Fascinating memoir that delivers inspiration and will inspire creatives and fans of the actor equally. #mustread
594560
Brilliant memoir and inadvertent guide to life (on flow, acceptance, working with inner issues, and what it means to be human). The life story of Alan Arkin, his childhood self and how he grew up to become the man that he is, is fascinating. There is so much inspiration here, a byproduct of living vicariously through Arkin as he becomes a more open person, a man unattached to results (very Buddhist of him), open to synchronicity, flow and creating for the pure joy of it. This book covers his childhood obsession with acting, his first marriage, and even mentions his experience as a parent, as well as experiences writing and directing a play. This book will inspire any creative, artist, writer, poet, actor, or otherwise, to step into their most freely creative self. I strongly recommend this book. Happy reading~*
681538
Here is the story of an actor i have enjoyed over the years but knew nothing about - except he has an amazing Scottish accent that stops you in your tracks. This memoir is fascinating for its heartfelt and fully open emotional journey.  Its an eye opening childhood history of a self proclaimer "pixie- like" performer who withstood harsh abuse. I believe writing this book was as cathartic for him as it is engrossing for his audience. Yes, he sure did a good job!
4921492
Michael Whitehall's memoir is quite a delicious read whether or not you have any interest in the theatre or show business. Although actors such as Nigel Havers and Judi Dench do occasionally wander through its pages, the real treat is Whitehall's enormous storytelling ability, and his apparent lifelong propensity for being caught in the company of eccentrics. His drily comedic telling of his bizarre childhood, through his very checkered pre-agent career, through his tales of agent life and beyond, leave the reader yearning for more of this deliciously absurd yet very personable writer.
3093547
To preface this review, I must say I'm an avid Brand fan and adore his first memoir: "My Booky Wook." He's a visionary comedian with an energy that's unmatched by most. Amazingly, Brand is able to convey this frenetic pace in words, too. This is my second time reading "My Booky Wook 2." That's a lot of twos...

In this second memoir, Brand reprises his writing voice to catch up readers on his latest adventures. And like his first, he does it with a powerful wit and captivating energy. But this edition seems to be eager to impress. He seems pressed to diversify, and use the wealth of his growing diction. For some reason, it seems even more exaggerated in this second edition, and now appears more out of place.

There's an interesting irony contained within the book. It focuses on all the events that led to Brand's marriage to ex-wife Katy Perry, but gives a cursory glance at his current girlfriend, Jemima Khan. They seemed to run into a charity party and now they're seeing each other.

As his life has become less sexualized, his language, at times, appears to be filled with sexual digressions and fantasies. Its here, that we seem to see the mind of Russell Brand, when unhinged. Its both fun and fanciful.

"...this spindly liquorice man, this sex crazed linguistic bolt of tricks and tics and kohl-eyed winks."

Followers of Brand may notice that his recent standup is similar to "My Booky Wook 2." Especially during the chapter about filming Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I found it to be a direct copy of his routines. Enjoyable, but perhaps a bit repetitive.

