Want to hear some gossip? That's what this book feels like--as though a friend is telling you stories over a cup of coffee, or a bottle of something stronger. Settle in! It's a compellling read and you won't want put this book down. William Goldman invites readers in and shares his experiences about what it's like to be a screenwriter. He relates the problems one faces in getting your story to the silver screen, offers advice in a friend-to-friend way (using some of his own work as examples), and tells a few secrets about some famous faces. He even offers advice on how to pitch a script, and his discussion about the zipper scene in "Something About Mary" was as entertaining as the scene itself. Know what it means to "spitball?" Read the book--he uses trade lingo but in a way that brings you into the world so you feel old-hat at all of it.

people interested in screenwriting; those curious about the backstage world of movie-making; and anyone who likes a good read.

the warm, inviting feel of the book. Learning what it's like to be in a meeting with Clint Eastwood, sitting in wide-eyed wonder when he talks about Val Kilmer's infamous reputation, hearing about the story behind "Misery" and finding out why good movies don't get made had me turning the pages for two days straight. I couldn't put the book down.

read it again, send it to my friends so they could share in my joy at such a find, and write a screenplay so I too can one day write an insider "tell-all without stepping on toes" book.

is amazing. William Goldman has been writing movies for close to fifty years (and looks much younger than I'd expected). He's won three Lifetime Achievement Awards for screenwriting, has two Academy awards, and has even written novels. You've heard of Marathon Man, The Princess Bride, All the Presidents men. That's all Goldman.

It's a good book! Go get it. You'll love it.

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Created Apr 25, 2004 at 12:45am • Submit your own review...