Customer Reviews

Paul Newman: A Life

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I never knew that Paul Newman had been married once before his storied romance and marriage to Joanne Woodward - until now. I never knew that Paul Newman had a son that died tragically young - until now. I never knew that the storybook marriage that seemed rock-solid once had a major crack in it in the form of a fairly serious affair - until now. I knew that Paul Newman liked his beer, but not to the full extent as he apparently did - until now. I new Paul Newman was generous towards worthy causes - but just how incredibly generous I never knew...until now. I learned alot in the reading of this book. Shawn Levy's new biography of the incredible Mr. Newman is an informative read. It is swiftly paced (except for a little too much detail regarding the actor's passion for racing - but...given that he spent so much of his life pursuing racing, perhaps the details are appropriate.) If anything, the book moves along at too quick a speed. Don't expect any detailed analysis on the making of the movies, for example. Marlon Brando is mentioned as meeting Mr. Newman a number of times, yet there is no information as to what they thought of one another, how they got along. (Newman was compared to Brando in the '50's and some reviewers even felt he looked like him!)And Paul Newman's final days are rather quickly recounted; as a matter-of-fact, we never learn anything of wife Joanne Woodward's reaction to his demise. But these small points aside, if you wish to learn much more than you may presently know about Paul Newman, give this book a read. I enjoyed it. It could have been more, but what there is of it is pretty darn good. And I'll say it again: Paul Newman's legacy - apart from a handful of really wonderful films - will be his genuine generosity and true compassion for the charities he not only gave to but also created. He was a beautiful man on the outside, yes, but all the more beautiful inside for his gift of giving.

While some may lament with passion that this book was written charging that Paul Newman was a saint and should not be tarnished I take a different view. Hooray the book was written and let it begin a body of knowledge on the greatness of Paul Newman. So what that it is not entirely flattering? It is a start of the process of scholarship on looking at this man's outstanding legacy and, yes, Paul was a saint. No matter what flaws he had he was a wonderful and good man who deserves a series of books that study his art and life's beautiful charity. This book begins that process and I am sure many will follow. Let us celebrate this book and this process of examining one of our giants of both movies and theatre.

Paul Newman is one of our true movie stars, back when that phrase really meant something. His death last year reminded us what a unique individual he was- an actor, movie star, race car driver, husband, father, grandfather, businessman, humanitarian.

Shawn Levy has written a new biography, titled PAUL NEWMAN- A LIFE. And it was quite a life he lived. I vividly remember my mother taking me to see "The Sting", starring Newman and Robert Redford. It was one of the first grown-up movies I saw, and I felt very sophisticated. Redford was gorgeous, but it was Newman who charmed me. There seemed something mischievous behind those blue eyes and that knowing smile.

Levy does a great job chronicling Newman's early years, and he footnotes and endnotes extensively, not something you normally see in a biography of a movie star. He quotes from reviews of Newman's plays and movies, and that helps put Newman's work in context of the times.

The author delves into Newman's youth and his college days at Kenyon College, where Newman realized he had the desire to act. Newman was a bit of a rascal who loved to party and was not opposed to imbibing in beer, something that he continued to do throughout his life. Levy states that as an adult Newman would often drink a case of beer a day. (Budweiser sent Newman ten cases of beer a week as payment for advertising for them, and they didn't go to waste.)

Levy spoke with several people who went to school with Newman, and their memories of a young Newman are insightful. Newman loved to rehearse, to dig deeply into his character and their motivations, and as this practice grew with his career, it was not always appreciated by his costars or directors.

He married young and had two children with his first wife, but their marriage didn't last. Levy points out the irony of a man who was well known for having one of the most successful, long-lived marriages in Hollywood, actually falling in love with his second wife, actress Joanne Woodward, while he was still married to wife number one.

I did not know that Newman also had an affair (while married to Joanne) with a reporter he met while filming "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". It lasted for over a year, and nearly ruined his second marriage, but after the affair ended, he and Joanne worked it out. Again, they were an example for people that no marriage is perfect, but it takes work, love, patience and forgiveness to make it last.

Newman had such a long career, Levy does his best to get it all in this book without making it 1000 pages, which it easily could have been. The one thing that gets short shrift is Newman's role as a father. It is touched on, but it would have been interesting to know more about how he parented from his children. They seem like people who like their privacy, and after the death of Newman's son Scott from a drug overdose, and the publicity surrounding it, I imagine they were leery of the press.

Newman is quoted as saying that "What I would really like to put on my tombstone is that I was part of my time". Levy makes the correct statement that he was, and that is one thing that shines through in this fascinating biography. Newman really was a man made in his time, an embodiment of a true American individual.

