I Blame Dennis Hopper: And Other Stories from a Life Lived In and Out of the Movies

by Illeana Douglas

From award-winning actress Illeana Douglas comes a memoir about learning to survive in Hollywood while staying true to her quirky vision of the world.
In 1969 Illeana Douglas' parents saw the film Easy Rider and were transformed. Taking Dennis Hopper's words, "That's what it's all about man" to heart, they abandoned their comfortable upper middle class life and gave Illeana a childhood filled with hippies, goats, free spirits, and free love. Illeana writes, "Since it was all out of my control, I began to think of my life as a movie, with a Dennis Hopper-like father at the center of it." I Blame Dennis Hopper is a testament to the power of art and the tenacity of passion. It is a rollicking, funny, at times tender exploration of the way movies can change our lives. With crackling humor and a full heart, Douglas describes how a good Liza Minnelli impression helped her land her first gig and how Rudy Valley taught her the meaning of being a show biz trouper. From her first experience being on set with her grandfather and mentor-two-time Academy Award-winning actor Melvyn Douglas-to the moment she was discovered by Martin Scorsese for her blood-curdling scream and cast in her first film, to starring in movies alongside Robert DeNiro, Nicole Kidman, and Ethan Hawke, to becoming an award winning writer, director and producer in her own right, I Blame Dennis Hopper is an irresistible love letter to movies and filmmaking. Writing from the perspective of the ultimate show business fan, Douglas packs each page with hilarious anecdotes, bizarre coincidences, and fateful meetings that seem, well, right out of a plot of a movie. I Blame Dennis Hopper is the story of one woman's experience in show business, but it is also a genuine reminder of why we all love the for the glitz, the glamor, the sweat, passion, humor, and escape they offer us all.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Film, Audiobook, Autobiography, Media Tie In

293 pages, Hardcover

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

Celebrated actress, comedienne, writer, producer, director, Illeana Douglas has starred in films like Goodfellas, Cape Fear, To Die For, Picture Perfect, Ghost World, as well as TV shows from Six Feet Under to Welcome to Sweden. Millions have watched Easy To Assemble, a web series she created and starred in from 2008 to 2013. As part of the Turner Classic Movies family she hosted Second Looks, and has done film introductions and memorable interviews with some of Hollywood's greatest.

Reviews

[Antigone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, too, might blame Dennis Hopper had my father taken one look at Easy Rider, quit his job, bought a motorcycle, and abandoned society for a communal lifestyle. Had the money drained away and, with it, any hope I had for stability, support, or the occasional piece of pragmatic advice. Of course, I don't imagine I would ever have reached the karmic nexus point in my later travels that might permit me to present my case to Mr. Hopper himself - and have him scuff the dust a bit as he issued me a sheepish apology. Such wonders are probably reserved for those who are related to other legendary actors like, say, Melvyn Douglas, who happens to be one's grandfather. The rest of us, sadly, will never get the chance to hold Hollywood so assertively accountable.

In what is less a memoir than a selection of clever autobiographical vignettes, Illeana Douglas charts the course of her dream to become an actress. Or a director. No, an actress. Wait...okay, yeah, well, sort of both. From her earliest days as a greeter in the dubious Camelot Dinner Theatre (where careers went to die), through the rollicking stage of first auditions and a serendipitous encounter with Martin Scorsese (who would become her significant other for a number of years), Ms. Douglas details her journey from the perspective of an ardent cinephile; a spirit authentically enamored with the art of film and the slapstick realities of movie-making. It will come as no surprise to find that, after roles in Goodfellas, Cape Fear, To Die For and Alive, she took a stint hosting on Turner Classic Movies - nothing short of immersion in the passion she holds so dear.

Here's a lovely little jaunt backstage for those who appreciate the greasepaint. Funny. Poignant. Light. Perfect for casual reading.

[Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m totally in love with this book and Illeana herself. I’ve always enjoyed her work and it was wonderful reading about all her film experience but where this book really shines is when she discusses her own love of film. No doubt about it, Illeana is a FAN who has been lucky enough to meet, interact and work with some of the most fascinating characters in film. Her passion is infectious, and the way she writes about her experiences make you feel a part of them, as if you are sitting down with her at home, all cozy, sharing personal stories as you do with your closest friends. I devoured this one and was completely heartbroken having reached the end. New life goal? Have dinner with Douglas and fangirl over all things film!

I highly recommend you run as fast as you can to your nearest bookstore and pick this one up!

[Pamster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun, will make you want to rewatch every movie she mentions because her film love is totally contagious. She is so unabashedly a huge spazzing fan of movies and actors. The stories about the making of Bella Mafia were awesome. Nastassja Kinski only whispers, instead of talking. Illeana would turn to Jennifer Tilly during their scenes and be like "Is she talking??"

There is a whole part about her love of Richard Dreyfuss, how much he influenced her as an actor in the 70s. I was texting my friend Lisa about it and saying how weird it is because he is so corny and she was like "God dude. You know he is obsessed with CIVICS. He thinks that is the problem with the educational system today, not focused on civics." She was not lying, he has a whole foundation about it. GOD. RIDIC.

Def need to rewatch a bunch of Illeana movies, espesh Grace of My Heart and To Die For.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew just a little bit about the author before I read this book but obviously remember more now. Some think she's just blowing her own horn, so to speak, but her recollections of her life in film are her way of preserving movie history. Other than reading various genres of books, I adore films especially of that great era of 1930-40s. To know more about the actual production and direction of filmmaking just adds to my curiosity. I'm not talking about the glamour or the Tinseltown part of Hollywood; I'm talking about the work that's required. Illeana's chapter on making the film "Alive" and the real arctic conditions they lived and worked under is the perfect example. The book is also well written with pleasant humor. Film buffs will enjoy.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actress, writer and director Illeana Douglas possesses an unbridled love and enthusiasm for motion pictures, and her chatty, endearing and upbeat memoir, I BLAME DENNIS HOPPER, collects decades' worth of anecdotes from in front of and behind the camera. As a teenager, her grandfather Melvyn Douglas invited her to the set of the movie that would win him his second Academy Award. "BEING THERE permanently shifted my view of movies from outsider to insider," she writes. "Now I was going behind the curtain, inside the movie looking out. I would never be the same."

"I have always loved film history, and I thought it was important to try to get stories from all of the greats of Hollywood so that those stories remain alive," Douglas continues. There is no bitterness or cynicism in the tales she spins. While working as a secretary, she slips her resume to Martin Scorsese, who's editing THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST in the same building and is intrigued that she lists "Special skills: Great legs, blood-curdling screams." Soon, she's recording background voices for the film and beginning a decade-long romance with the director.

Among Douglas's best recollections: being seduced (on camera) by Robert DeNiro in CAPE FEAR; starving and freezing while filming ALIVE in the Canadian Rockies; and her 12-hour lunch with Marlon Brando. Hopefully, this is the first of many volumes from Douglas, who promises in her next book she'll tell how Elizabeth Taylor's nose got broken while visiting her. Illeana Douglas's I BLAME DENNIS HOPPER is a delightful, endearing and star-studded memoir no film buff will want to miss.

[SUSAN *Nevertheless,she persisted* · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 49%. Bored me to tears.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the librarian checked this out for me, she commented on the title, "That's not nice". Prior to this I thought this librarian had an attitude...now for sure I know she's a moron!

The book is a delight, especially for serious movie fans and those like me who enjoying knowing what's going on behind the curtain. Illeana clearly loves, lives and breathes the art of movie making.

Coming from an over protective and traditional family environment, I was amazed how her father was so influenced by a movie he gave up his job and started a commune. Her mother went right along with it! And yet...her grandfather, Melvyn Douglas maintained his lifestyle befitting the fine classy actor he was.

