Instead of focusing attention on the stars in front of the cameras, this highly imaginative collection of illustrated stories shines the spotlight on the cinematic artists behind the scenes. The book features graphic interpretations of the lives and careers of 23 North American and European directors from the past and present, including Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, Roman Polanski, Quentin Tarantino, and Orson Welles. With unsparing, yet affectionate drawings and prose, it portrays the twisted genius, rampant egos, and weird behavioral traits shared by so many notorious filmmakers. Additionally, the best movies by directors not necessarily chronicled in the book—such as Federico Fellini, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, and Billy Wilder—are represented with biographical stories, one-page illustrations, and succinct, witty film descriptions.

Please note that this an uncorrected galley, the finished book will be available in September.