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Crimson Peak: The Art of Darkness
In Crimson Peak, acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro returns to the genre he helped define with a powerful blend of psychological thriller, gothic horror, and seductive romance. This deluxe book explores the creation of del Toro’s sinister masterpiece and the dark themes and motifs woven into every frame of this extraordinary film. Featuring extensive interviews with the director, Crimson Peak: The Art of Darkness chronicles the creative odyssey that brought the film to screen, showing how del Toro’s unique perspective, attention to detail, and storytelling prowess were key in crafting a film of incredible visual richness and thematic power. The book also features extensive interviews with the team of artists who helped realize the world of Crimson Peak, from the film’s sumptuous period costumes to the dilapidated majesty of Allerdale Hall and the eerie red-hued ghosts that haunt the halls of “Crimson Peak.” Also featuring insights from the films stars, including Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, and Charlie Hunnam, Crimson Peak: The Art of Darkness explores the themes at the heart of this breathtaking supernatural mystery in unparalleled detail. Filled with striking concept art and stunning photography, the book also features a range of amazing special items, including an authentic period letter, daguerreotype photographs, biographies that reveal the secret history of Crimson Peak’s characters, a booklet that showcases the film’s amazing costume designs, and more. A thrilling journey into the macabre heart of Guillermo del Toro’s spine-chilling new tale, Crimson Peak: The Art of Darkness is the perfect companion to this gothic horror masterwork.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
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1211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 27, 2020
Gorgeously published, but also informative book about the making of this beautiful film.
I was particularly interested in Del Toro's sources of inspiration. Speaking of painters, he mentions Caspar David Friedrich:
The Abbey in the Oakwood by Caspar David Friedrich
(whom I knew and loved before), and also John Atkinson Grimshaw:
,
Late October by John Atkinson Grimshaw
(a wonderful painter that I did not know and now also love :)).
The only things I can find fault with are these:
There is a spread on sound effects, but I wish they'd have devoted another one to the enchanting music.
One needs gloves to turn the pages of the book, otherwise, one's fingerprints are very visible on this black glossy paper. I've been reading it with the cloth I use to wipe my camera lens. This is minor, of course.
Otherwise, it's great. It enhances and enriches the experience of the film. A perfect Halloween/Samhain gift for a 'Crimson Peak' fan.
Artwork from the old nursery, which is only partially shown in the film.
I was particularly interested in Del Toro's sources of inspiration. Speaking of painters, he mentions Caspar David Friedrich:
The Abbey in the Oakwood by Caspar David Friedrich
(whom I knew and loved before), and also John Atkinson Grimshaw:
,Late October by John Atkinson Grimshaw
(a wonderful painter that I did not know and now also love :)).
The only things I can find fault with are these:
There is a spread on sound effects, but I wish they'd have devoted another one to the enchanting music.
One needs gloves to turn the pages of the book, otherwise, one's fingerprints are very visible on this black glossy paper. I've been reading it with the cloth I use to wipe my camera lens. This is minor, of course.
Otherwise, it's great. It enhances and enriches the experience of the film. A perfect Halloween/Samhain gift for a 'Crimson Peak' fan.
Artwork from the old nursery, which is only partially shown in the film.
October 24, 2015
Marvel started me on these "Art of" books with their excellent, high quality line. While I don't buy art books for every film (not even the ones I really enjoy) I immediately preordered Crimson Peak when it was announced. I loved Pan's Labyrinth and El Orfanato, so I new Guillermo Del Toro's imagery and designs would be unique, creative and macabre. Happily, I wasn't wrong.
While the film has some issues, I still enjoyed it. The book is the same. It has stunning photography throughout from the film, including images from the posters, but there are also a handful of "curiosities" tucked into the pages. These include replica photos featured in the film, letters, biographies, and more tacked onto the pages (they can be removed easily), plus a pocket built into the back cover which holds a poster. The book has beautiful production values: thick, glossy pages, full color and a heaviness to it.
Further, the text is brilliant - enriching the mythology of the film to a whole new level. I cannot wait to watch it again to see some of what I missed and look at other things with new insight. There are chapters on each of the four main characters, including some of their biography to help provide additional perspective into their motivations. But the best sections are easily the house and the ghosts. Simply seeing the house in the film, you marvel at the level of detail and sumptuousness of the set. Del Toro's process for designing it is engrossing. The ghosts, which were my favorite part of the film, also have backstories and purpose. I love how the first and last ghosts we see are black, with the 3 red ones haunting the house and then one, lone, white ghost. The use of color and texture truly sets the film apart from others. Everything here enriches the film experience.
