscious, and I loved gazing at the photos, both behind-the-scenes and stills from the final film.
The content is very good. Included in the book are interviews with all of the cast members and many of the key crew members. J. A. Bayona gets to explain his vision for the film, and how he brought it from concept to reality. And what I felt from watching the movie is true: he really does know what he's doing with this story, and has a clear, thoughtful plan for all of it.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan, either of Patrick Ness's original book or of the film adaptation. It's an excellent example of the way an "Art of..." book should be done.
November 16, 2025
I wasn’t ready for the emotions this book pulled out of me. Beautiful, raw, and unforgettable.
November 24, 2025
It was super good!! 10/10!
July 18, 2018
This book is very special to me; it's the epic companion to my favorite movie of all-time: A Monster Calls.
I can go on and on about why this movie is the most beautiful piece in cinema in my eyes, but the main things are: It makes me feel. It makes understand. And most of all, it makes me see the hidden truths in myself; the truths that I loved, the truths that I hate.
A Monster Calls: The Art And Vision Behind The Film is essentially split in two: The Movie and its making & the screenplay written by the author of A Monster Calls, the genius Patrick Ness.
The first part of this book, which details everything about the movie from interviews with: Visionary director J. A. Bayona, Patrick Ness, the great Sigourney Weaver who plays Grandma, the amazing Felicity Jones who plays Lizzie or Mum, Toby Kebell who plays Dad, the legendary Liam Neeson who plays the Monster, and most importantly the fascinating Lewis MacDougall, who plays Connor in a genuine, fascinating, and compelling way (he is now one of my favorite actors) . . . to more interviews with the stylists, the producers, the editors, and the exquisite composer.
I loved every single interview in the book as I won more perspective and insight to the characters' backstories, how they think, and why they think the way they do.
I enjoyed the intimacy that each member of the cast and crew shared in the book, about their experience in portraying fascinating characters, the details and techniques that made the movie original and successful. In addition, I was intrigued with what they had to say about the hardships in making this movie, which was mainly, all of them confessed, the Nightmare.
Furthermore, I had a great time reading the script by Patrick Ness. Although the movie didn't completely follow the flow of the screenplay, I gotta confess that it made me cry (and alright, sob once, or twice?) when I experienced once again some of my favorite scenes, because it felt so real, very organic.
Ultimately, I LOVED this book. It provided me with intimacy, and with so many answers.
Definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
I can go on and on about why this movie is the most beautiful piece in cinema in my eyes, but the main things are: It makes me feel. It makes understand. And most of all, it makes me see the hidden truths in myself; the truths that I loved, the truths that I hate.
A Monster Calls: The Art And Vision Behind The Film is essentially split in two: The Movie and its making & the screenplay written by the author of A Monster Calls, the genius Patrick Ness.
The first part of this book, which details everything about the movie from interviews with: Visionary director J. A. Bayona, Patrick Ness, the great Sigourney Weaver who plays Grandma, the amazing Felicity Jones who plays Lizzie or Mum, Toby Kebell who plays Dad, the legendary Liam Neeson who plays the Monster, and most importantly the fascinating Lewis MacDougall, who plays Connor in a genuine, fascinating, and compelling way (he is now one of my favorite actors) . . . to more interviews with the stylists, the producers, the editors, and the exquisite composer.
I loved every single interview in the book as I won more perspective and insight to the characters' backstories, how they think, and why they think the way they do.
I enjoyed the intimacy that each member of the cast and crew shared in the book, about their experience in portraying fascinating characters, the details and techniques that made the movie original and successful. In addition, I was intrigued with what they had to say about the hardships in making this movie, which was mainly, all of them confessed, the Nightmare.
Furthermore, I had a great time reading the script by Patrick Ness. Although the movie didn't completely follow the flow of the screenplay, I gotta confess that it made me cry (and alright, sob once, or twice?) when I experienced once again some of my favorite scenes, because it felt so real, very organic.
Ultimately, I LOVED this book. It provided me with intimacy, and with so many answers.
Definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
November 24, 2019
Warning: Do not read on public transport. Danger of ugly crying in public.
Short yet incredibly sweet. One particular line "I wish I could give you a hundred years" had me in floods of tears. The film really doesn't do it justice.
Short yet incredibly sweet. One particular line "I wish I could give you a hundred years" had me in floods of tears. The film really doesn't do it justice.
April 28, 2020
I wanted to go ahead and write this review while it is fresh in my mind. I received this book in the mail yesterday and finished it within 2 hours. It is definitely a quick read as it pulls you in and never seems to let you go. I was excited to read this after reading all the wonderful reviews. I really thought "Im going to need to be in a good "mind set" before I crack this one open" because the reviews and commentary made me feel like this book was going to really pull on my heart strings and put me all in my feels.
