PDF Summary:As You Wish, by Cary Elwes

How did a modestly received film become an enduring cult classic? Cary Elwes, the star of The Princess Bride, takes you behind the scenes of the beloved fantasy adventure's making. He reveals the creative process, the intricate technical challenges, and the meticulous attention to detail that brought the timeless, genre-blending tale to life on screen.

Elwes recounts the director's deft assembly of an exceptional cast and crew. He offers an inside look at the imaginative effects and innovative cinematography that seamlessly incorporated elements of fantasy into cinematic reality. This vivid account traces the movie's transformation from an inauspicious debut to its celebrated cult status, exploring how an unconventional blend of wit and whimsy captured enduring appeal across generations.

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• Viewers often appreciate authenticity in performances, which can make scenes more engaging and believable. Realistic reactions, even if unplanned, can enhance the audience's emotional connection to the story.
• The film's comedic and adventurous tone might have encouraged a playful approach to scenes, leading to moments where actors felt comfortable experimenting with intensity.
• A shared commitment to the project’s success can unite the team, helping them to work through difficulties collectively and maintain focus on the end goal.

The intricacies involved in manifesting the fantasy adventure into reality.

This part of the book explores how the film's visual charm was crafted, highlighting the innovative and groundbreaking techniques in costume creation, as well as the set construction and special effects that enveloped the audience in a setting evocative of a timeless storybook realm.

Crafting the film's iconic attire, scenery, and adornments to capture the essence of a timeless storybook fantasy.

This part of the narrative emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail that was paid to the film's visual elements, illustrating how the production designers and craftsmen adeptly brought the intricate concepts from the scripts to life, creating an immersive experience for viewers.

Designing the distinctive costume that would become synonymous with the swashbuckling figure referred to as the Man in Black.

Cary Elwes shares his initial encounter with the esteemed costume designer Phyllis Dalton, who is celebrated for her contributions to legendary movies like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago". Elwes was immediately captivated by Dalton's illustrations, which presented a perceptive rendition of Goldman's story, blending attire that balanced historical accuracy with the timeless allure typical of fairy-tale narratives. Elwes, donned in a billowing shirt, leather footwear, and a mask meticulously molded to his facial structure, was immediately identifiable as the iconic fencer, his legs clad in dark-hued suede trousers. He recounts the wonder he felt when he put on the pirate costume, feeling a kinship with legendary cinematic heroes like Errol Flynn from the golden era of film.

Context

• Errol Flynn was a famous actor known for his roles in classic swashbuckling films such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood." His style and charisma set a standard for similar characters in cinema.
• Phyllis Dalton is a renowned costume designer known for her work on epic films. Her expertise in creating period-appropriate costumes has earned her accolades, including an Academy Award for "Doctor Zhivago."
• Iconic film costumes can become synonymous with the characters they represent, influencing fashion and popular culture. They often blend historical elements with imaginative designs to create memorable and enduring looks that resonate with audiences.
• The Man in Black's costume is crucial for establishing his mysterious and heroic persona, making him instantly recognizable and setting the tone for his role in the story.
• The swashbuckling hero became a cultural icon, representing ideals of bravery, charm, and adventure, which actors like Cary Elwes sought to embody in their performances.

The grand Florin Castle and its surrounding landscapes were convincingly portrayed using the carefully modified Haddon Hall.

Elwes fondly recalls revisiting the esteemed Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, a location where he had previously performed for his roles in the movie "Lady Jane." This time, however, the stately old residence underwent a transformation, harmoniously blending with the romantic fantasy and medieval grandeur of the movie as the majestic home of Prince Humperdinck in Florin. He speaks of Haddon Hall's grand design, which has elements dating from the eleventh century, and muses on the way its rich history mirrors the tale of Westley and Buttercup. Richard Holland, along with set decorator Maggie Gray, augmented the hall's inherent charm by adding elements and decorations of historical importance, creating a visually captivating environment. The 14th-century banquet hall underwent meticulous conversion into the study of Humperdinck, featuring the addition of artificial towers and banners on its facade, and the nearby terrain was seamlessly integrated with the natural surroundings, crafting a filmic domain that appeared both genuinely lifelike and magically otherworldly.

Context

• "Lady Jane" is a historical drama film released in 1986, which tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days' Queen of England. Cary Elwes played the role of Guilford Dudley, Jane's husband, in the film.
• Haddon Hall is a well-preserved medieval manor house in Derbyshire, England, known for its architectural features spanning several centuries, making it an ideal filming location for historical and fantasy films.
• The rich history of Haddon Hall, with its layers of architectural styles and historical artifacts, symbolizes the timeless nature of the love story between Westley and Buttercup, which transcends time and adversity.
• Set decorators like Maggie Gray work closely with production designers to furnish and decorate sets. This includes selecting furniture, fabrics, and other objects that reflect the historical and cultural context of the film's setting.
• In the film "The Princess Bride," Prince Humperdinck is a central antagonist, and his study would be a place of strategic planning and royal affairs, reflecting his power and status.
• Creating a "filmic domain" involves world-building, where filmmakers construct a believable universe within the film, often requiring detailed planning and design to ensure that every visual element supports the story's setting and mood.

