Customer Reviews

Nick Nolte: Caught in the Act

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Ever wonder why craziness and trouble seem to go hand-in-hand with greatness? Why so many famous artists spend more than their share of time embroiled in scandal and controversy? Mel Weiser has masterfully taken on this ages-old conundrum by sharing many of his most private and treasured moments with his long-time friend Nick Nolte. "Caught in the Act" is a sumptuous 7-course portrait that follows the complex Nolte from his palatial homes in California and Florida to the hallowed chambers of the Holocaust Memorial in Washington to the star-studded sets in Paris for the filming of "Jefferson in Paris". The story is carefully crafted around Weiser and Nolte's intimate 10-month collaboration on the film. When the walks on the beach, the jet-setting, the limousines, the quiet moments alone with Nolte, and eventually, the filmiing all come to an end, Weiser leaves us with a man desperately struggling to maintain his freedom -- from obligations, from distractions and even from his own human fraility -- so he can be completely true to his art. "Caught in the Act" is an honest and revealing expose of an artist at work. But, be warned -- start the book early in the evening and fasten your seal belt because you won't be able to put this fast and exciting read down!

One of the best profiles ever. Written with insight based on personal experience. Nolte comes off as an enormously complex individual - yet Weiser makes everything about him crystal clear. I have read it twice, and I'll probably read it one more time, just before heading for the next Nick Nolte movie!

I enjoy good movies so I found this book to be the perfect summer read. It's funny, and witty, and full of surprises about Nick and his Hollywood associates. I had no idea the actor was so dedicated -- and so much fun to be around!

I am a Nick Nolte enthusiast and am most impressed with his acting skill. When I learned there was a book about Nick, I made a point of obtaining it. I was "not" disappointed. The book gives insight into the "man", the "real" Nick as opposed to the "reel" Nick I've admired. The author has done Nick fans a great service by writing this book and sharing humourous, honest (both negative and positive) information about the "real" Nick and as a result, I believe, at least as far as this fan is concerned, Nick's wishes have been realized. Here's one fan who now sees him as a man rather than some fantasy movie star. I have a better understanding of Nick himself and believe I would be better able to interact with him if I were every lucky enough to meet him. I'm still a fan of Nick's, warts and all.

When I heard that a book about Nick Nolte was going to be published, I thought, "great,another tell-all book that says nothing of value about the person and doesn't give us any true insight about them." I was intrigued, though, because I have been an admirer of Nolte's work for a long time, and have heard the legendary stories of his tumultuous career. And I am glad to say that Weiser does not disappoint. There are moments in this book where you laugh hysterically and moments where you wonder about Nolte's sanity. The most fascinating aspect of Weiser's novel, though, is the intimate detail in which Weiser explores and lays out for the reader Nolte's process as he prepares for a film. It is a captivating, fast paced, three month journey into the artistic and personal depths of an actor who is never content, always searching. Weiser gives us a look into the world of a reluctant star, a person who has shunned the Hollywood mentality and truly made it on his own terms and Weiser superbly alluminates the very steep price Nolte has had to pay for his artistry. Weiser's masterful storytelling keeps the book fast paced and enjoyable. It is a must read for any Nolte enthusiast. Weiser has written a one of a kind portrait.

Mr. Nolte has been a fascinating actor to me for many years. I often wondered how they develop their characterizations and Mr. Weiser obviously knows Nolte well enough to not only disclose his innermost techniques of acting but of the actual working of his thought processes. It's a book that is hard to put down. Weiser has an fast paced approach to literature and takes no prisoners. I'd be interested in reading some of his fiction if available.

Weiser's carefully crafted portrait reveals as much about one actor's method of preparing for a challenging role as it does about the soul of a major motion picture production. Weiser, an insider himself, is a very capable craftsman. His use of the language creates such vivid mental pictures that I was not conscious of reading at all. This is a fast, and quite fun read. I discovered an unexpected bonus as the author shares with us a charming glimpse of my favourite young actress, Gwyneth Paltrow. Buy it!

I met Mel in L.A. in October and talked to him about his book. As promised, I told him that I would read it when I got back home. As an actor, I was most interested in the techniques and preparation used by Nolte. I am amazed at the incredible amount of work he puts into his role research. He is a true inspiration! Mel, email me when you get a chance.