An entertaining, engaging memoir of screenwriting
In Hollywood, screenwriters are a curse to be borne, and beating up on them is an industry blood sport. But in this ferociously funny and accurate account of life on the Hollywood food chain, it’s a screenwriter who gets the last murderous laugh. That may be because the writer is John Gregory Dunne, who has written screenplays, along with novels and non-fiction, for thirty years. In 1988 Dunne and his wife, Joan Didion, were asked to write a screenplay about the dark and complicated life of the late TV anchorwoman Jessica Savitch. Eight years and twenty-seven drafts later, this script was made into the fairy tale “Up Close and Personal” starring Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. Detailing the meetings, rewrites, fights, firings, and distractions attendant to the making of a single picture, Monster illuminates the process with sagacity and raucous wit.
This is a fascinating, unreserved memoir of John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion’s long, often frustrating experiences writing Up Close & Personal. It’s engaging, entertaining and illuminating. Continue reading
An excellent follow-up to Hello, He Lied
An interesting short fantasy about memory and guilt
The Chapter Master’s ascension, and the secrets of the Dark Angels
Lucas Davenport’s first mission as a US Marshal
The Ultramarines Chapter Master steps into battle
The history of the Blood Angels Chapter Master
A compelling, engrossing story of a son’s quest to learn the truth about his mother
Frank Marr is back!
Civilian Reader 