Innovative visual effects and cinematic techniques were utilized to seamlessly incorporate fantastical elements into the movie.

Elwes details the intricate methods used to transform the book's creative elements into cinematic reality, achieved through the use of practical effects and innovative cinematography.

Practical effects, such as the fireworks in the perilous swamp and the skillful handling of the oversized rat creatures, were instrumental in creating a genuine ambiance.

Elwes highlights the film's inclination toward using tangible effects over the now-commonplace reliance on digital enhancements in modern filmmaking. The sudden eruptions of fire in the Fire Swamp were achieved by strategically installing gas outlets at various points. The performers navigated through genuine fire with precision, maintaining the integrity of their acting despite the well-orchestrated and safe pyrotechnic effects.

The R.O.U.S, another fantastical element, were brought to life by adept performers clad in complex attire, whose proficiency in physical movement and expressive acting necessitated both agility and stamina to manipulate the creatures' movements, all the while enduring the sweltering temperatures and limited visibility inside their elaborate outfits. Elwes observes that despite the R.O.U.S appearing somewhat comical by today's standards, their physical reality contributes significantly to the enduring charm of the film.

Context

• The Fire Swamp is a fictional location in the film The Princess Bride, known for its dangerous and magical elements, including sudden bursts of flame. This setting is crucial for the plot, as it represents a significant challenge for the protagonists.
• Actors often undergo specific training to perform stunts safely. This can include learning how to move through hazardous environments, such as areas with controlled fire, while maintaining their performance.
• The film's director, Rob Reiner, and the production team prioritized practical effects to maintain a whimsical and timeless quality.
• The costumes were likely bulky and cumbersome, adding to the physical challenge of moving convincingly as a creature.
• Limited visibility in such costumes often results from small eye holes or screens, which are necessary to maintain the creature's appearance but can significantly restrict the performer's field of vision.
• In contrast to modern films that often rely heavily on CGI, the physical presence of creatures like the R.O.U.S. can make scenes feel more immediate and engaging, as actors interact with real objects rather than green screens or digital placeholders.

The sequences gained heightened drama and excitement by employing innovative cinematography and advanced editing techniques.

Elwes describes how skillful camera work and editing visually enhanced the film's narrative, particularly in the memorable duel atop the high cliff between Westley and Inigo Montoya. The filmmaker made a deliberate choice to showcase the physical capabilities of the actors by filming their full figures during the action scenes, avoiding the typical use of close-up shots and stunt doubles that are often seen in traditional swordfighting scenes. The method required meticulous organization and strategy, employing two cameras set up to record the action from different angles.

The film's tension and thrill were significantly heightened during the editing process. For example, the meticulously planned climactic battle was intended to highlight the complex exchange of their fencing skills, underscoring all aspects of their combat proficiency, from the attacking thrusts and protective tactics to the counterattacks. The film evolved into a cinematic treasure, captivating audiences with its thorough attention to detail and the skillful blending of dialogue with personal camera work.

Practical Tips

• You can enhance your home videos by using multiple smartphones to capture different angles. Set up two or more smartphones in various positions around a room where an event, like a family gathering or a DIY project, is taking place. This will allow you to create a more dynamic and engaging video when you edit the footage together, giving you a multi-angle view of the action.
• Write a short story and revise it with the aim of increasing tension. Start with a basic draft focusing on the plot, then go back and edit sentences, choose more evocative words, and adjust the pacing of events to create a more gripping narrative. Share it with friends or on a writing forum to get feedback on the suspense level.
• Try playing strategy-based video games to sharpen your tactical thinking. Games that simulate combat scenarios, like chess or tactical role-playing games, can improve your ability to think several steps ahead and make decisions under pressure. Notice how the skills you develop in-game can be applied to real-life situations that require strategic planning and foresight.
• Experiment with creating short video clips using your smartphone, where you narrate an event or story from your life, paying close attention to the background details and how they contribute to the atmosphere. Use close-up shots when you're sharing personal thoughts or dialogue to create a sense of intimacy, similar to personal camera work in films.

The movie's unforeseen ascent to cult classic stature and its lasting impact.

This part examines the journey from the movie's lukewarm initial reception to its rise as a beloved cult classic, analyzing the challenges in marketing a movie that doesn't fit neatly into any genre and evaluating its lasting impact on viewers and popular culture.

