Book Description

So, you want to be an actor . . . but you have no idea how to get started. In the pages of Act Now!, you’ll find a step-by-step process to show you not only how to get started, but also how to become a working actor. It will take time and commitment, but if you follow these steps you will find success. Author and acting teacher Peter Jazwinski explains every aspect of becoming an actor from start to finish. You’ll learn about:

• Improving Your Acting Skills
• How Actors Get Cast
• Finding Auditions on Your Own
• Working with an Agent or Manager—and What the Difference Is
• The Importance of Networking
• And More!

A frank and encouraging game plan for success, Act Now! will empower those who have the drive to stop dreaming and start making a living—as an actor. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

GREAT BOOK!!
Well, I guess you're not really supposed to write a review on a book until you've finished it, but this book is great. I got it two days ago and I'm almost finished reading it. I almost can't put it down, and i'm not a huge reading fan. I've read other books and none of them seemed to catch my attention or explain a process as well as pete does in this book. I would recommend it to anyone considering the acting career, not only does it help you decide wether you have the courage to act or not, it also gives you a step by step process to help keep you on track. I believe that this can help any actor, and is essential to the beginner.

Most helpful guide I've read
I read some of the other reviews and wondered what these guys were thinking if they're skeptical at all. Even though this is the only acting book I've read, I can't imagine that there could be anything more helpful. Talk about to the point. It seems pretty clear after reading this, that I can do this if I just follow these steps. I like that the writer doesn't use any false promises. At the same time though, he really nails it witht the whole step by steep thing. He made me think of things I never realized before like exactly how you get that first role that leads to other roles. This book is gold in my opinion. I'm just starting out and trying to get my feet wet. If you're that way, I think you'll enjoy this too. I read through the my highlights every day.

Playgirl centerfold or Acting guru?
Jazwinski seems like an odd choice to be giving out advice on acting. If his methods are so great why has he only one film credit? He also seems to be hiding the fact that his own career started as a Playgirl centerfold. Not the best choice for advancement in a legitimate acting career. The book is well written but just keep some perspective on what he says.

Truly Inspiring
It's refreshing to see something so accessible and positive in this business. I can't count the number of times I thought, "Wow, he's right, I CAN do it," while reading this book. Like he says, it's just like a recipe. Just follow the steps. I have 4 of the so-called "Top" acting books but they don't nail it like this does. The information is so specific. Like I wasn't really sure how to get that first credit on a resume or how to actually look for an agent. I thought that every chapter was full of really useful tips. It's not just fluff. I feel like I have a renewed focus now and I've never been so excited about giving it a try.

Mixed Feelings
I have read many promoting your acting career books and I feel I have mixed feelings about "Act Now". I don't find all of the author's advise as wise. Jaswinski seems to think that if you want to be an actor you should work a simple job, starve, and devot your life to acting. Jason Alexander once said it is very important to have a life outside of acting and always learn new skills. Alexander is a sucessful actor. Jaswinski's claim to fame was playing the cop who frisked Jim Carrey in "The Mask" so take it from where its coming from. There are some facts in the book which I know are innacurate which I won't get into. There are better books out on this subject such as "Promoting Your Acting Career" and "Secrets of Successful Actors". However these books were written in the ninetie's and do not include Jaswinski's information on the Internet which I did find useful. Jaswinski does give important information to the newcomer about avoiding scams and not expecting to be a star overnight. He also gives mailing tips and some other useful tips such as networking, etc. Should you buy this book? Yes, for the information on the Internet, but I would think twice about following some of his advice. If you buy this book, I suggest you read other books on promoting your acting career as well. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Reads for the stage--still hysterical
Being a huge "Talent Family" fan, I was excited to see that they had joined forces and written a play. I can understand that if you are used to reading David's books, this might be a different read for some individuals. I was asked by a local theatre producer to search for some new material for possible productions for a season, so that's why I checked it out. I found it hysterical--of course, I was looking at it from a staging point of view. The fact that it is only 50 (+/-) pages makes it "perfect" for a short play--meaning it would run right around an hour to an hour and a half. I guess if you read plays on a regular basis, you will find it enjoyable like I did. If you're used to reading novels or short stories (especially the ones that David is famous for), and play reading isn't your cup or tea, it might not be as entertaining to you. But, you could do much, much worse for your money. I rate it highly.