This is a nearly perfect sequel to a great life. Brand is a terrific writer, and I would look forward to reading whatever comes next.
4295843
I found Scotty's recollection of his own history and escapades in Hollywood to be captivating.  He's a remarkable character with enough adventures to fill multiple lifetimes.  His insignt into notable personalities presents them as real people trying to cope with their own lives, celebrity and sexuality.  He is non-judgmental and provides a fresh approach to secret sex lives of the stars. Do I see a movie in the works?
3118006
I absolutely could not put this wonderfully insightful and fascinating book down! It is filled with all sorts of great Hollywood insider stories and tales of a woman who could do it all and never really got the star status and accolades that she so richly deserved. Kay Thompson was a force to be reckoned with on stage and off. I can't help thinking what a huge star she would have been in the movies had she accepted more of the film roles that she was offered but never accepted. The author really gets to the heart of what drove Miss Thompson throughout her life and how much she nurtured and helped other stars become legends. Her major turn in the classic movie Funny Face proves that she could not only hold her own in a movie with major stars but she could steal it from them with her wonderful personality and sheer talent. I think she was one of the first triple threats of her time as far as being an actor, singer and a dancer and she did it all with such ease and great flair. After reading this book I wish I had known Kay Thompson - she was definitely one of a kind.
4406439
Enjoyed this book, loved reading about a rich and unusual
childhood. Insight into the process of what techniques helps makes an actor is A must reading for anyone interested in an acting career
2379776
I recently read The Film Actor's Handbook, by Jesse Lee Vint III, a man I consider a friend and mentor. This is a great book, packed with insightful guidance for anyone who takes the craft seriously, and entertaining anecdotes from Jesse's impressive career. Once I got started, I could not stop. I read it in four sittings over the course of a Saturday. Reading it -- with his voice in my head -- was as if he were telling me the stories in person (again). Anyone who wants straight talk about what real acting is, and how to do it, needs to read this book.
1199935
I've been a fan of the High Chaparell as long as I can remember, captivated by the performance of Henry Darrow as Manolito Montoya. I alway admired his portrayal, his charisa and his sex appeal. I was eager to learn more about this actor when I purchased this book. What I didn't expect to learn was the determination and dedication of this man throughout his career to the craft of acting, (on screen as well as on stage), and how instrumental he was in blazing the trail for Latino actors in Hollywood.
I grew to admire his talent and hard work more as I absorbed his story.
Jan Pippen and Mr. Darrow have done a wonderful job of presenting the facets of his life and career throughout the years. Today's actors do not compare to the work ethic and tenacity that this man has. For anyone who really wants to know how an actor's career takes shape or wants to know the real story behind an actor's journey through the pitfalls and peaks of Hollywood, read this story.
1407571
Creativity is a process - it sounds boring, but it is true.  A great book or film doesn't simply appear out of thin air - and on occasion the general public is given a window into a great creative mind, and in turn, their process.  Steven King's great book, ON WRITING, is one such example.

Like King, Guillermo Del Toro has thrown open the shade on how his creations - PAN'S LABYRINTH, HELLBOY, PACIFIC RIM and others - came about. On the surface, the Harper Collins book, CABINET OF CURIOSITIES is a supplemental companion to Del Toro's films, a treasure for any fan yearning to delve into his sketches, notes and designs.  The pages are chockfull of his artwork, personal collections and drawings.

CABINETS has a value far and above a true fan's indulgence, however. This is an inspiring view into the creative process. Look closely and you will see a blueprint for a great artist's creative method - a method grounded in the ravenous pursuit of inspiration and the diligent documentation of images and ideas.

Through the first part of the book, we learn about Guillermo's sources of inspiration, either through personal accounts (his article on the painters that inspire him is of particular note) or through a photographic tour of Bleak House- his personal oasis and museum to the things he loves and treasures. CABINETS walks us through each room in the house where we learn about all aspects of his interests - from art to literature to make-up to cinema.

Next we see the pages of Guillermo's private leather-bound notebooks, categorized by film, starting with Cronos and ending with a peek into old ideas that have yet to be realized. Each reflect the value of recording ideas and continuing to grow themes from work to work. Guillermo is fond of  "cannibalizing" his own ideas- he reworks themes and images that he likes into many of his works - such as gears, insects and asymmetrical headgear .  This allows him to keep improving on his own unique ideas and also gives his work, I think, a common DNA imprint

In the end, CABINET OF CURIOSITIES becomes something much more fascinating than a record of ideas and sketches - indeed a book like this in someone else's hands could turn into a self - indulgent romp. Instead, this book resonates with values shared with Del Toro himself, a generous man who not only takes great joy in sharing his experiences as a filmmaker, but also takes a keen interest in helping young artists find their way, be they writers, artists, filmmakers, or sculptors. Del Toro's methods are applicable to all, and more than that, they are tangible and real, thanks to this book.

Any person with an itch to be creative will be inspired to pick up a notebook and a pencil and follow Guillermo's lead.
4816829
Joe Barbera's "My life in toons" is a wonderful autobiography I can easily recommend to the lovers of animation, pop culture, film and television history as well as American icons. Mr. Barbera's reflections on his career and creations for me was very satisfying although I do wish that he would have been a bit more specific in some era's. But considering the size of the body of this man (and his company's work) I can understand why some things were only briefly touched on.

That's another thing about this book and story that help me appreciate this icon of American entertainment; he is very proud and confident in his accomplishments but far from arrogant about it. Giving credit where credit is due, admitting his own shortcomings yet not apologizing for his success made this a very enjoyable read. My main example in this is the way that although as I mentioned some parts of his recollections are pretty quick I get the impression that Mr. Barbera had every intention of revisiting this work or perhaps writing a follow up book. But like the animation style he was famous for he seems to have wanted to get to the points quickly and efficiently. In that he accomplished very well.