Illeana is a part of Turner Classic Movies and she mentioned Robert Osborne, the wonderful historian and host from it's beginning. As I finished this book, I thought it was ironic that my hero, that wonderfully comforting custodian of movie lore, Robert Osborne passed away.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a goodreads first reads winner of this book. I actually have the MP3 cd version. Illeana Douglas was the narrator of her own book. This is a sort of memoir. It is more like stories of her life as the title says. I liked that Illeana narrated the book herself. I could really see this woman has quite a sense of humor. The Title "I Blame Dennis Hopper:And Other Stories from a Life Lived in and Out of the Movies. describes what her memoir is really about. One of her first memories is when her dad took the family to see the movie "Easy Rider" with Dennis Hopper. This movie made a huge difference in their lives. Her dad bucked the establishment and became a hippie like the character Dennis Hopper played. They went from upper middle Class to poor within a couple years. Soon the dad left the family and she was raised by her mother. This was one "Story" from Illeana's life. there are many more in this fun and interesting book. I can really see her sense of humor and wit.
In the following chapters Illeana talks about her famous grandfather, Melvyn Douglas who she was very close to. She even got to go with him on the set of the movie "Being There" with Peter Sellers.
She also writes about directors she has worked with especially Martin Scorsese who she also dated for awhile. In more chapters she write of the movies she has been in such as Cape Fear, Alive. There is a lot of name dropping with the famous people she has worked with such as Robert DeNiro. Ethan Hawke. and Vanessa Redgrave to name a few. I really liked the chapter where she talked about Roddy McDowall. who she said was a very kind and nice man.
This was a nice book to read. Illeana Douglas has a good sense of humor about the stories from her life. If you are a fan of hers, you may enjoy reading or listening to this book. I did.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best gifts I have ever received. I wasn't sure I was going to like it, at first, because Miss Douglas moves lyrically through her experiences at a dizzying pace, but as I read I realized this is how she thinks and speaks and I was thoroughly mesmerized and enchanted thereafter.

I had the pleasure of shooting red carpet interviews for a film critic friend in 2015 at the TCM Film Festival. Fans of the festival are special people, and their love for cinema is infectious and inspired. Imagine my joy to be given this book as a gift by my dear friend, and signed by Illeana, herself!

Illeana's stories are so beautifully written from a gleeful, wide-eyed perspective that you feel you are experiencing them, too. A special friend/fly on the wall reliving every experience in simple-yet-exciting detail. I especially love the part where she confesses her fear of not getting the part she auditioned for in To Die For to Roddy McDowell--whom she is meeting for the first time--and he explains that she must find and harness her joy in her work lest it be stolen from her. It was so poignant and I feel that applies to all of life. We must find and harness our joy and not let go of it no matter what obstacles we face. Thank you, Miss Douglas, for a touching and memorable journey. This book is fearless and fragile and some of the best reading fun I have had in a very long time!

[John Spiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book awhile back, but it kept slipping to the bottom of the "To read" pile. For whatever reason, I started reading it on a flight out of town and was hooked. "I Blame Dennis Hopper" is a series of essays regarding Douglas's rather eventful life. They range from her unconventional upbringing to her creation of a comedy series set at Ikea. Douglas is an engaging writer with a fine comedic touch. I fact, I found this book funnier than anything David Sedaris has put out in the last 10 years.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. Her passion for all things movies, stars, Hollywood comes across the pages as if she is telling you stories in your living room. Her humbleness and fan girl attitude is so refreshing. Fun, lighthearted read.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Blame Dennis Hopper: And Other Stories from a Life Lived In and Out of the Movies - Illeana Douglas Prior to reading this book I probably couldn't have named two Illeana Douglas movies. I loved Grace of My Heart, but I don't actually remember her other performances that I know I've seen. Perhaps that's an indication of what an amazing actor she is: she inhabits a character so fully that you don't notice the actor at all. Maybe she just hasn't gotten enough big roles. I don't know. What I do know now is how much she loves movies. Wow, does she love movies. She's seen all of them, apparently, and can discuss every aspect of film-making and -viewing with equal ease. And also, she know how to tell a story.Reiterating more or less what I must have written before when reading John Cleese: this is exactly what I want from a memoir. Weird and funny details about making movies (so many movies), anecdotes from encounters with famouser people, but mostly just the sheer delight of sharing her enthusiasm. She's really a very skilled writer who manages to make it all seem effortless and natural and intimate without ever being indiscreet. It would be an honor to find one's self in the index.Library copy