Laughed so hard I cried
I also saw this play performed and thought it was the funniest live theater I've ever seen. Though I agree that when reading a play you lose a lot (the energy of the performers and the audience reactions) I still think this one is worth having in your collection if you are a fan of either Sedaris.

Apparently I'm the only one who SAW the play
I have read all the luke-warm reviews this book has gotten. The only thing I can say is that if you're a fan of Amy's you'll love it. If you're more of a David fan, you might be dissapointed. I saw the play in New York during its run, and laughed so hard I cried. Sure, Amy did the buck-tooth Jerri Blank bit, but seeing as how I LOVE Jerri, I LOVED the play. Jackie Hoffman (currently in "Hairspray" on Broadway) and David Rakoff (read "Fraud" if you like David's books) were absolutely wonderful. I was lucky enough to meet Amy after the play, and buy one of her cupcakes. She was delightful. Reading plays (or screenplays for that matter) has never really interested me. Unless you've seen the play or movie, it just isn't quite the same. But I will treasure this book as a permanent reminder of the wonderful week I spent in NY, the highlight of which was "The Book of Liz." And Amy, if you ever read these things, thank you for the awesome time.

Better onstage? (potential spoiler)
From the moment you know the main character is a sweaty nun (well, sort of) who makes unique cheeseballs, well, come on! What do *YOU* think is gonna happen?

There are some Sedaresque observational turns that are worthwhile: AA members staffing an IHOP equivalent, an all-too-short interlude with a Mr. Peanut-wearing couple from Eastern Europe...

Perhaps onstage, with the aid of a talented comic to interlace these tidbits with some kind of physical running gag, well, it would all be worth it.

But I guess it really isn't.

Wacky fun!!
As with some of the other reviewers, I pre-ordered THE BOOK OF LIZ quite a long time ago and was somewhat surprised by how short and insubstantial it is (although at that price, I shouldn't have been surprised). However, I was ultimately satisfied with my purchase. The play chronicles a very sweaty and naive Squeamish sister (an obvious play on the Amish) who decides to leave her job making cheeseballs and venture out into the real world. No, I'm not kidding! It should be noted that the play lists Amy Sedaris as the first author, and it definitely reflects her humor more than David's humor. It's kind of a tame variation of her show, "Strangers With Candy." The play is different and fun, and it gave me a few chuckles. Not bad for such a short and inexpensive play. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An extremely valuable resource for any teacher.
I teach creative dramatics and improvisation to both children and elementary teachers. I have used my Theater Game File extensively. The games are fun and easy to follow. They include instructions, side coaching (what to say during the game) and evaluation questions. Some of the games are traditional games, such as "streets and alleys" and others are exclusively Spolin. Every teacher I show them to says, "These are wonderful. Where can I get them?." I have the original published version. I wanted to know if it was still available, and obviously it is. I would expect this updated version to be just as wonderful. ... Read more

Book Description

For any one who has ever dreamed of making it big on stageÉ on TVÉ in the moviesÉ a clear, straightforward, uncluttered approach to beginning acting. This important work includes thorough coverage of the different philosophies of acting and how they can be used to the best advantage, how to prepare a role and analyze a character, how to move on stage, what to expect at an audition, how to avoid or overcome stage fright, and much more. Over fifty scenes and monologues add depth of meaning to the concepts covered and provide you with meaningful practice opportunities. The specific challenges of TV and radio acting are also covered in two chapters. Throughout this wonderful book are quotes, anecdotes, and personal reflections from dozens of actresses and actors to accentuate the activities and lessons. This new edition also includes more improvisation exercises and more scenes and monologues. Beginning-level actors. A Longwood Professional Book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Thetre history never looked so good
Top notch book, a comprehensive look at theatre history. The editors have improved a lot since their last edition. I like to keep mine under my pillow. ... Read more

