A Book Based on A True Story

Title: As Your Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of "The Princess Bride"
Author: Cary Elwes
Published: Simon and Schuster, 2014
Started: 1/08/15
Finished: 1/13/15

One of the most quoted movies of all time, "The Princess Bride," is lucky to now have a companion with this book.  Before I get corrected, I am totally aware that the movie is based off of a book, but As You Wish is not a retelling of the story, it's a telling of the process in which the film was made.  I am intrigued by the business of film making especially when it comes to films I enjoy.  I think stories like this help bring a deeper meaning and appreciation to a film.

I first watched "The Princess Bride" a few years ago when I bought it.  I knew the film was great from many of the people who were recommending it to me.  I have since then watched it multiple times and love it more every time I pop the DVD in the player.  I picked up Cary Elwes' book not really knowing what to expect.  I knew it wasn't necessarily an autobiography, since it is marketed as about the film not about Cary.  I was a little worried the book might have been a little dry.  The book was totally engaging though.  With each chapter I wanted to start watching the movie all over again just to see the parts that were referred to in the book.

Cary does a phenomenal job telling these stories from his perspective with brief side notes contributed by others that worked in or on the film.  From stories about the "greatest sword fight of all time" to stories about Andre the Giant to stories about how the cast met and how they formed a very special bond through the film, it was great to know that the film wasn't just another movie for these people.  Not only does the book make me want to watch the movie (which I will probably do tomorrow), but I also want to pick up William Goldman's book and read it as well (so I added it to my list for this year).

At the end of the book Cary acknowledges Goldman for giving him permission to write the book, to which he states that Goldman was a little reluctant.  I don't think Goldman has to worry, because this book does the film and story justice.  If you are a fan of the book or movie you need to read this book.  If you have never seen the movie, get out from under that rock and watch it then read this book.  I think it's important to have watched the film first to gain some understanding and then build such a deeper appreciation for the film after reading this book.  As You Wish is filled with emotion, as it is the movie that made Cary Elwes and projected his career.  The book is funny at times, sad at times, and everything in between.