Upon its initial release, the film was met with lukewarm reactions from both viewers and reviewers, further exacerbated by the difficulties the studio encountered in marketing it properly.

Cary Elwes reminisces about the initial release of the film, which did not meet the expectations of the studio and the creators, despite receiving positive reviews. Cary Elwes is of the opinion that the movie's lackluster financial success stemmed from the studio's uncertainty about how to market it, coupled with a lack of traditional promotional efforts.

The studio faced challenges in categorizing the film due to its distinctive blend of elements from different genres, resulting in a significant discrepancy.

Elwes describes the difficulties the marketing team encountered in defining "The Princess Bride" since it defied conventional genre classifications. The film's blend of a whimsical romance, thrilling adventures, heartfelt emotion, and witty humor presented a considerable challenge for devising a succinct marketing strategy, leading to promotional campaigns that did not adequately convey its essence. The first advertising poster for the movie featured a shadowy outline of Peter Falk as the Grandfather with Fred Savage portraying the Grandson, highlighting the storytelling aspect rather than the main adventure theme. The film's unique allure, coupled with marketing materials that did not effectively communicate its essence, likely resulted in a modest initial turnout, leaving the audience in doubt regarding the film's subject matter.

Practical Tips

• Host a movie night with friends where each person brings a film that they believe defies categorization. After watching, discuss what elements make these films hard to categorize and how this impacts your viewing experience. This can help you understand the value of genre-blending and how it can lead to more engaging and unexpected storytelling.
• Try writing a 30-second elevator pitch that clearly defines the product's unique value proposition and intended audience. Practice this pitch on people unfamiliar with the product and note their reactions and questions. Their feedback can help refine how you communicate the product's genre and market fit.
• Write a short story or script that weaves together romance, adventure, emotion, and humor. Use this as a creative exercise to understand how these elements interact and enhance storytelling. Start with a simple plot, like a couple on a treasure hunt, and infuse emotional depth and humor into their journey.
• Test the clarity of your marketing strategy by explaining your product or service to someone unfamiliar with your industry and then asking them to summarize it back to you. If they can't, it may indicate that your messaging isn't as clear or compelling as it needs to be.
• Experiment with social media campaigns that focus on user-generated stories rather than direct product promotion. Encourage your followers to share their own experiences related to your brand or product, using a specific hashtag. This not only provides you with authentic content to share but also builds a community around your brand that's centered on shared stories rather than just the products themselves.
• You can enhance your marketing materials by creating a 'unique allure' mood board. Start by gathering images, phrases, and items that represent the essence of what you're promoting. This could be a new product, a personal project, or even a local event. Use the mood board to guide the design and language of your marketing materials, ensuring they resonate with the intended audience and clearly communicate what makes your offering special.
• Conduct a split test with two different marketing approaches for your next project. Design two versions of your advertisement with varying degrees of clarity and detail, then release them to similar-sized segments of your audience. Track engagement metrics such as click-through rates, shares, and attendance figures to determine which version resonates more effectively with your audience. This hands-on experiment will help you understand the impact of clear messaging on audience turnout.

The movie's popularity increased with its frequent television broadcasts and availability for home entertainment.

Cary Elwes recounts the journey of "The Princess Bride" as it enchanted an expanding viewership, becoming a beloved choice in the burgeoning home video market and frequently enjoyed in family and social gatherings. The film's allure increased as word-of-mouth recommendations and frequent television broadcasts captivated an expanding audience with its timeless story and beloved characters.

Practical Tips

• Strengthen your observation skills by creating a character study of someone you know or a public figure. Take notes on their mannerisms, speech patterns, and habits without judgment, aiming to understand the person more deeply. This practice can help you develop empathy and insight into human behavior, akin to an actor preparing for a role by studying the character they will portray.

Other Perspectives

• The demographic that watches television may not represent the broader audience, so the perceived increase in popularity could be skewed or limited to certain viewer segments.
• While availability for home entertainment can increase a movie's popularity, it is not the only factor; the quality of the movie itself is crucial for sustained popularity.
• The use of the word "enchanted" suggests a universally positive reception, yet there could have been viewers who appreciated the craft but were not charmed by the story or characters.
• The statement doesn't account for the impact of new streaming services and digital platforms that have changed the way audiences consume media, which might alter the significance of being a "beloved choice" in the traditional home video market.
• The notion of frequent enjoyment in family and social gatherings assumes a communal viewing preference, which may not account for individual viewing habits that prefer streaming or solitary enjoyment of films.
• The impact of word-of-mouth could vary greatly depending on the demographics of the audience, with some groups perhaps being less influenced by personal recommendations and more by professional reviews or advertising.
• The concept of a "timeless story" is subjective, and what resonates with one generation or audience may not necessarily appeal to another.
• While the characters may be beloved by many, not all viewers may find them captivating, as personal taste in characters can vary widely.

