Who Killed Hollywood?: And Put the Tarnish on Tinseltown

by Peter Bart Narrated by Edward Lewis

Overview

In this passionate love-hate letter to the film industry, Peter Bart pulls together his best columns from Variety and GQ, outlining in detail the history and inner workings of Hollywood. In story after story, Bart shows how the major studios have diverted their energies away from production of the shrewdly crafted pictures that once made the industry powerful. There are only a handful of salable subjects in the movies today: natural disasters, aliens, dinosaurs, ghosts, monsters, or any combination thereof. All are subjects easily parlayed into theme-park environments, action figures, video games, and clothing lines. Even the once edgy independent producers like Miramax and New Line have been acquired by conglomerates. Who and what will resurrect Hollywood? Peter Bart has the answers.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

The answer to the title question is not to be found in this juicy collection of essays penned by a former Hollywood player who has more than a few axes to grind. The bitchy, gossipy quality of his "memos" to the various studio chieftains, actors, and celebrities with whom he ever crossed swords is the main appeal of Bart's writings for the industry rag Variety. Tongue lashings the likes of which have never been heard before will make listeners laugh with glee as the power brokers and power elite of Hollywood get a kick in the rear from one who surely suffers from a severe case of sour grapes. Bart's stance on an issue is always sharp and pithy, although his viewpoint waffles from essay to essay. Stephen Spielberg is hailed for being the auteur behind such films as Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan, but his name also appears on the author's "bad list" of producers who have turned movies into franchises for the merchandizing of tie-ins. Narrator Edward Lewis's voice is perfect for this production, being a cross between Tony Randall and the character of Jack from the television show Will & Grace. Great fun and highly recommended. Mark Pumphrey, Polk Cty. P.L., Columbus, NC Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

The

Few people understand the complex interplay of idiosyncratic personality, fiscal imperative, and aesthetic consideration behind contemporary moviemaking as well as Bart, who was for many years a studio executive before becoming the editor-in-chief of Variety. This collection presents the work of a virtuoso kibbitzer as he analyzes the moves of major dealmakers, directors, writers and producers over the past decade...With vinegar wit, Bart deflates the self-important, offers unsolicited advice to studio heads and stars, and vainly seeks to instill historical memory and a sense of conscience in an industry ruled by perpetual attention-deficit disorder.

From the Publisher

"Your insights on human nature and people in show business have always fascinated me. Thank God we're friends!" —Bernie Brillstein

"There is no more intrepid guide in the Hollywood jungle and its predators and prey than Peter Bart who knows it all and is not afraid of man or mogul. His book is the Baedeker of movieland. Must reading for all who care." —David Brown

"Peter Bart knows whereof he writes..." —Liz Smith

"Bart knows the movie business inside out...a masterclass player of the box-office guessing game." —Los Angeles Times

"Bart's columns are very smart, very well written and very quotable." —Newsweek

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169808247
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	09/29/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged

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