I do have a couple minor criticisms. If you watch my video, you'll hear a slight peeling sound. The book arrives tightly sealed in plastic to keep the extras enclosed. But it is VERY tight so that some of the pages stick together upon opening. Unfortunately, this occasionally results in a ghosting effect where a ink is transferred to the opposite page. Plus, one of the inserts has staples in it that caused an indentation in several pages. Second, this book really needs a slipcase to protect those curiosities from falling out after you've opened it. The Marvel books are sold at the same price point, and include a case, so I'm not sure why one wasn't included. I would have happily paid a bit more to get one, just to ensure nothing is lost.
Overall, the book is beautiful and I do not regret the purchase at all, despite these minor negatives. If you are a fan of Del Toro, Gothic imagery, or art books in general, this is a great purchase. Highly recommended.
While the film has some issues, I still enjoyed it. The book is the same. It has stunning photography throughout from the film, including images from the posters, but there are also a handful of "curiosities" tucked into the pages. These include replica photos featured in the film, letters, biographies, and more tacked onto the pages (they can be removed easily), plus a pocket built into the back cover which holds a poster. The book has beautiful production values: thick, glossy pages, full color and a heaviness to it.
Further, the text is brilliant - enriching the mythology of the film to a whole new level. I cannot wait to watch it again to see some of what I missed and look at other things with new insight. There are chapters on each of the four main characters, including some of their biography to help provide additional perspective into their motivations. But the best sections are easily the house and the ghosts. Simply seeing the house in the film, you marvel at the level of detail and sumptuousness of the set. Del Toro's process for designing it is engrossing. The ghosts, which were my favorite part of the film, also have backstories and purpose. I love how the first and last ghosts we see are black, with the 3 red ones haunting the house and then one, lone, white ghost. The use of color and texture truly sets the film apart from others. Everything here enriches the film experience.
I do have a couple minor criticisms. If you watch my video, you'll hear a slight peeling sound. The book arrives tightly sealed in plastic to keep the extras enclosed. But it is VERY tight so that some of the pages stick together upon opening. Unfortunately, this occasionally results in a ghosting effect where a ink is transferred to the opposite page. Plus, one of the inserts has staples in it that caused an indentation in several pages. Second, this book really needs a slipcase to protect those curiosities from falling out after you've opened it. The Marvel books are sold at the same price point, and include a case, so I'm not sure why one wasn't included. I would have happily paid a bit more to get one, just to ensure nothing is lost.
Overall, the book is beautiful and I do not regret the purchase at all, despite these minor negatives. If you are a fan of Del Toro, Gothic imagery, or art books in general, this is a great purchase. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2018
This book was beautiful guys, beautiful. I love cinema, and I love Gothic Fairytales, and I love Guillermo del Toro so so much for combining those things and making movies as beautiful as Crimson Peak or Pan's Labyrinth. Reading this book and the detailed biographies for all the main characters, getting to see all the small details and all the symbolism behind each scene, each detail, has made me appreciate this movie that I already loved to pieces even more. Seriously, I'm going to revisit this book quite a few times, and now I'm going to see the movie with brand new eyes, since I'm aware of all the craft and love and passion and obsession that lays behind this story and its splendid cinematography and design. Sigh, I love cinema so much.
Also, the snippets where we get to see some pages from del Toro's personal notebook, or the sketches designed by the crew... Just fantastic. SUPERB.
Also, the snippets where we get to see some pages from del Toro's personal notebook, or the sketches designed by the crew... Just fantastic. SUPERB.
May 15, 2019
I think anyone who watches the movie, should read this, too!
It was beautiful.
Had many things that weren't in the movie.
Liked it very much.
It was beautiful.
Had many things that weren't in the movie.
Liked it very much.
