Books matching: hollywood culture
100 result(s)
'High Concept: Don Simpson and the Hollywood Culture of Excess' by Charles Fleming delves into the life and career of Don Simpson, a prominent Hollywood producer known for his high-octane films and extravagant lifestyle. Simpson's approach to filmmaking is described as over the top, filled with action, pop music, and mainstream appeal that resonated with audiences. explores Simpson's insecurities, insatiable appetites, and his relentless pursuit of success, painting a vivid picture of a troubled individual navigating the glitzy yet cutthroat world of Hollywood in the 1980s and 1990s. Through a mix of anecdotes and analysis, the author showcases Simpson's impact on the film industry and his tumultuous journey to the top.
Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through Simpson's life, witnessing his rise to fame, his larger-than-life persona, and the darker aspects of his personality. offers a captivating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes chaos of Hollywood during Simpson's era, highlighting the excesses, scandals, and power struggles that defined the industry. With a mix of humor, insight, and intrigue, 'High Concept' presents a compelling narrative that captures the essence of a man who revolutionized Hollywood while grappling with his own demons.
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Save:Maggie Walsh, the protagonist of 'Angels' by Marian Keyes, finds her life in disarray after discovering her husband's affair and losing her job. In a bold move, she escapes to Los Angeles to stay with her screenwriter friend, Emily. The story unfolds with Maggie navigating through the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, exploring her own identity, relationships, and past traumas. Through flashbacks and present-day experiences, the reader witnesses Maggie's journey of self-discovery and growth in a lighthearted yet introspective manner.
I'D ALWAYS LIVEDa fairly blameless life. Up until the day I left my husband and then ran away to Hollywood, I'd hardly ever put a foot wrong. Not one that many people knew about, anyway. So when, out ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Walsh Family ) - #3
Save:'Play It As It Lays' by Joan Didion is a bleak and cold portrayal of Hollywood life through the eyes of actress Maria Wyeth as she navigates a world of unhealthy relationships, depression, and disconnection. The novel is structured in short, intense chapters that convey the emptiness and despair Maria experiences in her life, with a focus on the external rather than the internal emotions of the characters. Didion's writing style is sharp, pointy, and intense, capturing the essence of a generation lost in ennui and disillusionment.
IN THE FIRST HOT MONTH of the fall after the summer she left Carter (the summer Carter left her, the summer Carter stopped living in the house in Beverly Hills), Maria drove the freeway. She dressed e... - #4
Save:'Scruples' by Judith Krantz is a novel that delves into the luxurious and scandalous world of a Beverly Hills boutique, Scruples, and the lives of the people associated with it. The book is described as a mix of girly parts, gossipy elements, and mildly raunchy themes centered around wealth, power, and haute couture. The plot revolves around the intricate lives of the characters, their interactions, and the glamorous backdrop of the fashion and film industries.
The writing style of 'Scruples' is often characterized as long and verbose, with some readers finding it fun in a gossipy way while others criticize it for being overly descriptive and devolving into tedious tangents. The book is noted for its trashy sex scenes, scandalous elements, and a mix of compelling main characters that navigate intersecting plot lines within the extravagant settings of Beverly Hills.
In Beverly Hills only the infirm and the senile do not drive their own cars. The local police are accustomed to odd combinations of vehicle and driver: the stately, nearsighted retired banker making a... - #5
Save:The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West is a novel set in Hollywood in the 1930s, exploring the dark side of the entertainment industry through the eyes of various characters. The book delves into themes of decadence, desperation, and disillusionment, portraying a world where individuals are driven to ruin by their pursuit of fame and fortune. The writing style is described as skillful and precise, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and setting to life, even though the plot may seem disjointed at times.
Around quitting time, Tod Hackett heard a great din on the road outside his office. The groan of leather mingled with the jangle of iron and over all beat the tattoo of a thousand hooves. He hurried t... 'Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting' by Syd Field is a comprehensive guide that introduces readers to the art of screenwriting in a logical progression. The book covers various creative techniques and methods for crafting stories for the screen, which can also be applied to novel writing. Field's writing style is conversational, encouraging, and easy to understand, making it a valuable resource for both novice and seasoned writers looking to enhance their storytelling skills. The book is well-organized and uses popular film examples to illustrate key concepts, providing readers with a solid foundation to begin their screenplay with confidence.
Despite some criticisms about the latter part of the book, 'Screenplay' is praised for its brilliant insights into the screenwriting process. It is considered a must-read for anyone interested in learning about screenwriting, with readers highlighting its eye-opening content, practical advice, and ability to spark creativity. The book is recommended for aspiring screenwriters, novelists, and storytellers looking to improve their craft and gain a deeper understanding of narrative structure and storytelling techniques.
“Suppose you’re in your office.... A pretty stenographer you’ve seen before comes into the room and you watch her.... She takes off her gloves, opens her purse and dumps it out on the table.... She ha...- #7
Save:'ShutterGirl' by C.D. Reiss is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Laine, a paparazzi in Hollywood, and Michael, a Hollywood star. The two characters have a complicated past, having been friends in high school before taking different paths in life. When they reconnect years later, their friendship evolves into something more, but they struggle to navigate their feelings amidst their conflicting worlds. The book is described as a second chance romance with a slow burn to love and sex storyline, highlighting the emotional build-up and tension between the characters. The writing style is praised for its beautiful imagery, heart-stopping scenes, and fresh, moving narrative.
My butt hurt. My feet were fine, even in heels, and my shoulder didn’t ache, even with the twenty-pound camera bag slung over it. But my ass, which leaned against a railing not meant for leaning, thro... - #8
Save:In 'Something More Than Night' by Kim Newman, the story revolves around the unlikely partnership of novelist Raymond Chandler and actor Boris Karloff as they delve into investigations that intertwine crime and horror during the golden age of Hollywood. The narrative is described as a genre-spanning novel that skillfully combines hard-boiled detective fiction with pulp horror elements, set in the late 1930s Los Angeles. The book features a complex plot narrated in a rambling style that captures the essence of the time period, with Chandler and Karloff shining as they bring the story to life with their investigations into unusual occurrences in a town filled with both human and inhuman monsters.
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Save:His Leading Lady by Jenny Nordbak is a steamy romance novel that follows the story of Lady Elena, a professional dominatrix at the Key Club, a VIP BDSM dungeon in Los Angeles. When Hollywood heartthrob Alex Chase needs to delve into his darker side for a new movie role, he enlists Elena to pose as his fake girlfriend to help him prepare for the character. The book explores themes of kink, consent, fake relationships, and the intricacies of being a celebrity in Hollywood. Nordbak's writing style is described as intelligent, fun, and engaging, with well-developed characters, steamy scenes, and thoughtful discussions on topics like toxic masculinity, harassment, and assault.
It was an adrenaline rush to be under pressure to find the exact right way to bring someone’s fantasy to life, and I was floating on the bliss of having nailed it for a very nervous regular who shared... City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940's by Otto Friedrich is a detailed exploration of Hollywood during the 1940s, focusing on both the glamorous stars and the behind-the-scenes figures. The book delves into the drama and challenges faced by the characters in the movie industry, offering insights into the running of America's Dream Factory and providing a mix of high culture, political history, and social history of the era.
TO THE CHAMBER OF HORRORS, says the sign. The arrow points off toward the right, where a corridor of darkness leads to the glowing irons of the Inquisition, but what the arrow actually announces is a ...
