Helpful Score: 1
It's really hard to describe this book. Before I go any further, let me say I loved it.
The main character (Vikar) is a little --- dense? not all there? Not really quite sure how to describe him but I found him very likelable if not odd.
The book itself takes on some pretty surreal turns toward the very end that really had me scratching my head.
The book mixes real-life Hollywood lore and filmmaking with the fictional story. For example, the day Vikar comes to town is the same day as the Manson murders.
The author, Steve Erickson, is clearly a movie lover. If you love movies, particularly prior to the early 80's, you will enjoy the surprises on every page of this book! The main character ends up being a film editor - and you will never take the editing credits or editing awards for granted ever again. The editing angle is absolutely fascinating!
The movie tidbits are beyond awesome. At one point, Vikar goes to see a movie (the awesome thing is the movie is never actually named). He gets thrown out for laughing because he thinks this movie "about the possession of a child by the Devil; her head pivots on her body and she wretches something primordial, a reptilian green..." is a COMEDY!! He tells the usher that he doesn't really understand comedies, but he's pretty sure this movie is very funny. What a hoot!
In another scene, he's on the set of a movie with a well-known editor. They are watching take after take after take of this movie (again, the movie is never named). The director is freaking out. The lead actress (also unnamed) says "It's okay. Love means never having to say you're sorry." Director freaks: "It is supposed to be Love is NOT EVER having to say you're sorry." They go back and forth on this a few times and the actress finally throws a fit and wants to know what the difference is anyway. Awesome! That is one of my favorite movies.
In another scene, a movie Vikar wants to direct (it's been his pet project) is being discussed because some of the particulars need to be nailed down. For the lead, one of the industry-types is considering possible leading ladies. He goes through a few names who would be over budget, and then considers this newcomer who's doing this divorce/child custody movie, but then decides she's probably not sexy enough. Meryl Streep! Kramer vs. Kramer! (It's more obvious in the book)
Many movies, directors, and stars are mentioned by name, as well.
I could go on and on, but the point is this book just carries you along a fun, movie-centric, odd, ride with lots of tangents and tons of fun info. It's just really hard to describe, so let me stop rambling and say: If you enjoy film and don't mind a little bit of a trippy ride, this is DEFINITELY worth reading. I guarantee you have never read a book like this and will not soon forget it.
The main character (Vikar) is a little --- dense? not all there? Not really quite sure how to describe him but I found him very likelable if not odd.
The book itself takes on some pretty surreal turns toward the very end that really had me scratching my head.
The book mixes real-life Hollywood lore and filmmaking with the fictional story. For example, the day Vikar comes to town is the same day as the Manson murders.
The author, Steve Erickson, is clearly a movie lover. If you love movies, particularly prior to the early 80's, you will enjoy the surprises on every page of this book! The main character ends up being a film editor - and you will never take the editing credits or editing awards for granted ever again. The editing angle is absolutely fascinating!
The movie tidbits are beyond awesome. At one point, Vikar goes to see a movie (the awesome thing is the movie is never actually named). He gets thrown out for laughing because he thinks this movie "about the possession of a child by the Devil; her head pivots on her body and she wretches something primordial, a reptilian green..." is a COMEDY!! He tells the usher that he doesn't really understand comedies, but he's pretty sure this movie is very funny. What a hoot!
In another scene, he's on the set of a movie with a well-known editor. They are watching take after take after take of this movie (again, the movie is never named). The director is freaking out. The lead actress (also unnamed) says "It's okay. Love means never having to say you're sorry." Director freaks: "It is supposed to be Love is NOT EVER having to say you're sorry." They go back and forth on this a few times and the actress finally throws a fit and wants to know what the difference is anyway. Awesome! That is one of my favorite movies.
In another scene, a movie Vikar wants to direct (it's been his pet project) is being discussed because some of the particulars need to be nailed down. For the lead, one of the industry-types is considering possible leading ladies. He goes through a few names who would be over budget, and then considers this newcomer who's doing this divorce/child custody movie, but then decides she's probably not sexy enough. Meryl Streep! Kramer vs. Kramer! (It's more obvious in the book)
Many movies, directors, and stars are mentioned by name, as well.
I could go on and on, but the point is this book just carries you along a fun, movie-centric, odd, ride with lots of tangents and tons of fun info. It's just really hard to describe, so let me stop rambling and say: If you enjoy film and don't mind a little bit of a trippy ride, this is DEFINITELY worth reading. I guarantee you have never read a book like this and will not soon forget it.
