From Publishers Weekly
Vulgar self-promotion dominates this autobiographical account in which the making of the film Identity Crisis becomes subordinated to the personalities of the Van Peebles pere and fils. Mario was a budget analyst until he realized "it was cruel of him to go on denying the moviegoing public any longer" and entered show business. Melvin's charm is displayed when he tries to pick up some women who attract his sons' notice: "My chicken-shit sons over there think you're fine. Now are you going to give them some play or not?" Continuing in this vein, the two describe in alternating narratives how they assembled the project: Melvin as producer/director and Mario as writer/star. There are several contributions from others who worked on the film, including the costume designer and production assistants, who discuss themselves, their jobs and their employers' qualities. One staffer seriously assures the reader that Sir Alec Guinness is as good an actor as Mario Van Peebles. Melvin Van Peebles wrote The True American. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The Van Peebles, father and son, are both hot show business talents, especially since son Mario's recent success in the TV series Sonny Spoon. Their first project together is a film called Identity Crisis, which is written by Mario, produced and directed by Melvin, and acted in by both. This is a diary of the progress of that project from inception to final cut. It al ternates between father and son, interspersing comments from several others involved with the film. Most interesting are the early chapters which explore the relationship between father and son. Told in super-hip vernacular, this is a fun book, but with little substance. Its appeal will be limited to diehard fans.
- Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
