In his early twenties, fledgling film-maker James Cameron supported himself by illustrating theatrical posters and concept art for low-budget films. It was his own visionary concept pieces that would eventually help him to get the green-light on his first major feature film, The Terminator.
The Art of James Cameron: Tech Noir brings together a dazzling and diverse array of art from Cameron’s own collection, showing the trajectory of ideas which led to such modern classics as The Terminator, Aliens, Titanic and Avatar.
With an introduction from Guillermo Del Toro, Titan’s latest ‘art of’ book is an epic 304-page tome—weighing in at nearly seven pounds and measuring 33 x 24 x 3 cm. To call this volume a coffee table book somehow seems like an insult. Because, while the volume is a visual delight, it also offers up genuine insights into the mind mindset of one of the world’s most famous film directors.
Starting with his earliest sketches, and including tantalising art for many of his unrealised projects, the book features the filmmaker’s personal commentary on his creative and artistic evolution throughout the years.
Produced with the full support of Cameron, who helped curated the art included in the book, Tech Noir is an absolute treasure trove of previously unpublished illustrations, that will delight the casual film fan and inspire the dedicated aficionado.
The Art of James Cameron: Tech Noir is published in hardback by Titan, ISBN 9781789099225, RRP £54.99.