My four star versus a five star rating only comes because I wanted more that I think he could have given. But do yourself a favor and get this one. It's a fantastic recollection of the life of the man that brought us Tom & Jerry, The Flintstones and hundreds more incredible inhabitants of Saturday morning and beyond.
3401822
Tina's memoir is packed with hilarious insights into her character, musings about the comedy business and practical advice. I really respect her as a person and as a performer/creator. One note about the ebook: footnotes are all grouped at the end of the book instead of the bottom of the page.
4437113
Jerome Robbins is brought to vivid life in this amazing and stunning pictorial biography.  Using hundreds of rare, fascinating, never-before-seen photographs; Robbins' personal journals; Robbins' own words about work; combined with Conrad's insightful narrative, this book shines a light on the man behind the image and takes us inside his working process and his daily life. He was obviously a very private man who shielded his personal life, but Conrad takes us behind the austere public image. Because of her longstanding relationship with Robbins, Conrad was given access to previously unseen early childhood  and early dance photographs and Robbins' own drawings and writings.  Any creative person in any field will be grateful for the descriptions of his unique working methods. Conrad doesn't gloss over his disappointments or personal failures - the story behind his firing from the film of West Side Story is fascinating - but she chooses to concentrate on illuminating his artistic process and bringing the man to life, with all his quirks, his humor, his fierce dedication to work -- and the great personal sacrifices he made for that work.  Don't miss out on a wonderful and original reading experience!  I loved it... an absolute treasure.
2084710
One of the most interesting books I have read in a long time! I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Mr. Braeden has most certainly led an interesting life, full of hardship and fortunately, equal amounts of joy and success. I loved reading about the celebrities that came and went throughout his career, his admiration for fellow actors/actresses and his love for his family, Germany and America. I look forward to hopefully watching him for many, many years to come on Y&R. Definitely not your typical autobiography.
3712846
Novelist/screenwriter turned blogger Simon's memoir is a fast and fascinating read. Like his favorite Woody Allen film, Zelig, things just happen to him, some of the most interesting involving famous folks.

How many can count in their personal orbit Tim Leary and Richard Pryor, along with Barbra Streisand and Michael Eisner, plus Deng Xiaoping and Rick Santorum? Simon has terrific stories about all of these, and you may be surprised who comes off best. Still, the most compelling vignette involves his housekeeper Gioconda, who stands "white as a sheet with trembling hands" after recognizing one of Simon's houseguests.

While rich in Hollywood anecdote, this is not a literary autobiography. The book left this reader wanting to hear more about how Simon weaves politics into the plots of his Moses Wine novels. He does show how a single choice of narrative entry point triggered the success of his Oscar-nominated adaptation "Enemies: A Love Story". Still it is Simon's politics, not his prose, that inspires him here.

Cultural historians studying Hollywood activism will note that Mr. Simon worked (most successfully) with two of the more serious actors who expressed their views publicly, Richard Dreyfuss and the late Ron Silver. Simon can put politics aside and praise both for their gravitas, while reprimanding others who take a more superficial approach.

I believe things happen to this guy because he takes risks and puts himself out there. He's a pioneer, whether he's in the first wave to see China and Siberia, or staking an early claim in the blogosphere for his website, [...]

When it comes to his politics, there's something for everyone. Old lefties will love the early years, when he was one of them. Liberals will appreciate his views on same sex marriage, and chuckle at his portrait of Rick Santorum, film producer. The right will appreciate the role 9/11 (and the Simpson trial) played in his political migration. The center and the politically eclectic may have the most to cheer: finally a topical book not hogtied to either far end of the ideological spectrum.
866140
Michael Crawford's autobiography is so well-written that it's easy to forget the author is a massively  talented actor and singer. His self-deprecating writing style is easy to read and relentlessly enjoyable,  whether describing hilarious moments or poignant periods in his life. The  reader does not have to be Phantom fan to appreciate the trials, tragedies  and triumphs that have shaped Michael Crawford: the lessons he learns --  and shares -- will be familiar to Everyman.  This is a great book, worth  sharing.
1463318
This book reads like a memoir and is written in such a unique voice. I was fascinated and inspired to read about Esther's experiment with giving up the internet for a full year. While giving up the internet is the premise of the book, the real highlights are the stories of her life and what she discovered without the noise of the internet in the way. I could relate to a lot of the feelings that prompted her to go offline, and am still mulling over what I read. I think everyone who reads will examine their own online habits and start to question if we are trying to be internet famous or have true community with others.