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elifre's review against another edition
3.0
This was an incredibly charming read, and one that I found to be quite entertaining. Even though the references are dated, something tells me Hollywood hasn't changed much. It's just a super likable book, even more so if you're interested in screenwriting/the movie biz.
iceberg0's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look at writing for Hollywood in the 80's.
lucia_bell's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty weird to read this in 2020 what with the depressing state of the movie industry right now. Goldman is, kind of an asshole? I enjoyed the second half of the book more, but it was extremely annoying to go through 50 pages of him talking down about movies like Blade Runner and Jaws and movies that are """"superhero movies""""".
I'm tired of white men in film not letting people enjoy things!!! And that goes for you too, Goldman!!!
I'm tired of white men in film not letting people enjoy things!!! And that goes for you too, Goldman!!!
hilltroy99's review against another edition
5.0
Really funny, really insightful, really enjoyable overall. I loved hearing about Hollywood from the perspective of a writer (and a great one at that), and about his own insecurity despite being so good. The only criticism I might have is the final section can drag if you're not fully invested, but I like the concept a lot and it still ended up being very insightful.
patrickwadden's review against another edition
4.0
By all accounts, William Goldman's recount of his past is on every list constructed for people like me who want a literary insight into the inner workings of Hollywood and screenwriting as a whole, and oh boy does 'Adventures in the Screen Trade' deliver.
I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end but the standard memoir (Part 2 of 3) was probably a highlight for me, followed by part 3 and then part 1. I took various notes throughout reading and I'm really curious on how the views and circumstances Goldman had back in '83 still hold up today (also in 2000 in his follow-up).
Me enjoyeing this book was Orry Kelly's dress on Marilyn Monroe, it was always gonna be a good fit. So, I'm left wondering if I should recommend it to people who aren't as engrossed by the inner workings of Hollywood but would find it fascinating to pull back the curtain and see Oz for what he truly is. Breaking it up by part, I think for the most part (puns) yes. Unfortunately, the first two parts are quite dated so even if the contemporary layman is willing to delve into film, I highly doubt it's American film in the 80's. On the other hand, if they harbour any love for the stars of the no so longago past, they will thoroughly enjoy this book and the process of unveiling the machinations behind how their favourite films get made (and on the personal insecurity of Goldman, boy have I ever related to a writer as much before).
Good book! Fun Read!
I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end but the standard memoir (Part 2 of 3) was probably a highlight for me, followed by part 3 and then part 1. I took various notes throughout reading and I'm really curious on how the views and circumstances Goldman had back in '83 still hold up today (also in 2000 in his follow-up).
Me enjoyeing this book was Orry Kelly's dress on Marilyn Monroe, it was always gonna be a good fit. So, I'm left wondering if I should recommend it to people who aren't as engrossed by the inner workings of Hollywood but would find it fascinating to pull back the curtain and see Oz for what he truly is. Breaking it up by part, I think for the most part (puns) yes. Unfortunately, the first two parts are quite dated so even if the contemporary layman is willing to delve into film, I highly doubt it's American film in the 80's. On the other hand, if they harbour any love for the stars of the no so longago past, they will thoroughly enjoy this book and the process of unveiling the machinations behind how their favourite films get made (and on the personal insecurity of Goldman, boy have I ever related to a writer as much before).
Good book! Fun Read!
hagbard_celine's review against another edition
4.0
It seems impossible to write a Hollywood memoir that spans the 70s without including at leasing one *completely insane* Bob Evans story. No exception here.
lunchlander's review against another edition
4.0
If you want to know why most movies suck (and some don't), this book by Goldman is a pretty good, darkly funny look at the business realities and creative process of Hollywood. His other books are entertaining as well, but this one's my favorite.
loonyboi's review against another edition
4.0
Goldman's anecdotes about screenwriting are tremendously entertaining, and while I'm no Hollywood insider, this nearly 40 year old book feels like it could have been written today. Even his predictions for the rest of the 80's are shockingly accurate. The man knew movies.
nlbullock1's review
3.0
This book is an interesting look at the way Hollywood worked in the '80s. For the first half of the book, I'd give the book 4 stars, as he focuses on how movies are made. For the last half, I'd give the book 2 stars, as the author goes deep on actually writing a movie screenplay. If your goal is to become a Hollywood screenwriter, the second half is for you!
basicallybacik's review against another edition
4.0
Although a bit dated now in terms of how I think Hollywood operates, especially due to the boom of independent production companies that have sprouted up since the early 80's, I enjoyed Mr. Goldman's honest look back at his career. And if I learned anything from it, it really is all about luck.