Filmmaker Alex Cox's thoughtful autobiography examines his craft and influences, as well as providing his insights into many of his favorite films. Sometimes called a radical, Cox is a quintessential auteur, as well as an internationally focused, insightful critic and writer whose passion for film has gripped him since childhood. In addition to being a captivating look into Cox's process, this book also encourages and instructs would-be independent filmmakers, guiding the next generation of film pioneers through the arduous journey of creation. Cox weaves his own "confessions" with his notes to the new guard, including thoughts on new forms of digital distribution and his radical views on intellectual property — the result is a readable, startling treatise on both the film innovations of today and the thrilling potential of future filmmaking.

"Veteran West Coast indie filmmaker Cox examines ten of his films in this frank and refreshingly impartial retrospective. While readers will probably be most familiar with Repo Man, Sid and Nancy and Straight to Hell, Cox's at-times bizarre perspective is reigned in with a funny, conversational style and eye for detail that propel all ten of these fascinating nuts-and-bolts essays. Behind-the-scenes stories about actors being mistaken for real-life bank robbers, executives sleeping through screenings and the many moods of underpaid talent will give readers a deeper appreciation for the role of director (and the virtue of patience). Cox's honest, detailed account will appeal to anyone with an interest in his work. Cox covers in-depth each movie from start to finish, covering everything from the writing, location scouting and casting to the minutiae of postproduction and release, focusing on the unglamorous (copyright intricacy, shot location logistics, dealing with financiers) without losing steam or his sense of humor. Cox's war stories will also benefit eager up-and-comers, as well as anyone who appreciates the fringe-dwelling, indie-film tradition." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)