Meryl Streep: A Critical Biography [Library Binding]

Eugene E. Pfaff (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA This is not flashy, quick-to-read folderol for fans. It is an unassuming critical biography that goes behind the scenes with Streep in both her professional and personal lives. Young adults interested in acting will enjoy the in-depth exploration of each film's production and Streep's preparation for her roles. Film reviews from a wide variety of sources are combined with a lively text. The filmography extends through the 1986 film Heartburn. Keddy Outlaw, Harris County Public Library, Houston

Copyright 1988 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 158 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (December 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899502873
• ISBN-13: 978-0899502878
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,459,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Does Streep justice, August 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Meryl Streep: A Critical Biography (Library Binding)

This is a really good book for the serious Streep fan. It delves into her acting in much more detail than the other biographies, which seem to only list her acting awards and leave it at that. I was extremely pleased to see a discussion of Streep's work in PLENTY, which was so understated and low-pressure and unlike anything she had done before. It's interesting to watch Streep's performances and discover not only the different characters she plays, but the different acting STYLES she seems to have at her disposal. Her work in PLENTY was certainly different than her fettered, mannered (but equally brilliant and appropriate) interpretation of Karen Silkwood. This kind of attention to her craft really places this book at the top of the heap. I would love to see an updated version of this book because of all the great performances she has given since then (A CRY IN THE DARK, POSTCARDS, DEATH BECOMES HER, MARVIN'S ROOM, BRIDGES, ONE TRUE THING, etc.) but I realize that excellence doesn't sell books anymore to the public, so let's all buy the juicy Gwyneth Paltrow bio and find out what the new fall fashions are.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is just what it says, a critical biography, April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Meryl Streep: A Critical Biography (Library Binding)

I enjoyed this book. It delves into Meryl Streeps craft much more than the other 2 books written about her. It has very little personal information, but I am sure Ms. Streep likes it that way. This book reads much like a text book, but for a true Streep fan it is a fascinating read.