I was sadly mistaken. It is a FANTASTIC book and I would definitely recommend you reading it but I would not go into it thinking that its going to make you all emotional and really hit home. The story was wonderful....though I am really confused by the "Monster" and what its actual purpose was in the whole story. The monster told Connor 3 different stories that quite honestly did not make sense or seem to relate much to what Connor was going through. Sooooo I didnt really see the point in the "Monster" (yew tree). I think the "Monster" could have been left out of this book entirely and focused more on Connor and his relationship with his mother or, rather, Connor and how he was dealing with his mothers illness. If we could have had more of a back story on the mother/son relationship to really let us form a better connection with the characters I think this would have easily been a 5 star review.
Overall it was a great book and you will love it but I guess I set my hopes too high and ended up being disappointed. :(
I was sadly mistaken. It is a FANTASTIC book and I would definitely recommend you reading it but I would not go into it thinking that its going to make you all emotional and really hit home. The story was wonderful....though I am really confused by the "Monster" and what its actual purpose was in the whole story. The monster told Connor 3 different stories that quite honestly did not make sense or seem to relate much to what Connor was going through. Sooooo I didnt really see the point in the "Monster" (yew tree). I think the "Monster" could have been left out of this book entirely and focused more on Connor and his relationship with his mother or, rather, Connor and how he was dealing with his mothers illness. If we could have had more of a back story on the mother/son relationship to really let us form a better connection with the characters I think this would have easily been a 5 star review.
Overall it was a great book and you will love it but I guess I set my hopes too high and ended up being disappointed. :(
January 7, 2025
Initially, I picked up "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness, with a foreword by J.A. Bayona, as part of a school assignment. However, as I immersed myself in its pages, I found myself captivated by the story and the depth of its emotion. I can confidently say that it has become my favorite book—not just of this year, but of all time.
My teacher encouraged us to dissect every chapter, urging us to delve deeply into the themes and messages conveyed throughout the narrative. As I engaged with the text, I connected with it on a personal level, especially since I had recently experienced the loss of a loved one. The book's exploration of grief and the struggles of dealing with loss resonated profoundly with me; it felt as though the story was mirroring my own life experiences in a hauntingly beautiful way.
The narrative was so powerful that even during my second reading, I was flooded with the same emotions and reflections. "A Monster Calls" is not just a story—it's an emotional journey that I believe everyone should experience. It's truly a must-read for anyone who has ever faced sorrow or the complexities of growing up.
My teacher encouraged us to dissect every chapter, urging us to delve deeply into the themes and messages conveyed throughout the narrative. As I engaged with the text, I connected with it on a personal level, especially since I had recently experienced the loss of a loved one. The book's exploration of grief and the struggles of dealing with loss resonated profoundly with me; it felt as though the story was mirroring my own life experiences in a hauntingly beautiful way.
The narrative was so powerful that even during my second reading, I was flooded with the same emotions and reflections. "A Monster Calls" is not just a story—it's an emotional journey that I believe everyone should experience. It's truly a must-read for anyone who has ever faced sorrow or the complexities of growing up.
January 4, 2021
¿Quieres romper tu corazón voluntariamente? Lee este libro
La historia tiene una propuesta interesante y muy bien llevada, Patrick Ness logra mediante metáforas e historias una historia tan completa que es increíble que sea tan corta.
En lo personal cuando leí el libro busqué reseñas sobre el libro y todo mundo recalcaba lo triste que era y como todos habian termiando llorando, y generalmente cuando hago eso ya no tengo el factor sorpresa y simplemente no lloro, pero aquí... ufff. La verdad es que cuando terminé el libro este me dejó pensando en mi vida sin llorar, pero solo fue ver a mi mamá frente a mi y ponerme a llorar.
Es un gran libro con un mensaje potente tan bien escrito que merece ser leído
La historia tiene una propuesta interesante y muy bien llevada, Patrick Ness logra mediante metáforas e historias una historia tan completa que es increíble que sea tan corta.
En lo personal cuando leí el libro busqué reseñas sobre el libro y todo mundo recalcaba lo triste que era y como todos habian termiando llorando, y generalmente cuando hago eso ya no tengo el factor sorpresa y simplemente no lloro, pero aquí... ufff. La verdad es que cuando terminé el libro este me dejó pensando en mi vida sin llorar, pero solo fue ver a mi mamá frente a mi y ponerme a llorar.
Es un gran libro con un mensaje potente tan bien escrito que merece ser leído
September 12, 2018
Loved this book! It had an in depth look at the making of this film. It had interviews with the cast and the crew, but not just the director. It had a lot of people in there including the person who did sound design, which was great. I learned a lot.
An added bonus was the script at the end of the book. I loved the movie and the script took me back and just made me sad all over again, but such a good story. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in filmmaking, good storytelling, sad stories, and who enjoyed the book that this movie is based on.
