Customer Reviews

On Cukor

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first saw this book I asked myself, "is it just another standard Hollywood biography?" However, after a few minutes into it, I realized this is the kind of book one encounters rarely and values enormously -- provocative, highly literate, engaging, terrifically insightful, beautifully constructed (in its writing and art direction, including some magnificent photographs of Cukor and his actors). It truly gives the impression that you are not only "inside" Cukor's elegant, complicated mind ... but inside one of his classic movies. It's a perfect Christmas gift for anyone interested in Hollywood.

An intelligent and affectionate tribute to one of Hollywood's great directors. The photo collection is an amazing scrapbook of a career that seems impossible, but lasted for almost a century. He worked with everybody! Robert Trachtenberg has meticulously chronicled the life of this remarkable and gentle man and captured the magic of movies through familiar images that now have even more relevance. Is this the same "R. Trachtenberg" -- the photographer, whose name I've seen in magazines? His artist's eye is as keen as his choice of subject. George Cukor is an American treasure. You will treasure this book that celebrates his life and work.

Admittedly I'm a sucker for any book that helps expand my understanding and appreciation for the inner workings and goings-on in Hollywood during it golden era. Not all books add much to the mountain which has already been written on this time, but "On Cukor" more than delivers on that score. Of course, there is much to be said for the type of person that Cukor was--especially as he was operating at his peak during the time when his chosen industry was also operating at its peak--and I was pleased to see that this book added to my knowledge of Cukor, or expanded on already covered areas (like the making of "A Star Is Born.") Any fan or student of Hollywood, especially during its golden era, will not be disappointed by this book.

While in transit there were heavy rains and the book arrived soaking wet. May I suggest a waterproof envelope for future shipments?

What I have been able to salvage, I've enjoyed.