As revealed in Shawn Levy's delightful biography, Paul Newman was many things. An actor, producer, director, race car driver and humanitarian, he was a fascinating human being - talented, analytical, grounded, private, compassionate, involved. Though his stunning, blue-eyed looks set him apart, it was, in fact, his humility, intelligence and humanity that ultimately made him the class act so many people knew and loved. Shawn Levy examines this singular man in this well-written 2009 biography from Harmony Books.

Having recently slogged through biographies of Anthony Hopkins, George C. Scott and Jack Nicholson, Levy's book was a breath of fresh air...for several reasons. First, unlike those three "tortured geniuses," Paul Newman was a likeable human being. He had his faults and failings, as related in the book, but he did a fairly good job of keeping his demons under control. An atypical movie star, he had no use for Hollywood glitz and glamor. Most importantly, he never lost his innate humanity, setting the bar for Hollywood in terms of charity work.

Secondly, it is so refreshing to read a well-crafted biography that never sinks to the trash tabloid level nor does it bury you with reams of needless details. PAUL NEWMAN, A LIFE is a comprehensive, critical yet affectionate and well-done account of one man who made a difference...on many levels. Levy is a wordsmith, a craftsman with a first-rate command of the English language and a perceptive eye to boot. The book runs to 445 pages yet I never had the "enough already" feeling.

In short, PAUL NEWMAN, A LIFE provides a full and fascinating look at what was an intensely private man. Finishing it, there's a touch of sadness that such a talented, vital and productive individual is gone. A reporter once asked the actor what he owed his public. Newman paused for a moment and then simply said: "Thank you." Actually, Mr. Newman, it's the rest of us who should be saying "Thank you."

******
#800

I had the pleasure of meeting both of the Newman's, but I never saw this side of Mr. Newman and glad I didn't at the time. I still will always have great respect for him no matter what and as far as Mrs. Newman-she is a true Goddess as far as I am concerned!

Honestly written...captures the spirit of Newman and reminds us that while famous people have a platform to do interesting things at the end of the day they put on their pants the same way everyone else does.

There was more to the man than just a pretty face and Mr. Levy does a respectable job of chronicling the movie icon's life. This biography was certainly a breath of fresh air after recently reading the train wreck known as John Cheever's life. Mr. Levy delves deep enough to give some understanding of what made Mr. Newman tick. The actor, race car driver, philanthropist, husband, father, workaholic, quasi-alcoholic, liberal activist, entrepreneur and director was well aware of his limitations and how genetic dumb luck presented opportunities to him. Through sheer determination and years of patience, he overcame or made allowances for many of his shortcomings. Sure, Mr. Levy does briefly address some of the actor's more questionable actions such his one, short extramarital affair (6 pages), but the snafus are far and few in between. The book is fair and more of a celebration of Mr. Newman's life. He portrays him as all too human and ultimately just a decent guy. Mr. Levy's writing is sometimes a little too melodramatic for my tastes, but overall it is a wonderful read. I closed the book having learned something about Mr. Newman and how to be a positive role model for others.

Paul Newman: A Life is an honest and balanced portrayal of the actor and man, Paul Newman. I feel that the author treats Newman with respect. Levy does a great job talking about Newman's movie career and his home life with his family. The book also does a great job in explaining Newman's food company and the corresponding charitable acts. Levy also discusses his involvement in a race car team.

I purchased the book in the Kindle ebook format. The book was easy to read and entertaining in this format. My only complaint is the footnotes. All footnotes are given at the end of the chapter. By that time, I had forgotten what the footnote was about.

The book is worth reading.

Shawn Levy has written a very complete biography. He covers Paul Newman's very extensive life methodicaly and honesty. Everyone knows about the basics, most films and the racing, but not the details. They are in this book. It is especially refreshing to see more of the man behind the myth. Loved the racing stories and the behind the scenes pranks. Highly recommended!

Despite his faults, the alcoholism and infidelity as described in the book and in the other reviews here, Paul Newman was a great man. He had the tenacity to work at his marriage and his vocation, and applied himself to do better. He gave of himself to help others, via his charitable works and his political endeavors. Despite the weaknesses, there were also strengths, and one does not dismiss the other, but simply proves that he was human. I was also happy to learn more about Joanne Woodward, and admire her strength in being able to withstand the pressure that was put upon her in being married to a sex symbol, and for keeping her family together despite his affair and his alcoholism. They are each laudable in their own right. I am very glad to have read the book about this wonderful couple.