Whether you're a Verhoeven fan, or just want to read an interesting account of a director's relationship with the film industry, this book will satisfy you. The author interviewed past Verhoven associates from the stars of his Dutch films to Michael Douglas, as well as longtime friends like cinematographer Jost Vacano (who has worked with Paul for 25 years). He also spoke at length with Verhoeven himself, getting some great quotes--not to mention insight--in the process. The translator has done an excellent job of making this book engaging and readable, unlike some biographies where the recitation of facts can get boring.

The book covers Verhoeven's childhood, early student days, his time in the military making documentaries, and his entire film career in detail from his first major Dutch production through the making of Showgirls. For the length of the book (only 300 pages) there is A LOT covered. If you are hoping to learn more about this rather infamous director you will not be disappointed.
There is a new chapter for each of his major Dutch and American films.

Besides the biographical text, there are some black and white photos before and after each major section and a complete filmography (through Starship Troopers). The book also has an index that is actually useful in finding the info you need.

I recommend this highly for anyone interested in Verhoeven--you might even find yourself surprised at how personable, intelligent, and funny he is.

This is a fantastic biography of the director of The Fourth Man, Robocop, Basic Instinct, Showgirls and Starship Troopers. The first half of the book extensively details Verhoeven's childhood, education and early film career in the Netherlands, then switches to chapter-long "making of" stories on each of his American films up through Showgirls (Starship Troopers was still in production at the time this book was published).

Verhoeven is a VERY smart man and has led an intriguing life. If all you know of him is that he's "the pervert who made Showgirls," you'd do well to read this book. Good job, Rob Van Scheers!

Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask about the freaky Dutch filmmaker.

The photos are fantastic,the comments much more interesting,worth buying it.You can really understand why it is more than what you see at first in the movie.I loved it.

This is a must-have coffee-table book (it's also available in paperback) for all fans of Paul Verhoeven's brilliant, moving epic; it comes close to capturing the lush beauty of the movie itself. Anyone with taste, style, and/or half a brain will cherish both the gorgeous book and the inspiring, elegant movie. Thank you to the publishers of the book as well as the filmmakers.

What can I say about Showgirls that hasn't been said? I am sure I echo the sentiments of anyone who's seen this film when I say it's the best movie ever made. This book is also amazing. It features an in depth look at the talent that made this movie happen. Verhoven helps us to understand the seedy underworld of Las Vegas and why this movie is truly the story of a girl in search of herself. Where, oh where, is the sequel to this stunning masterpeice?