Mars Attacks Memoirs Paperback – 26 Mar. 2021

Although a GEMS, an unbiased review: Always was a huge fan of Mars Attacks! and the discovery that the Mars Attacks Memoirs was published, couldn’t wait to read it. This book is so much more than behind the scenes, much deeper than only work and friendship of Jonathan Gems and Tim Burton. It’s love between two great artists who happened to come across one another and worked in highly pressured environment of the Hollywood Studios on many films: Jonathan got a full credit for this film only. Thank God for it being made.“ Don’t trust the experts “ being a theme of Mars Attacks! , Jonathan takes us on an unexpected philosophical life exploring journey where the stars are real human beings who care about their work, who have depth beyond movie making business, colorful struggles and fun, cliff hangers, censorship of art, fight for making the film happen, spiritual struggles in the world where Hollywood is the big boss and artists have to fight to preserve true art. Would you expect to find the mention of Krishnamurti in the movie book??? 😂 and so much more!Tibetan Lamas? People who direct movies living in a ghetto area where even police don’t enter because you just might get killed. Jonathan visited such scary places without fear.Jonathan is a world class storyteller who is giving generously to the interviewer Mila Pop. It’s like a conversation between two friends that reveals why Jonathan made a movie in Hollywood: unmatched wisdom and observation of the human nature.It’s also a story about how the script was written, what happens with a lot of films and wellspring of knowledge on film making. It really is a book for anyone interested in film making but it is a book that is enjoyable from so many perspectives: it is like another crazy, loving, fun, rollercoaster movie in itself. Inspiring and honest!Recommend it to anyone who loves to contemplate deeply about life itself and have a serious dive accompanied with so much humor. Even if you have not seen a film, this is a gem book. If you have seen the film, this is a must read. If you’re a fan of it or not, this will be a great ride.Someone should make a film of Mars Attacks Memoirs: Jonathan smoking a pipe, black and white and his memories and stories in color. of Jonathan’s books and plays and scripts and he’s someone who needs to be studied: so much to offer to the world. I’m surprised he’s not A LOT more well known.This book might just inspire all the Mars Attacks! fans to keep going and explore his others writings. A tip of the iceberg.Genius: life wisdom and fun, what more can we ask??????? Open sesame comes to mind ! Very difficult to give it justice by writing a review, it’s a huge wealth of gifts received from reading it, I hope people catch on and get on this great train. Indeed, a hidden GEM has been revealed!Ack Ack Ack! Read more

So this is what happens when you go to Hollywood. Loved this book, especially the stories about some of the Hollywood legends like Jack Nicholson. You can also see why Hollywood got scared and how a movie like this cannot get made today with such a star cast. Do you wany to write and make movies then you need to read this book or listen to the audio book. It is so easy to read you will be done in a day. Ack ack!

The Mini Cooper of the literary world, this book is nippy and stylish, attentive to detail, with a disarmingly quirky exterior that belies a deep intelligence and timeless design. Mila Pop is a great interviewer; her questions, as well as her delight at the responses Gems provides, show that she clearly loves the film. Jonathan Gems answers her questions generously and on many levels. He explains how the movie almost did not come about (the phrase “madcap adventure” comes to mind) and offers funny and fascinating anecdotes about some of the people involved. He also gives the inside skinny on how the film industry and Hollywood really work, and from there goes into how this paradigm can be seen throughout society. His great affection for Tim Burton and his girlfriend Lisa Marie is very touching, and transcends mere artistic collaboration. The book nails the sense of a collection of supremely talented people having a blast as they create unique and wonderful things - namely the movie itself, the friendships made along the way and the interaction between Pop and Gems. It’s an easy, happy read, over all too quickly. I look forward to more.

I am so glad I bought this book 'cause I almost didn't after seeing the cover. Now I know the meaning of "Never judge a book by its cover". This is the book everyone needs to read. Our education and society would be so much better if this book was part of the school syllabus. It's very subversive and incredibly intelligent. Criticizes everything wrong with today's society and offers solutions. Unbelievable story, unbelievable writing. If I had to choose one book to read through eternity, this would be the one!

Having grown up in the age of Golden Burton, I have loved "Mars Attacks!" since its release when I was a teenager. I was always frustrated by the mainstream's inability or unwillingness to get the humor and point of the film. Now, with this book (several transcripts of different interviews with the screenwriter Johnathan Gems), we get to peer behind the curtain at the three-ring circus that was the making of this film. Gems, being a writer and intelligent person in general, poetically brings to life the nuanced processes that almost brought the film to a crashing halt, as well as the experience of working closely with his friend Tim Burton, Burton's then-girlfriend, the ethereal Lisa Marie, and all the cast and crew. As an aspiring screenwriter myself, I got extra pleasure and benefits from hearing about Gem's point of view and wisdom regarding the insane business of movie-making. He also made me laugh with his observations, sharp wit, and distinct descriptions of the cast (Glenn Close "sounds like a road," Martin Short is a "will-o-the-wisp," Rod Steiger looked like he was made out of igneous rock, etc. etc.). Aside from the film itself, much else is discussed and examined, including the broader corruption represented in microcosm by the film industry, crowd control, societal manipulation, and much more. The book felt like a complex and profound novel or non-fiction deep dive into a host of subjects that intertwine and illuminate each other. Interviewer Mila Pop leads the conversation in fascinating directions and brings so many gems (pun intended) out of the writer. Anyone interested in film, "Mars Attacks!" itself, society, culture, the arts, actors, and anything along those lines will get a lot from this fun, revealing book. I will read it many times. Highly recommended!

I truly enjoyed the book. You kind of lost me with the Eastern philosophy, not due to content, but interest. I did study it in school many, many years ago. 🙂It was fascinating to follow the trials and tribulations, and see the underlying thought processes that went into every aspect of MA's birth.Thank you for a very indepth plunge into the making of this movie. If I were in that circle I would be mesmerized.

A very good book about the making of a very underrated movie.Mila Pop has done a great job of interviewing Jonathon Gems, the writer of Mars Attacks! I love reading books about the behind the scenes, making of movies. This book doesn't disappoint. It covers the trials and tribulations as well as the joys and triumphs of making this cult classic.If you haven't seen the movie, watch it. You won't be disappointed.If you haven't read this book, read it. Its just as fun as the film.

Excellent read and very entertaining! Fascinating to learn about this film and movie-making in general.

This is not only an interesting recounting of the making of MARS ATTACKS! but also an in-depth observation of how the machinery of movie making works...warts and all. You'll enjoy!