Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Educational, interesting read, May 19, 2000
This review is from: Beginning (Paperback)
Having a degree in English Literature and having viewed many films and adaptations by Mr. Branagh, I was compelled to read about what made this man such a force to be reckoned with in the classically trained theatre field, and at such a young age, as well. He was 28 when he wrote this book! It's always interesting to find out where people come from and how they got to where they are now--whether they be a businessman, entertainer, teacher, whoever. Here you have a kid from extremely lower working class Belfast who realized he wasn't exactly meant for the business world, and after appearing in a school play (as for most entertainers), realized that was what they wanted to do. Mr. Branagh takes you on a tour of his childhood, from its very humble beginnings, to his applying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the struggle to reach the level of perfection he wanted both as an artist and as a person, the conviction and belief he had in himself of wanting to play "Hamlet" (which has since become one of his signature roles), and from the development of his own theatre company, Renaissance. Mr. Branagh's writing style is very wry, witty, and I find his experience of learning to ride a horse extremely humorous. This book will be a great addition to anyone who appreciates literature, theatre, the classics, and the makings of a person following their dreams and ambitions.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful, though not insightful, March 18, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: Beginning (Paperback)
Kenneth Branagh's "autobiography" makes for charming, occasionally
poignant reading, while offering little insight into his relationships
with family and friends. After briefly sketching the family history,
Branagh plunges into an account of life as a drama student:
Auditions, performances, and criticisms, followed by more of all three.
Tales of the various opportunities Branagh encounters as a professional
are more intriguing, particularly the near-miss with "Amadeus." (And just
look how far that career break has taken Tom Hulce: To a supporting role
in Branagh's production of "Frankenstein.").
Branagh isn't afraid to discuss his short-comings: Physical fear, stage
fright, class-consciousness, egotism, but he only allows us to see these nearly universal
human qualities insofar as they relate to directly to his work or to his
childhood, never to his personal relationships. It's understandable that a celebrity wants to maintain some
sense of privacy, and to protect the privacy of those to whom he is closest.
However, it's somewhat frustrating for the reader to be pulled up short just
as he thinks he's beginning to have some true sense of Kenneth Branagh, human
being.
That one point aside, Branagh writes with wit, humor, honesty (he
only agreed to write the book because he needed the money so badly),
and a rare gift for creating vivid imagery without being
long-winded. Descriptions of his parents as children are so empathic,
one cannot but wish for more than a scant two chapters on them. Not to
be missed is his anecdote on having to strip naked onstage before his
octogenarian grandmother, while suffering the "slings and arrows" of
derogatory remarks whispered by cast members.
"Beginning" is exactly what Branagh's book is: An appetizer good enough to make one look forward to the main course. Don't keep
us waiting, Ken.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Branagh is brilliant; wonderful, witty, honest autobiography, September 24, 2003
Anyone that wants to know more about Ken Branagh and his theatre work will love this book. I am totally in love with Ken Branagh after seeing his numerous Shakespeare films (Much Ado about Nothing, Henry V, etc). He has an absolutely wonderful sense of humor and great wit. The writing is incredibly; he is entertaining throughout and he is completely honest and genuine. (I found that very endearing) I especially loved how he reacted to certain aspects of theatre, how he interpreted Shakespeare text, and his reactions to blessings and upsets. It is a real joy to read.
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