Title
Being Hal Ashby: Life Of A Hollywood Rebel (Screen Classics),Used
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Hal Ashby (19291988) was always an outsider, and as a director he brought an outsider's perspective to Hollywood cinema. After moving to California from a Mormon household in Utah, he created eccentric films that reflected the uncertain social climate of the 1970s. Whether it is his enduring cult classic Harold and Maude (1971) or the iconic Being There (1979), Ashby's artistry is unmistakable. His skill for blending intense drama with offkilter comedy attracted Alist actors and elicited powerful performances from Jack Nicholson in The Last Detail (1973), Warren Beatty and Julie Christie in Shampoo (1975), and Jon Voight and Jane Fonda in Coming Home (1979). Yet the man behind these films is still something of a mystery.In Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel, author Nick Dawson for the first time tells the story of a man whose thoughtful and challenging body of work continues to influence modern filmmakers and whose life was as dramatic and unconventional as his films. Ashby began his career as an editor, and it did not take long for his talents to be recognized. He won an Academy Award in 1967 for editing In the Heat of the Night and leveraged his success as an editor to pursue his true passion: directing. Crafting seminal films that steered clear of mainstream conventions yet attracted both popular and critical praise, Ashby became one of the quintessential directors of the 1970s New Hollywood movement.No matter how much success Ashby achieved, he was never able to escape the ghosts of his troubled childhood. The divorce of his parents, his father's suicide, and his own marriage and divorceall before the age of nineteenled to a lifelong struggle with drugs for which he became infamous in Hollywood. And yet, contrary to mythology, it was not Ashby's drug abuse that destroyed his career but a fundamental mismatch between the director and the stifling climate of 1980s studio filmmaking. Although his name may not be recognized by many of today's filmgoers, Hal Ashby is certainly familiar to filmmakers. Despite his untimely death in 1988, his legacy of innovation and individuality continues to influence a generation of independent directors, including Wes Anderson, Sean Penn, and the Coen brothers, who place substance and style above the pursuit of boxoffice success.In this groundbreaking and exhaustively researched biography, Nick Dawson draws on firsthand interviews and personal papers from Ashby's estate to offer an intimate look at the tumultuous life of an artist unwilling to conform or compromise.
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- Q: How many pages does 'Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel' have? A: The book has four hundred thirty-eight pages. It provides a comprehensive biography of Hal Ashby, detailing his life and work.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is paperback. This binding type is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to carry.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six point fourteen inches in length, one point one inches in width, and nine point twenty-five inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard size for a paperback.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Nick Dawson. He is known for his in-depth research and compelling storytelling.
- Q: What category does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the category of Individual Directors. It focuses specifically on the life and career of Hal Ashby.
- Q: What themes are explored in this biography? A: The biography explores themes of individuality, creativity, and the struggles of an artist. It highlights Ashby’s unique contributions to cinema.
- Q: Is this biography suitable for film students? A: Yes, this biography is highly suitable for film students. It offers insights into the life of a significant figure in cinema history.
- Q: What insights does the book provide about Hal Ashby's career? A: The book provides insights into Ashby's career trajectory from editor to acclaimed director. It discusses his innovative filmmaking style and challenges faced in Hollywood.
- Q: Can readers find personal anecdotes in the book? A: Yes, the book includes personal anecdotes and firsthand interviews. These elements provide a deeper understanding of Ashby as both an artist and a person.
- Q: How should I store this paperback book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent damage to the cover and pages.
- Q: Are there any special care instructions for this book? A: No special care instructions are needed. Just handle it gently to maintain its condition.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the retailer for a return or replacement. Most sellers offer a return policy for damaged items.
- Q: Is this book intended for adult readers only? A: No, it is suitable for a wider audience. While it contains mature themes, it can be appreciated by film enthusiasts of various ages.
- Q: How does this book compare to other biographies of filmmakers? A: This book is unique due to its focus on Hal Ashby's unconventional life and career. It offers a detailed narrative that stands out in filmmaker biographies.
- Q: What type of audience would enjoy this book? A: Film industry professionals, students, and general readers interested in Hollywood history would enjoy this book. It appeals to those fascinated by creative processes.