Clint Eastwood: Billion Dollar Man (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: Dirty Harry, Clint Eastwood, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The fact that Thompson opens the book with a favorable quote from Eastwood about himself ("Dougie Thompson's one of the good guys," Eastwood says of his biographer) is a good indicator that this will not be an impartial biography. Thompson, author of more than 20 books of the gushing celebrity bio variety (Fever!: The Biography of John Travolta, Uncaged: The Biography of Nicolas Cage and Madonna: Queen of the World) riddles the book with nonsensical interludes and seemingly endless quotations. Thompson's faults overwhelm the book, but most frustrating of all is his inability to edit quotes and sum up stories; an interview with longtime love interest and costar Sandra Locke, for example, runs for a staggering 13 pages without a single interruption from Thompson. The conversations have been edited, but there are no transitions between topics, making Locke and others look as if they're speaking about random topics as they occur to them. Thompson does manage to impart some insight into Eastwood's work ethic; passages about Eastwood's directorial style, which keeps his movies on budget, and his loyalty to his coworkers, some of whom have been with him for over forty years, are the book's highlights. But they're not enough to rescue it from the depths of mediocrity.
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Product Description

At 75, Clint Eastwood appears to be at the top of his game. His latest film, Million Dollar Baby, garnered four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Motion Picture—reprising his triumph with Unforgiven. Now, drawing on exclusive interviews with Eastwood, biographer Douglas Thompson looks at the life and artistry of one of Hollywood’s most revered stars.

Over four decades, Clint Eastwood has become a Hollywood legend, his success on both sides of the camera assuring him his place in cinema history. Born the son of a steel worker in 1930, Eastwood’s drive for success led him to his first break, in 1959, on the TV series Rawhide. Eastwood broke from television in 1964 with A Fistful of Dollars—his steely gaze and strong, silent screen presence made the film a surprise box-office smash. In 1971, his performance in Dirty Harry cemented his reputation as an electrifying talent, and he has since gone on to star in and direct some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history. Now, drawing on exclusive interviews with the star, Douglas Thompson gives us a definitive portrait.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 289 pages
• Publisher: John Blake (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857825721
• ISBN-13: 978-1857825725
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #304,894 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars HANGING OUT AND CHATTING WITH CLINT, December 4, 2009

By	R. Miller (East Elmhurst, New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have read several Eastwood Biographies over the years. Clint Eastwood: Billion Dollar Man by Douglas Thompson, has got to be one of the best interview/bios I have read by far. Thompson composes his book insuch a way that "you" the reader feels you've actually sat down in a long conversation with Clint himself. Observing Eastwood process of setting up the next scene on the set location. Or maybe you got together for a beer or two after dinner? Clint Eastwood is well known for being a very private person. This book gives you some insight into the life of one the World's Most Talented Actor/Director this century. And yet there still is a mystery that probably only the closest of his family might ever know.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clint is a visionary and a legend, March 22, 2009

By	Greg Quesnelle (Barrie, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

UNDERCOVER - My Story by Greg Quesnelle

Mr. Eastwood has been around a long time. His passion and dedication to the film industry is legendary. A role model for aspiring authors, actors and film makers. A good insight to the man.