top of page

Book Review: Soldier: From Script to Screen


In the realm of film history there are a number of towering classics, and still more than fly under the radar and deserve much more attention. Soldier is one of the latter, and author Danny Stewart has compiled a book length study, published by BearManor Media, that is both interesting and enlightening.


The most fascinating and unique aspect of this book is, as its subtitle indicates, it is focused on the creative process. We understand the film's perspective, its development, and its ultimate production and release at a higher level. The author points out its influences (e.g. the George Stevens 1953 film Shane). He examines the career of lead actor Kurt Russell. He includes interviews with screenwriter David Webb Peoples, Production Designer David L. Snyder, Make-Up Artists Steve LaPorte and Peter Montagna, each contributing to our better understanding and appreciation of the film and its process.


Along with author Stewart, there are essays by John Hansen, Mark Stratton, John Kenneth Muir, and an afterword by Paul M. Shannon.


The book’s compact 134 pages (with index) is filled with an enormous amount of information and a deep understanding of film history. While the film Soldier is the book’s main focus, the author discusses the western genre, its development, and, most fascinatingly, its connection to science-fiction which, according to the author, is a sub-genre unto itself.

Soldier: From Script to Screen is one of the finest film study books of the year. Sometimes books that examine a particular film will become bloated with press releases, period reviews, and other such dross that should be the icing, not the cake. Danny Stewart avoids these excesses with his book, offering us a thorough examination of the film, each aspect of its development, production, and execution, and a clear understanding of its context within its genre and sub- genre.


Soldier: From Script To Screen is truly a masterpiece in book length film analysis, and is most highly recommended to libraries, universities, and research centers as well as film buffs and historians. Frankly, there should be more books like this.


The book can be ordered at this link: SOLDIER

James L. Neibaur
 RECENT POSTS: 
bottom of page