Tag Archives: Hollywood

The man who had too much of everything

Posted on May 31, 2018 by clivedav184z

Talent being at the top of the list. From my Times review of a weighty new account of the rise and fall of the genius that was Robin Williams: The warning signs were there that moment in the 1970s when … Continue reading →

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Notebook

Posted on May 9, 2018 by clivedav184z

“Independent film” brings to mind noble concepts like “integrity”, “vision”, “self-expression” and “sacrifice”. It evokes the image of struggling young filmmakers maxing out their credit cards to pay their actors and crews, who work long hours for little or no … Continue reading →

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The man, not the legend

Posted on December 18, 2016 by clivedav184z

Another biography of Elvis Presley, another opportunity to wonder what went wrong. And to imagine what might have happened if The King had said yes to La Streisand. From my review in The Times: Two years before his death, when … Continue reading →

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Notebook

Posted on August 28, 2016 by clivedav184z

The Back Lot was a noisy, gaudy example of what most people seem to imagine all Hollywood is after dark. But except for an occasional celebrated face, it might have been any night spot in any American city. It was … Continue reading →

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Colour blind

Posted on November 16, 2015 by clivedav184z

Aziz Ansari reflects on Hollywood, race and casting: To anyone worried it may be “weird” to cast someone a certain way to play a certain part, because it’s not what people are used to, I say: Arnold Schwarzenegger.  It’s true. … Continue reading →

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