Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2143621 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback

Customer Reviews

The deinitive book on the poet of the lost horizon
From the outset this looks like a book for Lean fans only. But in fact it is so well written and inspirational that it should be recommended reading for anyone with a remote interest in Cinema. The first few chapters go through Lean's early life in exhaustive detail but are worth reading as an insight into how Lean's relationship with his family (particularly his father) affected his future cinematic vision. Many of his future leading characters (Lawrence and Zhivago most notably) are men attempting to make sense of their place in the world. Brownlow's book suggests that Lean, as a filmmaker and man was much the same.

The stories behind Lean's epic movies are never less than compelling. "Bridge Over the River Kwai" sees him at war with Sam Speigal. "Lawrence" portrays him as a general as autocratic, demanding and moody as the character himself. "Zhivago" is a struggle against the elements, "Ryan's Daughter" is the film the critics used to turn on him. "A Passage to India" his great comeback for a man in his 70's

Arguably the most interesting material, however, concerns the films he did not make: Gandhi, The Bounty Trilogy (sunk by Dino de Laurentis)and Nostromo, which he pursued with Speilberg up until his death.

Brownlow interviews virtually everyone close to Lean and the list is exhaustive: From Melvyn Bragg (who tried to write The Bounty) to Nic Roeg (who was fired as the DP on Zhivago). They all recall him with a degree of affection but also as a driven, arrogant and largely self-possessed man whose quest to bring to life some of cinema's most poignant images came at a price. Brownlow gives a balanced view of Lean, and in doing so paints a revealing picture of one of Cinema's true icons.

An epic biography for a truly epic character


This biography is one of the best researched and executed I have ever read. Kevin Brownlow really gets to grips with both the man and his work. All periods of his life and career are covered meticulously with revealing source material such as Leans correspondences and hundreds of absolutely first-rate anecdotes from some of the great names in British cinema. Whilst it seems no detail is spared I must emphasise how readable this is. As the reader you really do find yourself present in the action and want to know more. I initially balked at the near 800 pages but once started I didn't stop; it's a real page-turner.

The honesty of the author is a real distinguishing feature. Lean was no saint, his attitude to certain individuals be they family, friends, wives or colleagues never ceases to shock. That said he was also sinned against on many occasions and more often than not you will find yourself siding with the great man as he tries to get the next project off the ground. If you love cinema you will enjoy this book. I would strongly recommend having access to the films as you read it as it really does show them in a new and improved perspective.