Book Description

Communication for the Classroom Teacher provides prospective and current teachers with the skills and knowledge to develop, understand, and improve their own communication behavior as well as their students.' By combining theory and practical advice, this book focuses on the reasons for using certain communication strategies and how to implement them. Communication for the Classroom Teacher covers a wide range of classroom communication issues, including interpersonal and small group communication; listening skills; verbal and nonverbal communication; instructional strategies such as lecturing, discussions, and storytelling; teacher influence; ethical considerations; and racism/sexism in the classroom. For anyone interested in learning about classroom communication. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Common sense book with good ideas for classroom
This is the book of lists. It lists countless way s to enhance classroom communication. It is a relatively common sense book with creative names for common concepts. I liked the book, however, it was overpriced for the value. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A "textbook" that is not a traditional textbook.
This book is my most favorite "textbook" since I returned to school to get my AA. This book is not like the traditional textbook-it doesn't put you to sleep after the first 3 pages. Each chapter starts off with a short story that applies to the concepts taught in the chapter. Very amusing stories. After the concept is introduced, the information is broken down into subtopics that are reasonably short. I think this helps the flow of the book. Models are included in the text so if your instructor wants an outline, for example, you have one in the text to refer to. The reading of this book is smooth and easy. I sold my original copy back to my school's bookstore and now I am regretting it. For someone who is working on an AA in speech communication, I'm looking to buy this book again to help me prepare future speeches. ... Read more

Book Description

The classic guidebook to the director's craft.

After 50 years in the theatre, English director Frank Hauser joins New York writer and director Russell Reich to bring you an inspirational and practical guide that critics are calling "provocative," "lucid," and "indispensable." Luminaries like Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Richard Eyre, Edward Albee, Moises Kaufman, Rosemary Harris, and Jerry Zaks have hailed "Notes on Directing" as "witty," "bold," "audacious," and "an instant classic."

More than a how-to book, this is a tool for directors looking to translate the page to the stage – or to the screen – and is of immense value to actors, playwrights, students, and teachers. Essential for any student offilm or theatre, here is what all directors need to know, and what every actor, scriptwriter, and audience member wants them to know. Includes four appendices, an original acting exercise, a recommended reading list, and an index. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

priceless...
This book is a MUST for all involved in the theatre.
It's a quick read & an excellent sorcebook- VERY well organized. If you want more of a textbook on directing, go with Catron's The Director's Vision. But this book (Notes on Directing) is GREAT to have on hand during the process.

The Leadership Advisor . . .
We are presented with an artful, intelligent, and incisive opening of the doors to the art of Directing a dramatic production from a very real human level. Author Russell Reich received wisdom from teacher/mentor Frank Hauser(CBE)in the casual hand-off of several pages of loose notes accumulated over the years of Hauser's teaching on two continents and directing many of the true greats in British theater. With deep and careful further observation of this directing great, Reich recognized further significant attributes of Hauser's approach.

Adding his own turns, gentle humor, appreciation of people, and insistence upon quality in presentation of dramatic works, Reich has created a manual for presenting drama for public view in what may well be a no-fail approach. All of this is accomplished without infringement upon the ability and need of a director to create the presentation which is clearly his or her own. More is always available to be gained with each successive reading and practice with this guiding gem.

Kudos to Hauser for his clear accomplishments over many years and generations of theater; and to Reich for bringing the methods for those accomplishments to a reachable level for the lover of performance arts through incorporation of his own insights and wisdom.

An indispensable handbook for the theatre practitioner...
NOTES ON DIRECTING is as useful a text for the theatre practitioner as any I have ever come across. I am currently putting the solid good sense and eminently practicable advice to be found on every page to productive use as I prepare for my new season.

Destined to become the new standard on this subject!
Anyone who has savored the concise, witty, practical wisdom of the classic -- Acting: The First Six Lessons by Richard Boleslavski -- will love this clever, useful book on directing. Not involved in the theatre? Never mind. This is a highly entertaining and eye-opening guide to the art of managing and leading people in any field. Try it, you'll like it.

Useful for theater directors at all levels of experience
Notes On Directing is a collection of wisdom gathered by Frank Hauser (Director of the Oxford Playhouse for sixteen years) and Russell Reich (Artistic Associate at the Circle Repertory Company, New York) over a lengthy directing careers. Hauser and Reich offer invaluable tips on how directors can help their actors better get into character, internalizing a script, performing their roles efficiently (without micromanaging), and a great deal more. Each individual tip is straightforwardly and usefully presented. Useful for theater directors at all levels of experience and expertise, Notes On Directing is especially recommended for the novice director in school and community productions as an easy-to-grasp supplementary instructional and reference resource. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical book looks at the types of drawing used, equipment, materials commonly specified, surveying, and also covers building floors, flats, cloths, windows, doors, trucks, staircases, roofs, revolves, multi-story structures, and bridges. By addressing both theater and the commercial world this book will be of real help to a broad range of people in the theater industry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Everything You Need To Know
I am a Scenic Designer for theatre and film. I work out of Los Angeles now but have travelled the world extensively with my work, and have designed and draughted shows for many of the top teatres and production companies. Never have I had the pleasure to see every nuance of this very complicated and specialised occupation covered so extensively. The book serves as an essential reader/guidebook for anyone who is embarking on a job in this or a related field, whilst also being incredibly useful to those of us who have been in the business for some time. The example drawings are beautifully displayed and explained with clarity in a precise and unpretentious language that suits everybody from the layman to the seasoned proffessional. I have nothing but admiration for John Blurton, who is himself one of the best in the business. Praise Heaven! Scenic Draughting has been delivered a Bible at last! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

