Book Review: We Make Our Own Destiny: Behind the Scenes of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

May 7, 2010 by Parka

This is a large coffee table book printed with really good quality paper, the thick low-gloss type, which is a surprise for the affordable price.

The first thing that catches my attention is the use of beautiful high resolution photos, some of which are taken by producer Jerry Bruckheimer. They are so huge you can check out all the details of the costume tapestry and elaborate set designs. If it's really that hot shooting in the Moroccan heat, it's not showing up in the photos because I can't see anyone sweating.

The writeup is filled with information on all aspect of the movie, from casting actors, creating the humongous sets, shooting at 8000 feet in Morocco, weaving costumes, training ostriches, to clearing dangerous snakes and scorpions before day shoots. It's interesting to read those incidents that happen behind the scenes.

There are also parts where they reveal certain items, like weapons, to pay homage to the game series. But there's not so much reference to the game as the movie isn't really a direct translation of the game. The reference part I guess would be the atmosphere and setting which was really well portrayed to make this feel like a Prince of Persia world.

The last thing I want to add is the excessive compliments in some cases, especially for Jerry Bruckheimer. I like his films and TV shows but the compliments can be at times a bit, to put it politely, thick.

It's a nice book that fans can look to if they want to know more about the movie production.

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Comments

I saw this one in the shops

LA_Way (not verified)
May 7, 2010,
16 weeks 6 days ago
Comment id: 2072

I saw this one in the shops and thought it looked incredibly thin considering the price.

@LA_Way I thought it was

Parka
May 7, 2010,
16 weeks 6 days ago
Comment id: 2074

@LA_Way
I thought it was reasonably thick for the price. It's 176 pages with plenty of stuff to read.

Hi Parka, I can assure it was

Peter (not verified)
May 8, 2010,
16 weeks 5 days ago
Comment id: 2077

Hi Parka, I can assure it was really hot, up to 125F one day. You don't see them sweat because most of the action was shot on stage in London. It seems there isn't really much of the artwork in the book. For those who are interested I'll post some concepts on my blog as soon as the film's released. Thanks for the review and flipping through the pages. Your blog is such a treasure. take care, Peter