January 5, 2018
Crimson Peak: The Art of Darkness was a Christmas present I bought for myself. I fell in love with the story when I watched it on Netflix and immediately searched online to see if there was a book of the movie. There wasn't - but I bought something even more beautiful: the book OF the movie! I've never had one of these before, and the RRP is around £50. However I managed to purchase it for just £15. Firstly, you really need to watch to movie to appreciate this book. It's such great quality, it is totally worth the full price. It's hard to do it justice but it tells you everything about the movie, the characters and so much more. While watching Crimson Peak (again) I was literally holding a copy of the letter mentioned in the movie in my hands. It felt magical to have such a wonderful insight, but then again perhaps I'm so in love with this book because I am a writer too. I love the paranormal genre and hope it makes a comeback in a much bigger way. Movies and books like these are a fantastic inspiration. If you're a fan of the movie and would like more of an insight into it all then I certainly recommend the hardcover book. If you've not yet watched the movie - then what are you waiting for? This dark, gothic tale will have you gripped. I wouldn't quite describe it as horror, it's more of a dark romance. Needless to say, this book is going on my favourites list.
December 24, 2016
In the beginning of 2015, the trailer of Crimson Peak was released and I fell in love, I even wrote so under it in the comment section and got 173 nods and a few comments of people laughing at me! (you'll have to Google it!)
In any case, I finally watched the movie and understood why it was not available in the Kuwaiti cinema, I thought it was just a classical horror movie but it had incest issues in it (which was pretty disturbing).
Ignoring that part, the decor, art and clothes were fantastic! I ordered this book before even watching the movie so I was finally happy to look through it and enjoy the film and story in a different format, because I don't think I'll be watching it again.
In any case, I finally watched the movie and understood why it was not available in the Kuwaiti cinema, I thought it was just a classical horror movie but it had incest issues in it (which was pretty disturbing).
Ignoring that part, the decor, art and clothes were fantastic! I ordered this book before even watching the movie so I was finally happy to look through it and enjoy the film and story in a different format, because I don't think I'll be watching it again.
May 17, 2021
5/5: I want to pop this book on the most elaborate bookstand out there, open on a favorite page and surround it with blown-out dripping candles on brass holders thereby creating a very aesthetically pleasing shrine to express both my admiration and my obsession. The only thing that's stopping me is the possibility of my flatmates and landlady raising an eyebrow.
Starting with a foreword from Del Toro and a short introduction, this book will give you all the juicy insights into the four main characters, the beastly Allerdale Hall, and the mesmerizing ghosts. You also get interviews from almost everyone involved in production. From the director to the actors to the special effects team to the guy who found all these incredible vintage props to the genius who crafted the moth chairs. This movie was so obsessively detailed and aesthetically harmonious that it really makes you think just how many people poured their souls and their knowledge into the project. I was glad to see that everyone got the recognition they deserved. Likewise, this book is so balanced and carefully put together that it speaks to the ability of the author to synthesize complex information in a way that may attract more mainstream audiences as well as hardcore fans. There is also a movie poster/print hidden in a little pocket at the end of the book which I cannot wait to get framed. If I can't have my flashy morbid shrine at least I'll have my poster/print. On the floor. Probably behind dangerously high stacks of books. Now that I think of it I don't think tenants are allowed to hang anything on the walls. Damn it. The dream was good while it lasted.
I appreciated the fact Lucille's chapter is one the longest. She is such a complicated woman, wouldn't say villainous though she does some very gruesome things. Her chapter was enlightening and sad and I was both looking forward to it and dreading it. I was fully engrossed in the parts that talked about her embodying and 'wearing' the house. It is something I noticed the first time I watched the film and was curious to know more about. The spikes, the keys, the lace, and the moths, and even the texture of the fabric, she is dressed to kill, pun intended.
Surprisingly, we learn a lot about McMichael too, details that aren't as easily noticeable in the film. He represents that one safe, sane, and secure guy you have in your life that you, unfortunately, take for granted, and knowing that made me appreciate him more. I also felt a little bit embarrassed that I spent the better part of the film being entranced by the tall, dark, mysterious, Bluebeardesque Sharpe and totally forgot that McMichael has such great qualities. But even though he has the purest and brightest type of love for Edith, he takes second place thereby proving that a little bit of spice and a little bit of danger is also needed in life. But not as much spice as Sharpe provides. That's... overkill. Sends you to the hospital. And if his sister had anything to do with the administration of the spice, you go to the hospital with a cleaver on your head.