[Capria Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so impressed by this book. As an actress, I read a lot of actress memoirs. Sometimes I'm a huge fan of the author and practically bursting at the seams to hear their stories, and yet they still disappoint. Ileana's book is what I want out of every actor or actress memoir that I never seem to get: a passionate, insightful, inspiring look into the work of a true artist born with an unstoppable desire to make their dreams real. I loved the way she described her experiences developing her characters and eventually, producing and directing her own films. Her recollections of getting to know legendary figures of Hollywood both off set and on were extremely enjoyable, bordering on thrilling, to read. She seems to be a true fangirl of cinema and show business in general, like myself. This means I can't help but be overjoyed while reading about her meeting Peter Sellers or being courted by Marlon Brando (who she had to turn down, of course, due to her boyfriend at the time being some guy named Martin Scorsese). I could listen to her stories all day, and will definitely be first in line if she writes a second book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved Illeana Douglas as an actress and now I love her as a writer. This book is so totally refreshing. She's funny and insightful, but not self-deprecating. Too many times I've read an autobiography of a person I admire only to read page after page of them beating themselves up or putting themselves down. Illeana tells it like it is, and lets you behind the Hollywood curtain into her relationship with Martin Scorcese, a wacky lunch and dinner with Marlon Brando, her tender friendship with "Uncle" Roddy McDowell, and her kinship with director Allison Anders. Full disclosure, her movie Grace of My Heart is one of my all-time, absolute favorites so I'm totally biased. Let her entertain you -- read this book!

[Jean Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to. I have a friend who knew her before she made it big, and I have always been kind of interested in her, although I had not really kept up with what she's been doing lately.

The description of the book in the title is pretty accurate. It is not a memoir, per se, but a collection of stories related to acting and making movies. She is really a fangirl at heart, and her enthusiasm is infectious. I liked that she is never bitter, even when she obviously could be. She speaks of Martin Scorsese with a lot of affection, but does not talk in detail about their romantic relationship or the end of it. There is no dirt in this book, if that is what you are looking for. It was a fun read.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the incredible honor to call Illeana Douglas my friend. I've missed her over the past year or so. She was always busy. "I've got to finish writing my book!" she'd say.

Well the book is out. And I'm learning so much about my amazing, talented, funny and tender friend Illeana. Such great stories and such an appreciation for cinema and acting as the art forms that they are, but especially, the magic that they bring.

If you love movies, you'll love Illeana and this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant.

The story about Marlon Brando alone makes this book worth reading. But Douglas shares her unique perspective on Hollywood as the granddaughter of Melvin Douglas, as an actress, as the girlfriend of Martin Scorsese, as a producer, and as a fan of movies. Always entertaining, always well-written. The audiobook is a particular treat, with Douglas herself as the narrator. I wasn't as familiar with her work, but now I hope she writes more books in the future.

[Terri Naughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really can only recall seeing Illeana Douglas in one film (Grace of My Heart) which I liked. Her memoir is funny and interesting, but she sort of lost me in the last couple of chapters talking about her Ikea ventures.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a great Audible read! She has such a positive attitude and a love for the movies that is refreshing!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I just want to hang out in a bar, or cafe, or whatever, with Illeana Douglas and let her tell me stories for hours on end.
Also, I now have a renewed appreciation for Richard Dreyfuss's oeuvre.
But seriously, if you love movies, good storytelling, and memoirs, you will love this book.

