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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.
tmatysik's review against another edition
The tone was feeling repetitive. Also, though much of the industry has not changed, enough has that some of what I read felt historical at best.
niniane's review against another edition
5.0
This book is from decades ago, but is still an interesting look into the power dynamics of Hollywood. The author has a no-holds-barred, insider's viewpoint. I don't know many of the celebrity actors & directors he mentions, but it's still fascinating.
evapalhay's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
hardcoverhoe's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely riveted the entire book. Will re read and re read for years to come.
blevins's review against another edition
4.0
I've wanted to read William Goldman's account of what it has been like as a screenwriter [Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men, Marathan Man] for Goldman and it didn't disappoint. In fact, what makes this such a delight is the fact that Goldman is surprisingly blunt with his opinions regarding individuals he's worked with on these films. How refreshing! The book isn't gossippy, it's just matter of fact as Goldman talks about his opinions on what it was like to work on the films. Lots of insider information and stories of the films that really made me see some great movies in a new light. Recommended for film fans!
misterfix's review against another edition
4.0
This book holds up remarkably well considering when it was written and how much has changed in the industry. Sure there are times it feels a bit too chummy and old-boy network in it's appraisal of the mechanics and process of film making but, well that's how things were and unfortunately largely still are. If you are seeking a book that has a lively narrative flow, provides a broad overview of filmmaking with case studies, a focus on screenwriting but, not a book that is too technical and overly focused on the "correct" way to write a screenplay then this book will be right up your alley. Additionally there are a few snippets of gossip and box office/academy award trivia thrown in to liven things up and contextualize some of his anecdotes.
There were no great revelations for me but I have read a fair number of filmmaking books and made a bunch of features, rather there were a fair number of worthy reminders like "Screenplays are structure" and the idea of a 'spine' and theme statements'. Simple truths like "As a writer I believe that all the basic human truths are known. And what we try to do as best we can is come at those truths from our own unique angle, to reilluminate those truths in a hopefully different way."
I would put this book a bit below Lumet's Making Movies and more in the category of Badham's narrative based filmmaking book "I'll Be In My Trailer".
There were no great revelations for me but I have read a fair number of filmmaking books and made a bunch of features, rather there were a fair number of worthy reminders like "Screenplays are structure" and the idea of a 'spine' and theme statements'. Simple truths like "As a writer I believe that all the basic human truths are known. And what we try to do as best we can is come at those truths from our own unique angle, to reilluminate those truths in a hopefully different way."
I would put this book a bit below Lumet's Making Movies and more in the category of Badham's narrative based filmmaking book "I'll Be In My Trailer".