Three small warnings. Firstly, two of the character biographies eventually fell out. To read the back you have to gently peel them off the page but the glue with which they were attached was either really light or of poor quality so you can't stick them back on. I'm not sure what kind of material you can use to stick them back on. My first thought was to cut a tiny piece of clear tape but I didn't attempt it because I was afraid that if the tape comes off the color peels off too. If you have any tips, feel welcome to share them <3 Secondly, this might be painfully obvious to some but I'm a numpty dumpty and struggled a little until I cracked the code. Shift the angle of page 101 against the light because the font is silver-toned on a page that's already incredibly light and warm-colored. And lastly, if you're like me and you get distracted by shiny pretty things and vibrant pictures then you'll find this a very challenging read!
In brief, I was left with the need to buy more movie books. It was so beautifully made, with such attention to detail, good quality pictures, and complete with detachable character biographies, dress design and concept art sketches, daguerreotypes, and more. As a child, I would love books that would open up to reveal little treasures, bits, and pieces that you could take out and put back in without fearing you'd lose them or damage them terribly. Leafing through this book gave me some of that childlike delight.
Starting with a foreword from Del Toro and a short introduction, this book will give you all the juicy insights into the four main characters, the beastly Allerdale Hall, and the mesmerizing ghosts. You also get interviews from almost everyone involved in production. From the director to the actors to the special effects team to the guy who found all these incredible vintage props to the genius who crafted the moth chairs. This movie was so obsessively detailed and aesthetically harmonious that it really makes you think just how many people poured their souls and their knowledge into the project. I was glad to see that everyone got the recognition they deserved. Likewise, this book is so balanced and carefully put together that it speaks to the ability of the author to synthesize complex information in a way that may attract more mainstream audiences as well as hardcore fans. There is also a movie poster/print hidden in a little pocket at the end of the book which I cannot wait to get framed. If I can't have my flashy morbid shrine at least I'll have my poster/print. On the floor. Probably behind dangerously high stacks of books. Now that I think of it I don't think tenants are allowed to hang anything on the walls. Damn it. The dream was good while it lasted.
I appreciated the fact Lucille's chapter is one the longest. She is such a complicated woman, wouldn't say villainous though she does some very gruesome things. Her chapter was enlightening and sad and I was both looking forward to it and dreading it. I was fully engrossed in the parts that talked about her embodying and 'wearing' the house. It is something I noticed the first time I watched the film and was curious to know more about. The spikes, the keys, the lace, and the moths, and even the texture of the fabric, she is dressed to kill, pun intended.
Surprisingly, we learn a lot about McMichael too, details that aren't as easily noticeable in the film. He represents that one safe, sane, and secure guy you have in your life that you, unfortunately, take for granted, and knowing that made me appreciate him more. I also felt a little bit embarrassed that I spent the better part of the film being entranced by the tall, dark, mysterious, Bluebeardesque Sharpe and totally forgot that McMichael has such great qualities. But even though he has the purest and brightest type of love for Edith, he takes second place thereby proving that a little bit of spice and a little bit of danger is also needed in life. But not as much spice as Sharpe provides. That's... overkill. Sends you to the hospital. And if his sister had anything to do with the administration of the spice, you go to the hospital with a cleaver on your head.
Three small warnings. Firstly, two of the character biographies eventually fell out. To read the back you have to gently peel them off the page but the glue with which they were attached was either really light or of poor quality so you can't stick them back on. I'm not sure what kind of material you can use to stick them back on. My first thought was to cut a tiny piece of clear tape but I didn't attempt it because I was afraid that if the tape comes off the color peels off too. If you have any tips, feel welcome to share them <3 Secondly, this might be painfully obvious to some but I'm a numpty dumpty and struggled a little until I cracked the code. Shift the angle of page 101 against the light because the font is silver-toned on a page that's already incredibly light and warm-colored. And lastly, if you're like me and you get distracted by shiny pretty things and vibrant pictures then you'll find this a very challenging read!
In brief, I was left with the need to buy more movie books. It was so beautifully made, with such attention to detail, good quality pictures, and complete with detachable character biographies, dress design and concept art sketches, daguerreotypes, and more. As a child, I would love books that would open up to reveal little treasures, bits, and pieces that you could take out and put back in without fearing you'd lose them or damage them terribly. Leafing through this book gave me some of that childlike delight.