BEST MUSICAL EVER!!!!!
Ok, ok...I haven't actually read the book, but I've seen the musical twice and have to say that it is AWESOME! Not just the singing, which you obviously can't find in this book, but the script as well, which you obviosly CAN find in this book! It's so funny! I have to tell you that this musical has made me into an obsessive freak: I wear the t-shirt, hang the poster on my wall (along with my ticket stubs, pictures, and postcard), tell my friends how great it is, listen to the soundtrack at least once a day so I don't go insane, and quote it almost every other minute! Ok, ok...this script won't make you THAT insane just because it made me. But you will love it! I know it's next on my list of things I want to buy! It's also nice for you people who didn't actually see the show, because it sadly *sniff* has closed.

Appalling
This is a personal opinion, but appalled is the only word I can use to describe this. And it's not really that musically interesting to me. The singing is excellent, but the story and the music.. that's another thing. Again, I know many people like it, but this is just not my cup of tea.

A Masterpiece in Every Way!!
This item is the script for the Broadway play. It contains every bit of dialogue, song lyrics, and blocking used in the Broadway Musical. This script is absolutely phenomenal. I've listened to the recording an innumberable number of times, have seen the show on Broadway, and have read the script several times since then. It is just so funny! I don't know how they came up with this crazy idea and ingenious music and lyrics and dialogue, but if you're looking for an amazingly funny script to read, this is it!
This book also includes some nice forwards by both the writer and composer, giving a long background on how this play came to be.
A "Must Have" for any fan of this show, any musical theatre fan, or any fan of insane comedy!

Everything but the Music
I thought that the book would include some of the sheet music to the songs which i enjoy so much, but it does not. You basically get a copy of the script with lyics to the songs (not much different from the booklet that accompanies the CD). ... Read more

Book Description

Teaching Music with Passion is a one-of-a-kind, collective masterpiece of thoughts, ideas and suggestions about the noble profession of music education. Both inspirational and instructional, it will surely change the way you teach (and think) about music. Filled with personal experiences, anecdotes and wonderful quotations, this book is an easy-to-read, essential treasure!"One of the most 'real' writings I have read during my 35 years in music education."- Mel Clayton, President, MENC: The National Association for Music Education ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Book I Always Wanted.
This is the book I always wanted to find. I have taught music for years and this is a book that blends inspiration with ideas to try. I love this book. I wish I had it when I first started teaching, but I am so glad I have it now. Read it and you will never forget it! It is simply a perfect book.

Great Book!
This is a great book! I was told to buy it by three friends who are choir directors. They said it was a really great book. They were right!! It is so well written, and the ideas presented worked so well when I tried them in rehearsals. My students saw a difference almost immediately. The best thing about the book is that it is positive. I feel better about teaching, and am a better teacher every time I read a part of the book. My friends were right, this is a great book. Every music teacher should read it!

Every Music Teacher NEEDS to read this
Teaching music with passion was the just the pick-me up I needed. If you're even considering this book, chances are you're a music educator that is spread a bit to thin but loves their "kids" (even when you don't always like them..)After reading this book I have vowed to read it every March, when june seems oh so far away and april vacation is but a distant memory. Teaching music with passion is filled with awesome practical information some of which served as a great refresher course and some that inspired me to try new things with my high school band. It's also filled with countless anticdotes that entertain but most importantly tell a story that is likely to remind you how much you love teaching and why you chose this profession in the first place.

Excellent Text!
This is an excellent book. It is wisely and engagingly written by a master musician and has the advantage of the author's years of experience as a director of bands. I highly recommend TEACHING MUSIC WITH PASSION. This is an excellent, engaging, often humorous, text and should be in EVERY serious band director's library.

