Captain Corelli's Mandolin: The Illustrated Film Companion

by Steve Clark, Louis de Bernières (Introduction)

The island of Cephallonia is now familiar as the setting of the novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin. This book explores the turbulent history of the island, focusing on the World War II years of Italian occupation, as well as telling the behind-the-scenes story of how the film version was made. The filmmakers have added their own visions, carefully explained here in an official companion to the movie, and de Bernieres' introduction shows how he anticipated that. All he could do to ensure respectful treatment of his novel was insist it should not be sold to Hollywood. The history of the filming is itself fascinating—the search for the cast, the locations, even the guns for the battle sequences. Film journalist Steve Clark has done a good job here, aided and abetted by the stunning Greek island setting and ample action and character stills from the film.

Genres: Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

About the author

Dad, journalist & media consultant. Sunday Times bestselling author. Books include Only Fools & Horses: The Official Inside Story.

Reviews

[Gena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book only a little more than I liked the movie and I hated the movie.

The ending of the book was unnecessary trauma. I felt like the characters wouldn’t have realistically done that to themselves for that long. He would have approached her or asked questions. And the town was so full of gossips he never could have existed among them and not been found out.

I appreciated the realistic ending otherwise, as in the various heartache that was omitted from the movie. The movie killed off people you didn’t care for so to make a happier ending where the book causes heartache instead.

[Christine Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! A very detailed account of the making of the movie, as well as the historical background to the story. All aspects of making a film are discussed. I feel like I could make a movie now! But I'll just watch Captain Corelli's Mandolin instead.

[Cazz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the making of the film which I enjoyed watching after reading the book. I had no idea of the painstaking work regarding costumes, vehicles, special effects, music etc.

[Rj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this for the fantastic writing, the wonderful use of language. On the other hand, a few clues here and there to remind us who is who and to help those of us without an intimate acquaintance of WW2 battles. There were a couple of similes which I thought were brain crushingly crude, the rest were magic! Enough to want to read more of his work.

[Nur Islah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kisah cinta sampe kakek nenek dijaman perang. Isinya campur2, ada perjuangan, ada romantisnya, ada seksnya juga :p
Kalo liat dari sampulnya, sepertinya sudah difilmkan, tapi sayang belum pernah liat filmnya