August 5, 2025
guillermo del toro i will buy you endless props for your bleak house and keep you alive forever. this is one of my favorite movies of all time and reading this book just solidified my love for it. from afar it's obviously clear that a lot of work went into making the costumes and sets but that isn't even a scratch on the surface of how much effort and love was put into every aspect of this film. there's so many details that are virtually invisible and possibly impractical to spend time and money to include, but knowing that they're in the movie definitely makes the world feel richer and more special. everyone involved in this effectively created an entire world and it was especially cool to see how different departments worked together and took pieces from each other's work and built on it to further deepen the cohesiveness of the universe. it was really amazing to see just how involved guillermo del toro was with every single aspect of the film and how varied and specific (and sometimes even self-referential) his inspirations were. directors often cite one movie as their big "passion project" but with del toro you just know every movie he makes is a passion project with equal amounts of care and consideration put into them. what kind of person gives each actor an 8-page biography so they can better understand their character and creates a history for the ancestral home?? like this man is insane. not one part of the production went untouched by del toro and it's truly insane how much his involvement behind the scenes and willingness to tweak certain things (particularly relating to the characters' dynamics and the ghosts) elevated the movie to an entirely new level. my only complaint is i wish they had talked about fernando velázquez's compositions for the film and how he reworked edith's theme throughout the runtime. cuz he was creating MAGIC in that studio and it needs to be acknowledged. bury me with this book please and thank you♥️♥️
January 6, 2024
I don't usually read books like this one from cover to cover. I treassure these sort of books and once in a while flip through the pages to admire all of the beautiful pictures inside. But, after reading the novelization of the movie 'Crimson Peak', I had to make an exception for this book. I wanted to delve into the world of this movie as much as I could, and I'm glad this book managed to give me what I was looking for. It felt like I was rediscovering the movie all over again!
The photography inside this gem is breathtaking and even the whole lay-out of the texts was done with a great eye for detail. Sometimes the words can be hard to read because everything is printed in silver ink. I am a big believer in beauty over practicality, however, so I can definitely forgive the artists behind this book for their creative choices.
The photography inside this gem is breathtaking and even the whole lay-out of the texts was done with a great eye for detail. Sometimes the words can be hard to read because everything is printed in silver ink. I am a big believer in beauty over practicality, however, so I can definitely forgive the artists behind this book for their creative choices.
February 19, 2016
Beautiful book. Stunning illustrations.
Provides a lot more insight into the characters leading to a better understanding of how they came to be so complex and twisted.
Makes you want to freeze frame the movie to try and see more of the artistry.
Thanks to those concerned for producing this book because we clearly don't appreciate enough how much work goes into these movies.
An absolute must have for any gothic fan and something I'm going to dip into many times I'm sure.
Buy and enjoy
Provides a lot more insight into the characters leading to a better understanding of how they came to be so complex and twisted.
Makes you want to freeze frame the movie to try and see more of the artistry.
Thanks to those concerned for producing this book because we clearly don't appreciate enough how much work goes into these movies.
An absolute must have for any gothic fan and something I'm going to dip into many times I'm sure.
Buy and enjoy
October 21, 2015
I didn't think I could love this film anymore than I did. I was wrong. Fantastic book!
February 27, 2018
It is a wonderful book, very much enjoyed the additional information on making of this beautiful movie.
September 19, 2022
Is en blijft 1 van mijn favo films, ugh kben echt obsessed dit boek maakte het nog beter wauw love <3
May 5, 2021
I LOVE EVERY SINGLE THING RELATED TO THE MOVIE AND THIS BOOK IS PURE GOLD. THE FACTS ARE FASCINATING AND THE PAGES ARE SO SHINY AND BEAUTIFUL😭❤
January 6, 2022
As always love reading about Guillermo Del Toro's process. It seems like I took a year to read this lol but I got distracted with other books so finally picked this up again and finished.
October 5, 2023
I love this book! It's gorgeous. I'm a huge fan of Del Toro's work. It was great to look at the film from all of the artists behind it and the inspirations that helped make it.
December 26, 2021
Beautifully designed and printed (with just a few minor technical flaws) and filled with so many exciting details concerning the making of this great film.
