First published 2016
Brian Jay Jones chronicles the life of George Lucas, the creator who transformed cinema through sheer determination and vision. When Lucas released his space opera in just thirty-two theaters on May 25, 1977, the film faced production troubles and budget constraints that nearly derailed it. Yet audiences lined up for blocks to see what would become Star Wars, launching one of history's most successful franchises. Jones explores how Lucas pushed beyond that initial triumph to create the Indiana Jones series, revolutionize special effects through Industrial Light & Magic, and pioneer THX sound technology. The biography draws on insights from Lucas's collaborators, including Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and Harrison Ford, revealing how these relationships shaped his career. Jones shows how Lucas built an entertainment empire encompassing Pixar and Lucasfilm while continuously refining his films through new technology. The book captures Lucas's relentless innovation and his lasting impact on how movies are made, marketed, and experienced.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, 21st-century, film
Vibes: fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: rags-to-riches, visionary
Period: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
561 pages · Kindle Edition · Little, Brown and Company