The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox

by Wes Anderson, Roald Dahl

This is an alternate cover for 9780847833542

Originally published in 1970, Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox tells the story of the Fox Family. After twelve years, the Fox Family's quiet home life proves too much for Mr. Fox's natural animal instincts. When his young nephew arrives, Mr. Fox slips back into his old ways as a smart bird thief and, in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community as well. In Fall 2009, audiences will cheer as award-winning director Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited) brings us his take on the tale: a blockbuster stop-motion animation film shot entirely in high definition. Starring the voice talents of George Clooney (Michael Clayton), Meryl Streep (Doubt), Bill Murray (Lost in Translation), and Jason Schwartzman (Marie Antoinette), the movie is sure to please fans of the original story as well as enchant new generations. Fantastic Mr. Fox: The Making of the Motion Picture is a family-friendly behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the film. Filled with photos, script pages, storyboards, and interviews with cast and crew, this book is a delightful and intriguing peek at the magic that happens as the filmmakers bring to life one of children's literature's most beloved characters: the outrageous, audacious, Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Film, Coffee Table Books, Design, Animals, Media Tie In

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2009

About the author

Wesley Wales Anderson is an American director, writer, and producer of features, short films and commercials. He was nominated for a 2001 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Royal Tenenbaums.

Reviews

[Chavonne Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an incredible gift from the most
~ A M A Z I N G ~ Riley!! I’ve poured over it time and time again. It’s simply perfect! This book shows the behind the scenes and director notes for one of the best movies ever, Fantastic Mr. Fox!! Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of my all time favorite movies, and this book does it complete justice! I LOVE it so so so so much!!! I definitely recommend this book to all Wes Anderson fanatics! 5 stars!!

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik moet de film nu echt nog is kijken

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

Fantasic Mr. Fox was published in 1970, written by Ronald Dahl. The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox is for the visual companion for the stop motion animated movie based on that book, directed by Wes Anderson.

This is a 192-page hardcover book with a nice dust jacket. The low gloss pages are filled with character sketches from the conceptualisation to the making of the models for the animated film.

A short introduction to the Dahl estate starts the book, which is then divided into several chapters which focus on the various characters of the film. Alongside the sketches and art, there are little notes that explain the consideration taken when designing the models, how each part is to be handled and the significance in the final film.

This book a treasure trove of knowledge on stop motion animation. It shows much of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the final film, how each and every character is modeled, the making of the sets - the farmhouse, the foxes' tree burrow, the town square, how the fire in the street scene is done and many more.

There are plenty of detailed photos of the models of the buildings, like how each chicken should look down to the bread in the bakery etc. Alongside these photos are notes by the artists talking about the scenes where the models are used.

Each character has its own chapter. You can see how the director's interpretation the characters' look, traits and behaviours, are all reflected in the creation of the models. There are concept art from the initial character design to the final selected design, and the different expressions, their clothings, textures — hair, fur, wrinkly skin, etc.

In the later parts of the book, alongside the pictures of the models for the settings and locations, there are interviews with Wes Anderson, Liccy Dahl (Roald Dahl's wife) and various production staff.

Fans of stop motion animation would enjoy this book and through it, appreciate this way of movie making.

[Michael Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first five star books of 2020. Everything about this book is great. Incredible design, typography, interviews, sketches, sets, props, costume swatches. If you loved the film (as I did) you deserve to see all the love that went into the making of it.

[Pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

(gracias christian por el libro, es el mejor regalo del mundo <3 te amo)

amé leer sobre cómo se grabó mi película favorita, me encanta tener la perspectiva del hermano de wes. jamás hubiera imaginado cómo lograron hacer todo!! wow!!

[Rich Ratliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

[Alenka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I read somewhere that this is a coffee-table type of book and I certainly agree.
However, it is also a book that gives you a real appreciation of how much work goes into stop motion animated movies. The amount of detail that goes into all the design of the characters, the storyboards, the practical effects to create e.g. fire, water, digging a tunnel. All this paired with the pressure that comes with adapting a Roald Dahl classic, adding story and making it work.
It certainly made me want to rewatch the movie and take in all the details.

[Lakshanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of a fox family and other ground digging animals. This is a humorous and sentimental story

[Genesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this movie so much this just proves it

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. This is more of a coffee table type of book but I went ahead and read the whole thing. (It's pretty short considering there are tons of photos) The details that went into making the film are beyond what I ever imagined. I loved getting to see Wes Anderson's sketches and notes. The interviews were great too for insight into the recording and communication side of things. If you enjoy Wes Anderson and the details this book is fun to nerd out too.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight into the mind of a wonderful brain. Before he's even created a puppet, he's planned to create a spectacular film. If you're inspired by amazing creators, or just have a part of your heart for the stop motion then this is a fantastic book to browse. Sketches, annotations, the making of sets and images of actors who took part in the film as voices also make an appearance.

[Will Clemmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendous! Inspiring! A must have for FMF fans and stop motion fans. In another life I might have gone through with my idea for a stop motion Redwall film, inspired by Wes Anderson’s astounding work.

[Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

got it for my birthday and it's the best present ever

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I saw that this book existed- a scrapbook full of pictures, concept art, interviews all of my favorite movie of all time- I knew I had to get it. It's another gift that I am grateful for, and I plan on keeping this one to be a coffee table book of sorts in a future home. I refuse to not read my coffee table books. I want to be honest with my guests and read them for myself before I expect them to enjoy glancing at them. Coffee table books deserved to be loved too.

It's not a book to be heavily critiqued or studied for its amazing literature. In fact, it's mainly pictures, but there are some interesting interviews as well.

I love the movie. Fantastic Mr. Fox has been my favorite movie since I was a child, so every detail I gained about its making felt like an extra ounce of magic and love that I could hold for the film. I love hearing from Wes Anderson himself as well as even the voice actor for Ash. As they explained it, this movie made kids feel matured and adults childish. Throughout my reading, I was able to look back on watching the film, and I can agree. Growing up I thought it was so cool and mature of me to watch this kid's movie with "cussing" and a dash of violence. Now in my late teens watching the film gives me a sense of nostalgia and comfort that is very welcomed. It is a film that I think any age can enjoy.

Thank god for Disney's kindness to put this movie on Disney Plus. While I wouldn't recommend this book for anybody except diehard fans. I do recommend you all to head on over to Disney Plus and watch this film. Because it is fantastic. (ps. also read Dahl's original masterpiece)

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice overview yet somewhat detailed look into this brilliant stop-motion animated film. Many great interviews in-store and close up looks of sketches, set designs and new looks at the characters.
I like having this book in my collection, and I'm still amazed by this movie.
"Wes didn't change the way he made a movie to make an animated movie, he just make good version of an animated movie."

[The Criticizer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that gives a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the stop-motion film. There are several color photographs of the stop-motion puppets, sets, and artwork used to make the film. There are also a few interviews from the moviemakers, including Wes Anderson. It's worth reading if you like the film.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Filled with notes, sketches, photographs, and interviews from the making of the stop-motion film, Fantastic Mr. Fox, I read it cover-to-cover after receiving it for Christmas. If you love the movie, or if you just enjoy art or fine detail, you’ll find this book to be special.

[Wallflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

O livro é bem curto e divertido. Bem parecido com o filme do Wes Andersen, só que o filme tem alguns detalhes a mais e o livro tem algumas explicações que o filme não tem, além do final ser mais fantasioso, mas ok por ser um livro infantil.
No geral o livro é bem fofo, mas senti falta da idea de que tudo bem ser esquisito porque uma mensagem linda para quem é esquisito jahaha
Mas de qualquer forma gostei bastante do livro

[Kaylee N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful!

[Cronopio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely!

[Aira · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITS SO WONDERFULLL!! I loved loved this book also I love the movie but the making of this movie just has such a cute whimsical feel to it:)

[flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

i got this book for christmas!!! fantastic mr. fox is my all time favorite movie and this book just brings me so much joy to read and look at!!

[Jamai Koelewijn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing look behind the scenes of an amazing film!

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok interviews n book design. Wholesome interview from Ms Dahl, pretty character design sketches n rly it’s all abt the vision n collab n patience??

[Ananya · Rating 5 out of 5]

favourite Roald Dahl book, favourite adaptation. amazing insight into the filmmaking process :))

[Douglas]

Behind-the-scenes of my favorite animated movie.

[LPR · Rating 4 out of 5]

grad gift from mom & dad <3

[Hugo Rodríguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo lei en inglés, es un buen libro infantil, se que no lo parece, pero esta lleno de expresiones o sinónimos que no conocía 🖤😅

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so good I read this like 3 times in one week it’s BRILLIANT

[Mah · Rating 5 out of 5]

me senti dentro da cabeça do wes anderson!! muito carinho por essa obra e toda a produção impecável por traz que o livro mostra.