January 22, 2021
I loved this so much. I am a huge fan of Guillermo del Toro's work, particularly his more fantasy/fairy tale films and I had been mean meaning to pick up a copy of this book since it came out. I'm so glad I finally did. I don't think this is in print any more in the United States but luckily, I was able to find them still in print in the UK. Crimson Peak is definitely one of my favorite aesthetics out of all of del Toro's films. I am a big fan of gothic and Victorian style aesthetics and this really ticks all of the boxes for me. It was a delight to read about del Toro's process and the meticulous work he puts into every single detail within this film from the set (they constructed the entire set of the mansion from scratch!) to the wardrobe and furniture. It was great to learn about all the little easter eggs he has hidden in certain pieces such as the word "Fear" and the moth/butterfly motifs hidden in the upholstery, word carvings, clothing, etc. He really is a man who takes his vision and works uncompromisingly towards it and in turn, produces incredibly lush and historically accurate works of art that really require to audience to put in the work to take it all in. I loved reading about his energy and passion and how much faith his crew and staff and the actors had in him because of it. The amount to time and energy each member of the team put into this film to make it the masterpiece that it is was just astonishing. I have so much more respect for del Toro and do truly believe he is one of the great film directors of this generation. I'm hoping to read more about his work and I can't wait to see what future films he will conceive.
June 13, 2017
This is a very pretty (and big!) book detailing a very pretty film. There are many clear movie stills zooming in painstakingly constructed and subtle details that don't show up as well on moving camera, there are costume designs, character bios, cast & production staff interviews, and a nice big chunk devoted to the making of the Crimson Peak estate itself. **Spoiler alert-- this book is intended for those who already know the story, and speaks freely of important plot points. Watch the movie first please.
I really enjoyed this book, and the next time I see the film I'll have a sharper eye for the "eye protein" that feeds the film (and that I didn't very consciously consume during the first viewing).
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the silvery font. I already have poor vision, so I spent some time turning and tipping the book to try to get the best angle for legibility. It makes for an aesthetically pleasing page, but if you've got poor eyes like mine just make sure you've got the right lighting to read what it says.
I really enjoyed this book, and the next time I see the film I'll have a sharper eye for the "eye protein" that feeds the film (and that I didn't very consciously consume during the first viewing).
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the silvery font. I already have poor vision, so I spent some time turning and tipping the book to try to get the best angle for legibility. It makes for an aesthetically pleasing page, but if you've got poor eyes like mine just make sure you've got the right lighting to read what it says.
December 31, 2015
Crimson Peak easily became my favorite film once I saw it for my birthday back in October (10.16 is the best day). I knew I'd really like it (hello, gothic romance starring the dreamy Tom Hiddleston), but I didn't realize how much I'd adore it. The visuals are as stunning and breathtaking as the story—the whole thing more twisted, dream-like fairytale than horror while still leaving you biting your fingernails wondering what lies in the darkness.
The Art of Darkness gives fans of the film a behind-the-scenes look at how Crimson Peak came together. It's tells of the intricacies of the set and costume designs, features biographies and back stories Guillermo wrote for each character, showcases concept art and stunning set photography and stores little treasures you can take out along the way (Thomas's letter to Edith, anyone?). I can't get enough of Crimsom Peak and this book is the perfect companion to guide me further into Allerdale Hall.
The Art of Darkness gives fans of the film a behind-the-scenes look at how Crimson Peak came together. It's tells of the intricacies of the set and costume designs, features biographies and back stories Guillermo wrote for each character, showcases concept art and stunning set photography and stores little treasures you can take out along the way (Thomas's letter to Edith, anyone?). I can't get enough of Crimsom Peak and this book is the perfect companion to guide me further into Allerdale Hall.
January 29, 2016
the art is haunting and complex. learning about the design process for Crimson Peak was great for me as an artist. all the color theory and motifs were so planned. you could tell the movie was a labor of love. the art book highlights on some of the labors.
my ONLY criticism about this book is the metallic silver font. it was damn near impossible to read unless I was in perfect light and angles. my neck hurts from reading it.
this isnt a critcism so much as a wish; the book had tons of art but I love concept art and wanted more more more. I wish "the art of" had included ALL the concept art. I havent read any other art books besides this one and skyrim, so I'm not 100% sure what they're supposed to be like. this one had a lot of text and photos.
it comes with lots of inserts too. these add to it.
this book would be a really good gift for artists/theatre people particularly of they like horror
my ONLY criticism about this book is the metallic silver font. it was damn near impossible to read unless I was in perfect light and angles. my neck hurts from reading it.