An added bonus was the script at the end of the book. I loved the movie and the script took me back and just made me sad all over again, but such a good story. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in filmmaking, good storytelling, sad stories, and who enjoyed the book that this movie is based on.
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January 12, 2022A minster calls it was sad becuse First the mom was sick and she was still and they took the mom to the doctors and they left here there and the next morning they went to go check here and. Second the yuw tree it is just a monster tree lets just say that the tree talks and the tree told the boy i forgot the boys name but the monster told him to take the mom some medison and he took the medison .LAST at the end it was sad but the boy tryed to not let his mom die but he can not hold on to long he let go and the mom was dead ....... it was sad
April 1, 2023
5/5
Iba a designarle una calificación más baja porque es un buen libro pero no me impactaba bastante, los personajes tienen personalidad pero no terminaba de encariñarme, pero el final cambió completamente mi parecer, lloré bastante más de lo que esperaba.
Al final no comprendí bien un diálogo del monstruo ni por qué siempre aparecía a las 00:07. A veces Conor me exasperaba y siento que hay uno que otro hilo suelto.
El libro no es perfecto, pero me impactó, me entretuvo y es simplemente bello.
Iba a designarle una calificación más baja porque es un buen libro pero no me impactaba bastante, los personajes tienen personalidad pero no terminaba de encariñarme, pero el final cambió completamente mi parecer, lloré bastante más de lo que esperaba.
Al final no comprendí bien un diálogo del monstruo ni por qué siempre aparecía a las 00:07. A veces Conor me exasperaba y siento que hay uno que otro hilo suelto.
El libro no es perfecto, pero me impactó, me entretuvo y es simplemente bello.
August 9, 2017
I wasn't sure about this book considering it was in the Young Adult category, and was about a monster and a tree. What could I get from this book? Let me tell you. Everything.
While it was mainly plot driven, you begin to connect with the protagonist, and even the tree/monster. The plot pulls at your heartstrings, and I was sobbing by the end. Such a good message for young adults and adults alike. One of my faves!
While it was mainly plot driven, you begin to connect with the protagonist, and even the tree/monster. The plot pulls at your heartstrings, and I was sobbing by the end. Such a good message for young adults and adults alike. One of my faves!
October 23, 2017
Me hizo terminar de leerlo en un dos por tres, interesante, misterioso, cautivador... ese secreto que tiene y que revela al final fue algo que muchos en esta vida pasamos hoy en día; impresionante la manera que la autora tuvo para narrar esta historia, describir los lugares y los hechos... esas historias que se grabaran muy en el fondo de mi corazón y sin duda alguna que no olvidare jamas. MARAVILLOSA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2018
Patrick Ness’s novel, “A Monster Calls”, inspired by Siobhan Dowd is a powerful and one of the most emotional book I’ve ever read. Connor, the main protagonist of the story, is a loving and very brave character, who has become one of my favourite protagonists of all time. The novel was so beautifully written, it made me feel disoriented and heartbroken by the end of it. This book became very difficult for me to finally, let go...
December 31, 2023
This was by far my favorite book I read this year, recommended to me by Brendan Reichs. The story was relatable, heart wrenching, beautiful and so well written. I could not put this book down and audibly sighed at some of the sentences in this story after I read them. Well done. This book is truly a gift to the world.
December 10, 2021
I think that the book the monster calls is a good book and how Coner starting bonding with the monster. Coner at the end of the book finally told the truth that he did not want his mom to go. I think the book was good even though the mom died he got to be with her for the final moment.
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October 21, 2022We read this book in class and honestly I think it is a really good book. I’m not a huge fan of reading and never have been but this book like made me want to read more which is surprising. I think more people need to read this and should now about it.
July 19, 2023
This is one of my favorite movies to watch so I read the book. I really enjoyed this book it has so many life lessons in its pages. Great discussion opportunity. Love the life perspective from this story!
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January 14, 2020its an ok book
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May 20, 2020Good
December 13, 2020
Very sad, made my cry, but a good lessen in the story.
February 9, 2021
A very good book to read for someone who wants to start reading
February 28, 2021
Couldn't put it down! A beautiful book!
July 12, 2021
Que maravilla, que libro más bonito...
Desde que comienza te envuelve y te dirige a una atmósfera conmovedora. Que manera más bonita y respetuosa de narrar el mayor miedo que tenemos todos.
Desde que comienza te envuelve y te dirige a una atmósfera conmovedora. Que manera más bonita y respetuosa de narrar el mayor miedo que tenemos todos.
July 1, 2022
Te rompe el corazón.
September 30, 2022
It was really good.
January 20, 2023
first book i ever read that wasnt apart of the magic tree house 😭
i loved this book so much from what i remember
i loved this book so much from what i remember
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February 8, 2023Great Book! I loved it! Especially when the monster bet up the bully named Harry. Truly a amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
this book was really good it had so many twist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews