George Clooney: An Actor Looking for a Role

Hi world,
I wrote a book last year that may have flown under your radar. George Clooney: An Actor Looking for a Role (published by ABC-CLIO) discusses each of Clooney's films in detail and analyses his particular contribution to its success. There are plenty of biographies and picture books around (George certainly takes a good picture) but this is the first time that his film work has been considered on its own merits. I've written six other books on film, including studies of David Fincher, Danny Boyle and two on Stephen King adaptations. This book is written in a style that is critically rigorous but accessible to a discerning fan. If you like to watch Mr Clooney's films over and over and argue about his best work, this could be for you.
Please note, I have no control over the price (it ain't cheap, folks) and picture permissions were prohibitively-expensive. Still, there's plenty to get your teeth into here.
I'd welcome any feedback.

Mark Browning

Ok I bit.

Will give you feedback once I read it.

Thanks

Checking out prices no e-books I think. Wonering if this book is sanctioned by GTC?

Marc Browning : LINK

Mmm, customer review isn't that great on one of his other books : LINK

Atalante wrote:Marc Browning : LINK

Mmm, customer review isn't that great on one of his other books : LINK

Thanks much for info.

Thanks for letting us know Mark.

It's available here....

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I've got to get an eReader I just can't decide which one. This is one of the priciest books I've ever bought and the eReader edition was about $30 less!

LD, I have both a Nookbook and a Kindle. Either is good. I really only use for reading, so while I have a ColorNook(received as a gift from my daughter), it is kind of bulky and a bit heavy although not as bad as a book. I also have a Simple Nook (was a free gift with a new computer). I personally like my Kindle Paperwhite best. It is nice an thin, lightweight and I find the selection of reading material better and cheaper. The list of free books is much better than Nook's and as I have a membership in Amazon's Prime, I get to borrow some books free (one a month). Hope I'm of some help.

I have a Kindle too and find the pages don't strain my eyes at all.
I have it in a leather folder with a little stand included so I can rest it on my body instead of holding it all the time. Very user friendly.

Lorna....Maybe check out all the demos on you tube of the different types to find the one most suitable for you ?

I have the basic Kindle
non paper white
anyway light to carry

No gadgets but every tablet can download apps
It works really well like that

Thanks for all the suggestions - appreciate it and will look at those YouTube videos.

Okay about the subject of the thread. I got my book today.

The book was $48 on Amazon so I was happy to see that it wasn't one of those cheap deckled edged books that irritate the hell out of me. The quality of the paper - at least in the copy I got - is excellent and IMO is a book you could keep in your library - if you have a library.

The book looks thin (initially a red-flag) because first thought was - "Hell I paid almost $50 books for this thin tome?" WTF??

But then I opened it and saw how much was contained on each page.

It's over 200 pages with a notes section, a bibliography and index at the end.

I've just started reading the introduction and the author explains that this book deals specifically with George's films. Not his private life, his girlfriends, etc.

The author notes in his introduction that this book is an, "...analysis of Clooney's movies themselves, written by a film specialist, focusing on what we see on-screen rather than the cult of celebrity around it."

Well so far I'm intrigued.

As I said, I just got the book today and started reading the introduction when I got home from work.

This weekend is a three-day weekend in the US so I'll be reading the bulk of it then.

If anyone else gets the book and wants to discuss - let me know.

Well LornaDoone so far you sound impressed. Please keep us up-dated, sounds like something that the kids can buy for us. ha ha Mind know how much I love books of this kind. I have to say I don't read a lot of fiction I like to learn something from the books I read. Not saying anything is wrong with fiction, I just get bored. My daughter's (Mother-in-law does a lot of audio books, which is something I should do then I can be doing other things.

However this looks one of those books that you would want out so you can pick up and reread at times. When I just want to relax and have only the book to think about. I tried reading "50 Shades," and got past the first sexual encounter. That was that, it just felt dirty. I'm not a prude nothing wrong with sex, just cannot see making it ugly.

Guess it's because I think what goes on between couples (any kind) should stay with them. That's special and beautiful, however when you start spreading it around, and it takes it's twists and turns, picking up fabrications as it goes, you have robbed yourselves. (Now that is a run-on sentence.)

Sorry drifted, anyway thanks for the info and is this weekend Memorial Day weekend?

Yes it's Memorial Day weekend. Came up pretty quickly this year!

As to the book - I am looking forward to getting into it.

As to 50 shades - haven't read it - don't plan to.

Please let us know Lorna if the book is readworthy. If so, I'll consider getting it for the library where I work.

Ok a little backed up with "life" so just got back to the book.

Well let me say this - the introduction - large portions of it -- I could have written or already did based on my postings here and in Milano Cookie Aisle.

And comments on both the forums about the function of PR firms in relation to the stars was spot on to comments the author has made in his introduction.

Fer instance...

Spoiler:

We had a long discussion on that very topic over many months on this forum.

One of the other topics in the introduction is titled: "Star as a Reflection of Cultural Value"

I believe this section really speaks to much of what I've said over the years. That a star's actions in their personal life DOES have the potential to affect their career longevity.

He speaks of two examples that can be perceived to have had a negative impact on the star's "brand." Tom Cruise and his ties to Scientology and "...Mel Gibson's alleged problems with alcohol, domestic violence, and accusations of racism..."

I've often spoken about the choices that George has made that have had the potential to damage his brand.

Now to Chapter 1 - already I've found comments very interesting.

Spoiler:

So that's as far as I've gotten - barely into the book and on one hand seem to be getting validation for what I've been saying for a long time. And on the other learning of George's connections when he was starting out and how he often does not forget those with whom he has worked in the past. (I'm sure whether in a positive or negative way - because IMO, I doubt George will be signing up for work with David O. Russell anytime soon). I also doubt we've seen the last of George's nepotistic casting or hiring of friends.

Cool! If you don't mind Lorna, I'm going to take sections of your posts and start new threads with them because I think they're interesting and good discussion points.

Thanks Lorna. Sounds very interesting and your take on things add to it!

y'all really should get this book. LMAO on some of the stuff about George's hair in relation to his characters. And this is still only first chapter stuff.

Also George seems to get killed off often in his early works. Perhaps someone was trying to tell him something?

Lucky for us he has a steel tenacious streak!

Thanks Lorna for your critique on this book it seems like this is one that I would want the actual book as opposed to on and e-reader. I have to see what reason I can give for a gift for me. OK my birthday. I would still like to know what George's camp's take on this book.

Im not waiting for my birthday, too far away. I will hunt this book out or get it online, sounds very interesting.

Hi there,
Been a while since my first post and there's a couple of things I wanted to add.
Firstly, sorry about the price. This is why I write ebooks now under another name. Check it out under Kindle but you may find paper is still cheaper- sorry folks. Stupid publishers, not me.
Secondly, someone asked about George's reaction/involvement. Well, this was a bit of a surprise. As with my other film books, I approached Mr C for an interview and I have to say the reaction was extremely hostile, verging on the threatening, waving a big legal stick and all. I was a bit taken aback as anyone who has read any of my books realises, the point is to discuss and analyse the work, not defame anyone. After a while though, I've come round to the position that he has had some very negative experiences at the hands of the press and his first reaction is understandably defensive. He's very busy and from his point of view, the chances are that this kind of book would only create problems for him. Other directors I've written about (e.g. Danny Boyle) have been reluctant to over-analyse their own work, fearing it will in some way, hamstring their spontaneity but in Clooney's case it was quite different. Pity.
By the way, easy to say, but knowing what I now know, I always recommend readers to ignore negative reviews when there are less than 10. Hard to do, especially if the book is expensive but I've had a persistent trolling hater on my tail about a book I wrote on Wes Anderson. I love freedom of speech but when an academic gets her own students to post near identical negative reviews to curry favour with their teacher, it leaves a bad taste to be sure.

Those who can do; those who can't teach.

I just talked myself into getting this book until the writer's last comments. It would seem that the book is not sanctioned by George and for that reason I would not buy it. That's just me.

No book about George is SANCTIONED BY George.

And I find it ironic that you read and post in this forum which is also NOT SANCTIONED by George but you have no issue with that.

Just stating the obvious.

Look if you don't want to buy a book that's fine.  No one is forcing you to do so.  But please, don't sound so sanctimonious when you make that comment.  

George also doesn't read this forum so he's not going to know that you didn't buy a book.

Nobody gets any "points" for posting here.  It's a forum run by fans and it only keeps going cause people are interested in what is going on with George and what people are saying about it.

Despite what some at IMDB think and say - NOBODY from George's camp is here directing the show.  And I can tell you for a fact as a mod NOBODY is paying me for being here, for moderating or for commenting.

Wonder why he was so hostile or his "people" were so hostile. A simple, I am not interested or he is not interested would have sufficed.

Also, with all the boloney that is written about him, you'd think he would be interested in talking about his filmwork with so much focus on his private life shining on him. Maybe he is waiting for someone else to write it. Wouldn't it be cool if his dad wrote one! As far as purchasing something unsactioned by mr. Handsome, I have no problem as long as it doesn't smear his good name.

I think if George read the book he might agree and disagree with some areas. But the guy isn't doing a hatchet job, he's just stating an opinion on the films based on his experience and observations.

George might take offense to comments that are straight forward and perhaps don't show his films in a good light.

I didn't get thru the whole book - too much going on at home and at work that I'm too pressed for time but hope to get back to it soon.

And I don't necessarily agree with everything I've read so far, but that's okay too.

I suppose if George read it and had issues, it might make for interesting conversations between he and the author but that would mean George would have to stop going forward and work on upcoming projects and instead sit and reflect on past projects. Which might not necessarily be such a bad thing.

Just don't know if George is ready to do something like that.

I do know that the book made me go out and buy a copy of from Dusk Til Dawn because he made some comments about the film making itself that I wanted to go back and take a look at. But haven't done that either!

Like I said, life and work have been a bit intense lately and the most I can do is come here and get some comic relief from the postings.

LornaDoone wrote:No book about George is SANCTIONED BY George.

And I find it ironic that you read and post in this forum which is also NOT SANCTIONED by George but you have no issue with that.

Just stating the obvious.

Look if you don't want to buy a book that's fine.  No one is forcing you to do so.  But please, don't sound so sanctimonious when you make that comment.  

George also doesn't read this forum so he's not going to know that you didn't buy a book.

Nobody gets any "points" for posting here.  It's a forum run by fans and it only keeps going cause people are interested in what is going on with George and what people are saying about it.  

Despite what some at IMDB think and say - NOBODY from George's camp is here directing the show.  And I can tell you for a fact as a mod NOBODY is paying me for being here, for moderating or for commenting.  

I haven't had a chance to get back to this thread for awhile. I've had my own things to deal with. As a moderator you have invited me not to post here so trust me this is my last. I really enjoyed this forum mostly because Katiedot kept things on level ground, she is missed, but I do know that she is busy. Have a good one.

LornaDoone wrote:Those who can do; those who can't teach.

Exactly.

Mazy wrote:

LornaDoone wrote:No book about George is SANCTIONED BY George.

And I find it ironic that you read and post in this forum which is also NOT SANCTIONED by George but you have no issue with that.

Just stating the obvious.

Look if you don't want to buy a book that's fine.  No one is forcing you to do so.  But please, don't sound so sanctimonious when you make that comment.  

George also doesn't read this forum so he's not going to know that you didn't buy a book.

Nobody gets any "points" for posting here.  It's a forum run by fans and it only keeps going cause people are interested in what is going on with George and what people are saying about it.  

Despite what some at IMDB think and say - NOBODY from George's camp is here directing the show.  And I can tell you for a fact as a mod NOBODY is paying me for being here, for moderating or for commenting.  

I haven't had a chance to get back to this thread for awhile. I've had my own things to deal with. As a moderator you have invited me not to post here so trust me this is my last. I really enjoyed this forum mostly because Katiedot kept things on level ground, she is missed, but I do know that she is busy. Have a good one.

Oh Mazy, Mazy, post what you want.  I just reminded you that no matter what you post or how many times you post it others will and have disagreed with you.  You're the one who takes offense to anyone posting a different opinion or god forbid, disagreeing with you!  Seems a bit off kilter if you ask me.  But of course, you won't ask me but that's ok too.

As to katie she pops in - if you have any issues, please feel free to PM her.  I'm sure she'll respond.

Oh wait, nevermind, you said you weren't coming to this thread or posting again.

Any more feedback on the book? There's only a brief mention of Gravity in it by the way- although it had been made, it was being held back for release this year.

It's striking just how many of Mr Clooney's films repay repeat viewings. There's usually a lot going on. I spent several years writing the book and poring over every single one of his films in great detail was probably the most fun I've had in writing about film.

hi
I forgot
who are you? a writer?
of what?  

Hey, about books we are talking, I should chime in...

I can only say something about the title, because I haven´t seen or read the book, yet. Nor have I seen all the movies,yet. Therefore this can be considered very objective feedback.

I question the title. Looking for roles? Like he has to look for them. I don´t think so. He is offered, begged and asked, sought after. He picks what he likes. Ones he doesn´t "get" or do are not meant for him anyway.

If the book was about his roles so far I ´m thinking these titles

George Clooney: 50 roles (or how many they were in the book?)
George Clooney: Through the Roles
George Clooney: Driving Force Roles
George Clooney: The Hard Edge of Movie Genius and His Roles
George Clooney: The Roles - The Whole Story
George Clooney: The Ultimate Role by Role Record of His Movie Career.

George Clooney: Gifted with Roles
George Clooney: The Roles. The Edge of Acting Greatness.
George Clooney: Inside Story of His Roles.
George Clooney: The Messiah of Movie Industry

(ok, the last one went over, maybe I´m a little fan  )

oh sorry
you are this thread's book writer....  

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

it's me wrote:hi
I forgot
who are you? a writer?
of what?  

Seriously. Please at least make the effort to read the thread you're posting in first. He introduced himself in the very first post!!!!!

it was in May
looooong time ago
and I don't usually read every thread from the beginning


anyway I begged for excuses

Mark Browning wrote:Any more feedback on the book? There's only a brief mention of Gravity in it by the way- although it had been made, it was being held back for release this year.

It's striking just how many of Mr Clooney's films repay repeat viewings. There's usually a lot going on. I spent several years writing the book and poring over every single one of his films in great detail was probably the most fun I've had in writing about film.

I do agree that most of his films can be enjoyed by repeated viewings. I think it's a sign 
of the authenticity and quality of his films.
I especially enjoy repeated viewings of Good Night & Good Luck and Oh Brother.
It's a winter enjoyment when the weather is bad ! Lol

I agree and I do think O Brother is going to be the film people come back to in 50 years time.