The film's widespread charm and lasting impact transcend generational boundaries.

This section delves into the lasting impact of 'The Princess Bride,' underscoring its universal appeal, its iconic status in popular culture, and its continual influence on both viewers and the film industry.

The movie's enduring charm is clear, as enthusiasts often recite its iconic phrases and celebrate it through diverse gatherings and products.

Cary Elwes describes the transformation of the movie from its initial release into a cultural phenomenon, with fans celebrating its influence through the recitation of iconic lines, engaging in themed gatherings, and acquiring tattoos in tribute to the movie. This widespread appreciation, he observes, spans generations, bringing together family members and sparking an enthusiasm comparable to the passion found in cult classics such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Other Perspectives

• The act of reciting phrases might be common among a vocal minority of enthusiasts, which could give the impression that it is more widespread than it actually is.
• The frequency and scale of themed gatherings can vary greatly, and without specific data, it's difficult to assess the true extent of the movie's impact based on this activity alone.
• Tattoos are a personal and permanent form of expression that may not appeal to all fans, regardless of their love for the movie.
• While the movie may have a dedicated fan base, the term "cultural phenomenon" could be considered an overstatement, as it implies a level of impact and ubiquity that may not be as pervasive as truly widespread cultural phenomena.
• The idea of spanning generations could be more reflective of nostalgia from older fans rather than a genuine interest from newer, younger audiences.
• Some family members might not appreciate the cult-like enthusiasm for the movie, which could lead to divisions rather than unity if their opinions or tastes are not respected.
• The movie's fan activities, while enthusiastic, might not have the same level of creative expression, such as the fan-made costumes and props that are a staple of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" events.

The movie received praise from respected organizations and cultivated strong relationships among the cast and crew.

Elwes shares anecdotes of encounters with notable fans like ex-President Bill Clinton, underscoring the enduring charm and importance the film holds in popular culture. "The Princess Bride" has resonated profoundly with diverse audiences of all ages, solidifying its reputation as a timeless masterpiece. He also reflects thoughtfully on the significant impact the film has had on his life and career, cherishing the lasting relationships formed with his co-stars, and expresses gratitude for his involvement in a project that continues to enchant audiences worldwide.

Practical Tips

• You can enhance your own projects by seeking endorsements from industry leaders or reputable figures. Start by identifying respected individuals or organizations within your field and reach out to them with a well-crafted pitch that explains the value and relevance of your work. For example, if you've created a documentary, you could contact film critics or cinema clubs for their reviews.
• You can foster strong relationships in your workplace by initiating a 'get to know you' series where each week, a different team member shares a unique personal or professional story during a team meeting. This encourages openness and creates a platform for bonding over shared experiences or interests that might not come up during regular work discussions.
• Create a personal blog or social media page dedicated to your encounters with influential people. Write about these experiences, emphasizing what you learned or how they changed your view on certain topics. Use hashtags and keywords to reach a wider audience who might be interested in similar stories or who have had comparable experiences.
• Organize a community film project where participants recreate scenes from iconic movies using their own creative interpretations. This could involve local amateur actors, filmmakers, and enthusiasts who collaborate to shoot and edit the scenes. The finished project could be showcased at a local event or online, highlighting the timeless appeal of these films through a modern lens.
• Create a personal journal entry after watching "The Princess Bride" movie or reading the book, reflecting on which characters, scenes, or quotes you relate to and why. This can help you identify the timeless themes that connect with your own life experiences.
• Create a visual timeline of your career or personal growth to identify patterns and turning points. Use a large poster or digital drawing tool to map out the major milestones in your life, connecting them with lines to show progression and interconnections. This could reveal, for instance, how a hobby you started in college indirectly led to a career change years later.
• Start a peer recognition program in your workplace to celebrate the contributions of your colleagues. Much like actors often praise their co-stars, acknowledging the efforts and achievements of your peers can create a positive atmosphere and strengthen professional relationships. This could be as simple as a 'kudos' board where employees can post notes of appreciation for each other.
• Send a personalized thank-you note or email to someone who has helped you in your career or on a specific project once a week. This could be a mentor, a team member, or even a client. Expressing gratitude directly not only strengthens your relationships but also creates a positive feedback loop that can lead to more collaborative and supportive work environments.
• Encourage creative expression by writing a short story or creating artwork inspired by the themes of the enchanting movie. If the film has a particular setting, like a magical forest or a futuristic city, use that as a backdrop for your creation, and share it on social media or with friends to spread the enchantment further.