[Shelley Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, light-hearted entertainment.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came across this book while browsing at the library and was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it was. I did not realize her grandfather was Melvyn Douglas! The film geek in me found that very cool. I loved her story about being on the set of Being There as a child and watching her granddad work with Peter Sellers and Hal Ashby. Telling various stories related to the movies is what this book is about - it's not a traditional memoir and that is fine with me. This book reminded me of David Niven's memoir The Moon's A Balloon. Not a lot of insights and details about the author's personal life but more a collection of amusing cocktail party stories about the film industry.

Even if you are not a big fan of Illeana, if you like reading about movies you will enjoy this book. Her chapter on Roddy McDowall is a lovely tribute to the man and her chapter on meeting Marlon Brando is very funny. I'm really glad Roddy suggested that Illeana start keeping a journal when she first started acting so she could recall all these funny stories for us, the readers.

[Lisa Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Illeana Douglas is a great actress and she's worked with some of the best in her field. I have a particular fondness for the film "Grace of My Heart" in which Illeana had the lead in the story of a songwriter with a complex romantic life, inspired in part by Carole King. I was eager to read this story, hoping it would give us some insight into the life and craft of a character actor. Sadly, I was disappointed. This was really just the impressions of a fawning fangirl. There are some very interesting anecdotes about Roddy MacDowell, Marlon Brando and Dennis Hopper and other golden-age stars including her grandfather, Melvyn Douglas. But nothing really about the relationship between her and director Martin Scorcese or the process of acting. With all due respect to Ms. Douglas, who I'm sure was excited to meet some of her heroes, I was more interested in learning about her life and work and art - not theirs.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: I WON THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS BOOK IN A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY.

I enjoyed this book so much! It really was great for my hour-long daily work commutes. The stories shared were entertaining, charming and classy -- no distasteful or creepy business discussed, no TMI details and no cringe-worthiness. The only things that kept this from earning 5 stars from me were the number of times "Dennis Hopper" was repeated in the first chapter (it got tiresome) and the occasions when the narration by author Illeana Douglas sounded like she was reading instead of telling her stories (the stiffness took me out of being immersed in the tale). I look forward to reading anything she might pen next!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Illeana Douglas, and this was a delight to read. Definitely not a burning bridges-style tell all, which is fine, though I’m sure she has plenty of dirt she could spill if she wanted. She really really loves movies, and her enthusiasm is just so charming. This could have been twice as long and I wouldn’t have gotten tired of it. Like I said, not a tell all, but I am choosing to believe that she at least had a fling with Matt Dillon at some point. I mean, she doesn’t specifically say she didn’t. Get it, girl!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I always liked Ileana Douglas when I saw her in things so I thought I’d give her book a try. I was a little overwhelmed by her “presence” after awhile but she had some good stories to tell. I wasn’t thrilled with the first chapter which is also the title of the book, and she seemed to give a lot of focus to some of her work as opposed to a comprehensive overview. All in all, though, I was entertained.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the book I expected. Full disclosure: When I grabbed this one I expected it to be a memoir from Dennis Hopper's daughter, talking about growing up around him and his circle of friends. Though Illeana is a working film actress, she's not related to Hopper. Instead, this was a very interesting behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, without the unnecessary gossip and tell-all drama. Reading this book was a very pleasant surprise.

[Taffy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out well, funny and insightful as to her childhood. However, as the book continued, it became just opportunity after opportunity for her to name drop all the actors she worked with and numerous times she felt it necessary to state that she dated Martin Scorsese for 7 years. The rest of the book felt like an overworked resume. Disappointing.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Closer to 2 and a half. Either she's saving some good stuff for an inevitable sequel or ran out of stuff to write about. A podcast which got my interest piqued about the book had much if not most of the good stuff in it already, but Illeana Douglas does have some interesting tales. This would work much better as a one-person show.

[Harry Wingfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! Douglas takes us behind the scenes of the entertainment industry as she shares who influenced her as she shaped her craft as an actor, writer and director. Her writing is as entertaining and real as her performances. My only regret is that she didn't mention her starring role in the pre-show of Rock and Roller Coaster with Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.