The 2003 documentary video The Making of Fahrenheit 451 relates aspects regarding the making of the 1966 film. Several people involved in the film or knowledgeable about it contribute information. The video can be found on the film’s Blu-ray or in seriously abbreviated form on YouTube.

Some key points are that after someone suggested Ray Bradbury’s book to director François Truffaut, Truffaut went about securing the film rights. Otto Preminger was also interested but he was so hard-driving and high energy that Bradbury, having barely survived working with John Huston, said never again. He loved the Truffaut films he had seen and appreciated Truffaut’s gentle personality, and Truffaut obtained the film rights.

François Truffaut spoke only French. The extent of his English was “Have a good weekend.” Luckily the principal actors and others involved with the film either spoke French or learned enough to get by. A person was also on hand as an interpreter. It was very unusual directing a film entirely in French which was made in English, and Truffaut never did it again.

Main actor Oskar Werner had worked with Truffaut before but had since developed a major attitude and the two didn’t get along. Technical aspects are discussed including setting someone on fire. This film was an important early appearance for Mark Lester, who spoke a line, but was not his first movie.

Author Ray Bradbury’s main complaint seemed to be the absence of the Mechanical Hound. Otherwise he praised Truffaut’s achievement.

This is a very informative documentary and I would recommend it to people after seeing the film but not before due to spoilers.