Wonderful/Helpful Teaching Tool
I am lucky enough to have Dr. Boonshaft as a professor. He is an amazing man, teacher, and role model. I believe his stories to be true, only because I get to experience new ones during every class with him. This book is wonderful for any music teacher/music education major. It's not meant to be "Classical Music for Dummies." It is meant to help future teachers through the personal experience of one of the most talented teachers in America. It is definitely worth the read. ... Read more

Book Description

The second edition of COSTUME DESIGN provides a basic introduction to costume design and takes students through the entire process of costume making, beginning with the idea for a costume to the final fit. The text is thoroughly illustrated, providing guidelines for the student for creating the figure and the costume design, examples of many styles of costume presentation, a guide to historical costume shapes, and scale drawings of the basic historical patterns with photos of them made up in muslin. Many theatre departments require all theatre majors take a course in costume design. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cletus is the man
I have Cletus as my design teacher at Carnegie Mellon University this year. I have looked at the book, and it is definitely worth using and referring to regularly. The main thing to know is that Cletus has done everything, knows everything and really, he is the end all source of theatre, costume and artistic information and advice. He got through Yale School of Drama Grad program without ever turning in anything late... think about that. Now why would you choose another book?

The only book to cover concept and craft
I have used this book as the text in my Costume Design class for years and find it is the only one to my knowledge that covers both the conceptual aspects of costuming for the theatre as well the craft of rendering and construct. It even addresses historical information briefly. I was saddened to hear that the book was out of print. I am hoping a new edition will be out soon ... Read more

Book Description

"The Voice Actor's Guide to Home Recording" shows both aspiring and established voiceover actors how to set up and effectively use their own inexpensive?but professional-sounding?personal recording studio. Today's voiceover actors are increasingly producing voice tracks for corporate narration, radio spots, animation, games, and other dialogue projects from their own home studios. To survive in this highly competitive field, you need to learn and master basic production techniques. Authors Jeffrey P. Fisher and Harlan Hogan show you how to use a personal computer, reasonably-priced home-studio equipment, and the Internet to make professional-quality home recordings quickly and easily. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The best book on setting up your VO studio
As I was getting back into voice overs after a ten year hiatus, I needed a book to direct the assembly of a basic--but servicable--home VO studio.

There is a veritable plethora of material available on setting up home recording studios but none of them deal with the specific needs of voice actors.

Written by a VO veteran and a computer recording engineer who teaches at the college level, the authors combine to assist any voice over actor with all of the tools necessary to get started and set up with a very good VO studio.

And the tools and techniques they espouse won't cost you a lot of money. Their wisdom is practical, witty and to the point, and highly recommended for VO novices and pros alike.

The best on voice-over reality!!

I have Arlan's/J.P. Fisher's latest book and it's just fantastic.

I am a working pro for a number of years. I have read a number of VO books and they don't touch his stuff at all, the rest are for dreamers and the inept. A. Hogan writes passionately from the soul !!

His no non-sense but whimsical point of view flows from beginning to end as in his first book on "Tales & Techniques".

It's not about makinglots of money but his hands on approach to the Voice-Over biz. He won't let you down. Read it!!

Peter Mason

Great How to Book for Voice Actors
This book is filed with great advice and ideas.I now have nearly all my home studio equipment to do voice over work from home.I got more for my money and top notch equipment from make choices based on this book.THere are also poiners on how to record better and demystificaton of studio jargon.THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR AND VO. ... Read more

Book Description

Through the flash points of its glorious history, Richard Eyre and Nicholas Wright, two of today's most distinguished men of the theatre, celebrate the British and American stage as it has evolved over the course of the twentieth century. From Pygmalion's first Eliza Doolittle (Mrs. Patrick Campbell, who enchanted playwright George Bernard Shaw in 1914) and her equally piquant successors, to Uta Hagen in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; from Gertrude Lawrence and Noël Coward in his Private Lives (their performance as dazzling as the play itself), to Michael Frayn's Copenhagen—this stylish, astute, richly pictorial volume brings us the actors, directors, and playwrights who have shaped one hundred years of the theatre and the performances that live on in our minds
.
Lotte Lenya in The Threepenny Opera, Laurence Olivier in the British production of Eugene O'Neill's viscerally American Long Day's Journey into Night, Sidney Poitier in A Raisin in the Sun, Judi Dench as Lady Macbeth, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead . . . Here is the essential mixture of Shakespearean heritage, Irish magic, American vitality, and Russian pathos that converged on the stage in an efflorescence of dramatic innovation. Eyre and Wright's survey of this brilliant period is allusive, intelligent, and intimate, rich in anecdote and infused with a deep love and understanding of the theatre.
... Read more

Book Description

Performance: A Critical Introduction is the first survey to provide an overview of the modern concept of performance, of how it has developed in various fields, and the ways that its multiple applications overlap and interact. Marvin Carlson has provided a highly accessible survey of the contested interpretations of performance art as a theatrical activity, as well as its diverse meanings within the fields of anthropology, ethnography, linguistics and cultural studies. ... Read more

Book Description

Intentionally brief, this book concentrates on the preparation, practice, and presentation of speeches without getting bogged down by theoretical discussions. The focus on purpose and audience response, which incorporates consideration of cultural diversity, helps readers identify ways to make their speeches more effective. Highly popular, this book is the best of the short books available on the subject. For anyone interested in public speaking. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For any type of public speaking
I agree with the book description above that this is the best of the short books available on the subject.

It's very thorough for a book this size, and would be good for anyone doing any kind of public speaking, whether in church, in business, in college organizations, before the press, in politics and government, or even in high school debate teams or speech classes.

There are chapters on Audience Analysis; Supporting Your Ideas; Stage Fright; Impromptu Speeches; Nonverbal Communication; Persuasion; Deductive and Inductive Reasoning, and even one on The Job Interview! There is a lot here in one neat little package! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A great play
Labute has once again proved to be one of the great authors of the 20th/21st century. His style allows one to grab into characters, not only because of their actions, but because they are one of our own. These people remind of us us. Of ourselves. We see things we do not like, but must understand. The Mercy Seat is just the latest example of an amazing work, but one of the great American authors around today.

Interesting character piece...
Labute masterminded "In the Company of Men," "Your Friends and Neighbors," the absolutely brilliant, "The Shape of Things," now brings to the stage, "Mercy Seat". Set the day after September 11, "Mercy Seat" is the story of Ben Harcourt and Abby Prescott. Set in Abby's downtown apartment, the play explores their relationship and selfishness in light of a national tragedy. The ending, as any play from Labute--comes as a surprise, sadly, the climax is somewhat of a let down. I'm not going to give away the ending and I'm well aware of what the relationship is there to show/represent, but I think my biggest problem with, "Mercy Seat" was that I didn't care about that characters, through out the majority of the play there fighting or nagging at each other. It got to the point where I would rather them shut up, than reveal anything to progress the story. I like the idea behind "Mercy Seat," the thought that two people could be a couple of blocks away from this disaster and be so caught up in themselves... I just don't think it was executed as well as it could have been. In the end, we just don't care--there are bigger and better things going on outside that window and Ben and Abby...well, it seems like they're just there. If you've never read Labute, pick up a copy of "Shape of Things," you will NOT regret it. If you've never seen Labute, go out and rent, "In the Company of Men". If you LOVE Labute, go ahead with "Mercy Seat," it's not bad, it's still witty and clever, and the dialouge is just incredible--back and forth, back and forth, he really owns this relationship, but it's just not his best. This is character piece... ... Read more

Book Description

A noted screenwriter himself, Pulitzer Prize-winner Larry McMurtry knows his Hollywood. In Film Flam, he takes a funny, original, and penetrating look at the movie industry and gives us the truth about the moguls, fads, flops, and box-office hits.

With successful movies and television miniseries made from several of his novels -- Terms of Endearment, The Last Picture Show, Lonesome Dove, and Hud -- McMurtry writes with an outsider's irony of the industry and an insider's experience. In these essays he illuminates the plight of the screenwriter, cuts a clean, often hilarious path through the excesses of film reviewing, and takes on some of the worst trends in the industry: the decline of the Western, the disappearance of love in the movies, and the quality of the stars themselves.

From his recollections of the day Hollywood entered McMurtry's own life as he ate meat loaf in Fort Worth to the pleasures he found in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Film Flam is one of the best books ever written about Hollywood. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Brilliant, Insightful Work
I've never been a huge fan of McMurtry, so I was reluctant to read, and even more hesitant to enjoy, this work.However, it took me quite by surprise.Film Flam is a look at the author's experience in the film world.Ever since his first novel, Horseman Pass By, was turned into afilm (Hud), McMurtry has had a murky relationship with Hollywood.He tellsus what it is like when someone attempts the impossible: to translate thelanguage of fiction into the visual-aural composite of film.This book iswitty, insightful, and entertaining. ... Read more