Elia Kazan: A Life by Elia Kazan Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Elia Kazan: A Life
Book Review: Mostly Interesting
Summary: 4 Stars
The first of the book is alittle slow. The end is depressing. Between the two I found this book very interesting about Mr. Kazan's career in the theatre and movies. He knew many big names, and worked with alot of them. I rented the video "On the Waterfront," for the first time while reading this book. Mr. Kazan said "Waterfront" was his movie, his statement on how he felt about testifying before the Un-American Activities Committee in Washington, D.C. Personally, I applaud Mr. Kazan for his courage in naming names. Communism was a real threat to our country. Elia Kazan should know. He was one of them at one time.Book Review: One of the extraordinary autobiographies of the century.
Summary: 5 Stars
Kazan is the only person I can think of who hit home runs in all three fields, theater, film, and fiction. As a director of plays he received five Pulitzer prizes, for directing films, two Academy awards, and in fiction his novel "The Arrangement" became a #1 bestseller for 37 consecutive weeks. Although he calls his autobiography simply "A Life," this book is twice extraordinary, in the dramatic events it covers and a rare candor about himself and his contemporaries. With so many other good books clamoring for my attention, I intend to read it a third time now that this new edition is available.Book Review: Perhaps the best of all 'Show-Business Autobiographies'
Summary: 5 Stars
I was truly surprised by this book when I read it some years ago. I was surprised by how engrossing and powerful it was , all the way through. This man lived a tremendously interesting life, rich in great creative challenges and triumphs, rich in meetings and experience with remarkable people, rich in sexual adventures and complex human relationships. The story of how the child of Greek immigrants came to become the director of two of the classics of the American Theatre "Death of a Salesman" and a 'Streetcar Named Desire" and of two of the great American movies, "On the Waterfront" and " East of Eden" is told with remarkable frankness and perceptiveness.
Kazan does not come across in this work as a saint, but rather as a truly strong person who took what he wanted from life, even if this meant hurting others. His personal and inner torments however too make up an interesting part of this story.
One more point. His writing follows the rule of Henry James and is always interesting. This is a work whose richness in anecdote and event are so great that it fits into the 'couldn't put it down' category.
Book Review: Possibly the greatest autobiography ever written
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the most honest, compelling, brilliant, wise, stunning books I've ever read. Kazan's life was awe-inspring, and to have it retold with such lucidness and unflattering candour is a gift for the ages. Not only was he one of the greatest theatre directors and film directors of the 20th Century, he writes like a blessed demon. This was a spellbinding, page-turning read. Immersed in its pages, I learnt so much about life, America, directing, theatre/cinema history, and myself. I also learnt more than I've ever known about how men think (wish I'd read this years ago).
It's such a pity Kazan's life has become simplistically defined by one act, and his artistry overshadowed - ironic, too, considering he made films with a deep, compassionate, liberal humanity. You can look at his life through through the prism of that one act, or read this for a much richer, fuller, deeper understanding of Kazan - the good, the bad, the ugly. And the genius.
This book made me want to live my life more fully, view myself less vainly, and create my work more honestly. Can't ask for more than that.
Book Review: Say what you will about his politics, this book is great!
Summary: 5 Stars
First, let me state I have often judged other people by their past actions. Was Kazan wrong for providing names of alleged Communist Party members? I can't answer this, and you shouldn't answer it, not until you read this book! Yes, Kazan named names. Yes, he did ruin the careers of certain artists. Please, don't judge until you have read his story! This is an honest, masterful show business autobiography! Kazan was a fearless, authentic, visionary director. He admits to adultery, poor parenting skills, and using people for his own good. Alfred Hitchcock allegedly tortured Tippi Hendren during the filming of the THE BIRDS by having the little critters thrown at her face in repeated attempts. Why? To foster the character's psychological terror. Would you want that man house-sitting for you while you are on vacation? Hell no......Can Kazan be rewarded for his art, yet escape judgement for his past behavior? You decide, but read his story first! Kazan's films never shirked from dealing with pressing social issues, yet the movies are visual poetry. Hey, you try to make a movie about corruption on the Brooklyn docks! Oh, and make it a heart-wrenching allegory, a love story, and a black-and-white masterpiece! One other thing, don't forget that the Mob basically controlled the docks at that time and were not too keen on being protrayed in an unflattering light!!
One of Kazan's gifts was his tremendous empathy. Kazan the author allows us to develop this same empathy. He is a wonderful story teller, relating anecdotes about personalities like Tallulah Bankhead, Tennessee Williams, and Brando. Granted, he worked with a pantheon of American writers, like Tennessee Williams and John Steinbeck. Granted, with source material like A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and EAST OF EDEN, and actors like Jessica Tandy, Marlon Brando, and Julie Harris, he clearly had an edge over other industry directors.
Again, before you judge his character, read his book, sit down and watch his complete output of films, and draw your own conclusions. Don't let Nick Nolte or Ed Harris, both of whom refused to applaud or stand when Kazan was given his lifetime Academy Award, decide the issue for you. This book should be a must-read for young people considering a career in film or theatre.