Customer Reviews

Moving Pictures: An Autobiography

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In rating this work, one has to remember they are rating the book, not Ali McGraw's personal life which was filled with the effects of questionable choices. The book, however was extremely interesting, very intriguing and kept me interested even as a part-time reader. Parts of it made me feel as if Ali McGraw had missed her true calling as a writer. As a reader I was able to feel the emotions this person experienced in her detailed relationships, although was left wondering how it was possible for one person to be in love so many times. The writing flowed well and I found myself eager to pick up the book before bedtime and again in the morning before work. Other than the McQeen years, the chapters I found most interesting were the diary kept at the Betty Ford Center, the "Just Tell Me What You Want" chapter, beautifully written in the third person and permeating genuine romantic suffering and the untitled chapter at the end with descriptions of winter in Maine. i.e.: "Over and over again I stop to stare at the patterns of the ice, melting and freezing and melting again, right before my my eyes. In one spot a huge old rotting birch has fallen across the stream and where the log touches the water with its little birch whiskers, large Christmas bells of ice have formed, anchoring the tree to the stream below. In another place the water rushes in great circular motions, freezing in ovals as it touches the snowy bank. In some places the ice is black and transparent, so that you can see the inky leaves on the stream's bottom. And in others it is opaque gray, disguising its thiness. Only the telltale musical sound of the brook gives away the news that it is building up its strength for spring". This book was written in 1991 when Ali McGraw was 50 years old. Perhaps I enjoyed it because I am in the same age range and remember her so well in "Love Story". I was, however, not familiar with her life, loves and career after that film. This book filled in all the gaps and described the peaks and valleys of a woman who could have given us so much more on the screen or in the theatre, but gave herself to others instead. If you liked Ali McGraw, this is a "must read".

Ali MacGraw, describes her life's unfolding, a lovely soul who became a spoilt Hollywood siren, who then crashed in alcoholic self-indulgence, then setting out to discover self-truth and integrity. The book has a lot of new age sentiment to it, reconciling Ali's difficult past with an appreciation for the relative tranquility and groundedness of the present. It is a good read, honest and compelling.

The woman who moved us all to tears in love story, and to me, was the essence, the quintessential woman of the 1970's, has put together a seriously honest, and sometimes wonderfully blunt, memoir of her life, and all i can say now, after 10 years since this book was published, "Where is the sequel, Ali?"i have never in my life finished a book during my daily commute in only 3 days, which is about 7 hours!very fascinating reading, especially the Steve Mcqueen chapter. This woman does something no other actress can even come across as, a loving mother, a devoted wife, and finally, human. Her beauty and this book, like her, is now timeless..heavily reccomended reading!!

A well-written book from a woman who seemingly "had it all". From her movies including "Love Story", to her marriages to two of Hollywood's most popular and powerful men at the time (producer Evans and MEGASTAR McQueen), this autobiography keeps you interested from the beginning. I finished reading it in one day - I couldn't put it down! At the end of it all, the reader gets a sense of not only Ms. MacGraw's personality and intense feelings, but also of the spiritual and emotional journey she has undergone. It's often brutally honest, and delightfully so; from her addiction to men, alcohol and sex, to her deep love for her son, MacGraw lets herself go and allows us to see her - imperfections and all. It's now been almost 15 years since this was released, and all I can say is that I hope there's a sequel to come.

While I liked the book enough to finish it, the writing was very poor and the time line all over the place. Sad story of an insecure star who has so much beauty and talent that went to waste while she looked for love in men who were selfish and addictive. Honestly, can't recommend the book unless you are big fan of hers.

I enjoyed this book by Ali Macgraw so very much!
about l4 years ago I read it and since then I've probably read it ten more times! What a great woman to be so candid and share so many personal things....I could relate so much! Such a beautiful, honest woman!

This book never sold very well because it was written as a self psychotherapy. Although honest and direct, it simply isn't very entertaining to read. Ali is a good writer and writes about her life more accurately and convincingly than any ghostwriter could, but the flipside is that her writing comes as bit troubled and depressing.

The best part of the book is about her relationship with Steve McQueen. It is amply clear that Steve was the love of her life, but unfortuantely also the greatest source of pain in her life.

I read this book 14 years after it was initally published. I had only recently watched "Love Story" for the first time and I had instantly become Ali's fan. And for those who are also her fans, this book is a must read, as it provides a close analysis of her character and history.

Looking at her life, I wonder if Ali's life would have been 10 times better and more stable if she had only stuck to her first husband, who incidentally graduated from Harvard and came from a prominent wealthy family (Oliver Barret clone?).

Ali is not only beautiful, but extremely intelligent (Wellesly grad). She is, however, highly insecure in deep need of acceptance. Combined this with her restlessness, and she has predictably lived a life of constant flux and torment. I hope she has finally found her peace.

I did write a lengthy positive review for this book. It was accepted andlisted for about 2 months and then disappeared with the rest. ? Why bother?

Ali Macgraw spent many years looking for love and acceptance. She somehow managed to snare Steve McQueen (probably because she was a dutiful doormat), but he was no prize. She starred in ONE hit movie, that no one in THIS day and age would even THINK about watching a second time. And she loves, loves, LOVES yoga.

There, I summarized the whole book for you - for free! Save your money. I bought it used at a sale, and now I want to give it away.

One does tend to feel a little sorry for MacGraw after reading this book. It seems that she spent most of her adult life in search of another cold , unavailable man or the next drink.One gets the impression that she was a "Professional Victim" for a great portion of her life. She made one memorable movie in her entire acting career, "Love Story" which was made in 1970 and has dated badly due to it's sickly sweet sentimentalism.There are a host of other Hollywood autobiographies out there which are written better. Perhaps somebody should tell Ms. MacGraw that "Love means never having to say you are sorry for being a drunk". I give this book 5 stars for Ms. MacGraw's valiant attempt to remind the American Movie Going Public that she is still around and is now finally, sober according to this book.