Superman: The Movie: The 40th-Anniversary Interviews

At a moment when superheroes dominate pop culture, Gary Bettinson takes us back to the first comic book blockbuster. Superman: The Movie takes us behind the scenes to reveal the personalities and expertise that went in to making this landmark of Hollywood cinema. Marking forty years since the film's release, this book presents original interview transcripts with the cast and crew that serve as a rare insider account of an acclaimed blockbuster that was steeped in controversy throughout production, from a record-breaking budget to conflicts between the director and producers. The interviewees cast light on the daily realities on set, as well as on the film's release and reception, talking with refreshing candor. Beginning with the film's inception and continuing through it runaway success, Superman: The Movie provides valuable insights into the practical logistics and day-to-day realities of mounting a big-budget production, at a time when high-concept Hollywood blockbusters were only just emerging as a genre.