BOOK REVIEW: Godzilla: The Art of Destruction

[JeffSaylor]

A Closer Look At Gareth Edwards' Epic Monster Movie...

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Insight Editions has quickly become one of my favorite publishers of behind-the-scenes art books. Last year's Pacific Rim: Man, Machines, and Monsters (read my review HERE) and recent release Capturing Archetypes: Twenty Years of Sideshow Collectibles Art (HERE) were - pardon the pun - extremely insightful, well-crafted volumes that now prominently reside on my bookshelf. Godzilla: The Art of Destruction continues that tradition with a fascinating look into the filming process of this year's blockbuster motion picture: Gareth Edwards' Godzilla. This 9.5" x 10.6", 156 page hardback is available now wherever fine books are sold priced at a MSRP of $45.

I grew up watching old Godzilla movies, so the towering Tokyo-stompin' monster holds a very special place in my heart. Like many 'Zilla fans, news of Gareth Edwards filming his take on the "King of Monsters" had me extremely excited... and very nervous. Would we see a repeat of 98's massive lizard letdown? Edwards' directorial debut Monsters gave me hope. And for the most part he succeeded. While Gareth Edwards' Godzilla wasn't the epic giant monster versus giant monster movie that mark some of my favorite 'Zilla films (ie: Godzilla vs. Megalon, All Monsters Attack, Final Wars), his big screen vision was full of suspense and spectacular special effects. Most importantly, Gareth managed to create a Godzilla that captured the spirit of the original, all while carefully crafting the creature's look for a new generation of fans. Gareth Edwards' Godzilla looks AWESOME.

Godzilla: The Art of Destruction succeeds as an art book with a firm focus on the titular creature. A massive 6-page, two-sided foldout spread entitled "Godzilla Evolution" is devoted just to Godzilla concept art. That's in addition to multiple other pages of Godzilla love, including a look at how his head and back spines came about. (Did you know Godzilla's head was influenced by the noble look of an eagle?) The many "what might have been" designs are very intriguing, but I think this is one of the few instances with an art book where I found the final design far superior then anything conceptualized. Usually one or two cool ideas make me wish they were used. In this case, some of the concept designs actually made me cringe a little.

Not so with the movie's MUTO (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism). With the freedom to come up with the craziest creature imaginable, some of the MUTO concept art is stuff I wish we saw in the movie. Just check out that design Legacy created above right. Even Gareth Edwards loved it , but alas they had already settled on a final design. The one on the left is neat as well, but Gareth felt it resembled a War of the Worlds tripod too closely (I agree).

While the movie monsters are a strong point of Godzilla: The Art of Destruction, the book also dives into the film's cast and many unique locations. The Quarantine Zone art is gorgeous, as are the paintings of city destruction.

Mark Cotta Vaz does an excellent job of writing this book, navigating the reader on a three-part voyage of film-making: Part One: Dreaming, Part Two: Conjuring and Part Three: Creation. An introduction by Gareth Edwards himself shines a light on the artist's passion for the film... as well as what he expects in a good art book! From a director that has proven his geek street cred - consider his words a seal of approval on Godzilla: The Art of Destruction. Grab your copy now wherever fine books are sold.

Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Sample Courtesy of Insight Editions

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