“The Book,” an intriguing sci-fi written and directed by Richard Weiss, also known as Ø, leaves you to ponder questions afterward, if you choose. In a world 200 and 400 years in the future where humans face alien “replicants”- each alien the exact physical copy of one person in the world, the movie challenges assumptions about “good” and “evil.” What if genuinely good intentions hide behind seemingly devious actions?

Not only are replicant aliens trying to usurp the identities of their human look-a-likes, they are also trying to push humans to read “The Book”, a potent instrument of alchemy that automatically neutralizes negative emotions in whoever reads it.  Through “The Book”, the aliens are trying to realize their vision of Utopia.  The film centers on humans’ resistance to living in an aseptic world. Ø brings out his uniqueness with his stylistic vision that guides the films colorful visual identity.

Overcoming a life threatening illness to make his dream come true, along with choosing an ambitious project as his first film, Weiss financed the film himself completely as well.  Never having attended film school, or never having made a feature, he succeeded to produce a multi-award winning film.  By December 2011, “The Book” had won 13 awards and it was branded as “cult classic material.”

Ø emphasized the challenges in bringing “The Book” to the screen.  The most alluring part were the trials and tribulations that it took for him to complete the film.  First, a fire destroyed the sound stage and all the sets used for filming. He also lost all of his lodging in the same fire.  He managed to save the exposed film and costumes, however.  This was Weiss’ turning point where he knew nothing would ever stop the film from being made.  After relocating and rebuilding the sets, shooting resumed and shortly after Ø got heavy metal poisoning while creating special visual effects.  The scope of the entire project was so enormous that his health started to decline.   After struggling for several years and almost dieing in the process, Ø pulled through, resumed editing and his complete determination to finish his creation of “The Book” had finally succeeded.

Weiss was a graphic designer before venturing into the world of film-making.  Prior to making this film, Ø directed “Chemical Syndrome,” a music video that received worldwide critical success.  Also a writer, Ø has two new screenplays that are ready to be made into films

The success story of an underdog who, against all odds, makes his dreams come true is a motivating, encouraging message to not only filmmakers, but anyone in the world with dreams!

Those who buy directly from his site get a personally autographed DVD, make sure to check it out at:

http://www.thebook-themovie.com/

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