this isnt a critcism so much as a wish; the book had tons of art but I love concept art and wanted more more more. I wish "the art of" had included ALL the concept art. I havent read any other art books besides this one and skyrim, so I'm not 100% sure what they're supposed to be like. this one had a lot of text and photos.
it comes with lots of inserts too. these add to it.
this book would be a really good gift for artists/theatre people particularly of they like horror
January 28, 2016
This art book for Crimson Peak is so amazing--- packed full of detail and snippets from the cast and crew, and of course, the great man himself, Guillermo Del Toro. Del Toro's foreword at the start is beautiful, this is a man who has put in an immense amount of love and care into his work. The entire book is filled with lush, beautiful photography, intricate illustrations and descriptions about how the film came to be, from the sets and costumes. There are also so many delicious add-ons--- the abridged biographies of the 4 main characters, photographs and little trinkets and letters, a costume sketchbook from Kate Hawley. This is a book about a movie I loved that I will treasure for life.
August 21, 2016
So so incredibly stunning. Guillermo del Toro's dedication to and involvement in the art, design, costume, set and SFX departments for his films is simply unparralled. How he has the energy I will never understand. For me, this film was a thing of utter beauty: a masterclass in gothic romance, a love letter to all that I already love, and this book has only helped deepen my appreciation for it. Packed full of concept art, on-set photos, character backgrounds, costume and set details, and cast and crew insights into the process. Glossy, beautifully designed, perfectly finished, and basically the best Christmas present ever. Recommended.
December 26, 2015
Anyone who's a fan of del Toro or his work will enjoy this book. The combination of interviews, concept art, film stills, and notes from del Toro's character notebooks is a fascinating way to show the movie's development, but more importantly, del Toro's creative process. I'm eager to rewatch the movie after reading all the background to see what new things I notice and whether it changes the way I view the actors' portrayals. An incredible book.
December 21, 2019
Un libro para fans de la película. Reúne mucha información sobre la construcción y pasado de los personajes, vestuario, construcción de la mansión, fotografías de producción.... Encima editado de forma sublime.
January 4, 2016
An extremely well put together "Making Of" book, with some revealing interviews & outstanding photographs & illustrations.
May 27, 2016
Holy shit.
October 23, 2018
Un libro perfecto para completar la experiencia de "La Cumbre Escarlata". Está lleno de información sobre los detalles artísticos que aparecen en la película. Destacaría el vestuario y las biografías de los personajes, con las que comprendemos perfectamente su naturaleza y el porqué de sus acciones. Mención especial a la arquitectura de la espléndida mansión, construida para el rodaje. Disfruté cada segundo con los planos, las vistas aéreas, las maquetas, los acabados...
El libro resolvió todas las dudas que podía tener tras ver la película, incluso me descubrió muchos aspectos que no había captado pero que Guillermo del Toro había pensado y diseñado.
Recomendado a fans de la película.
El libro resolvió todas las dudas que podía tener tras ver la película, incluso me descubrió muchos aspectos que no había captado pero que Guillermo del Toro había pensado y diseñado.
Recomendado a fans de la película.
October 20, 2025
THIS is what I mean when say I want to read a book about a movie I like. I hate when art books are just pictures from the movie with quotes saying: this happens in the movie. I want actor insights, backgroung secrets, set and costumes sketches and more. This book delivers
Guillermo del Toro was already one of my favourite director but seeing how involved and passionate he is in his projects makes me love him even more.
The only problems with this book tho is that the writing is all silver, it’s pretty but quite hard to read sometimes and they added nice booklet of pictures and informations but they literally glued them on some the text, making it impossible to read certain parts or the booklet itself.
Guillermo del Toro was already one of my favourite director but seeing how involved and passionate he is in his projects makes me love him even more.
The only problems with this book tho is that the writing is all silver, it’s pretty but quite hard to read sometimes and they added nice booklet of pictures and informations but they literally glued them on some the text, making it impossible to read certain parts or the booklet itself.
November 14, 2022
In 2015, Crimson Peak became my personality and I haven't looked back since. My most prized possession, for now, is The Art of Darkness by Mark Salisbury. Salisbury weaves a gorgeous story of the creation of one of the greatest Gothic films of our time. Salisbury spares no detail and each page beautifully shows Guillermo del Toro's masterpiece. I enjoyed the added inserts and the surprise in the back. This book is a treasure to all Crimson Peak fans and I find myself returning to it, time and time again, to salivate over its beauty.
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