On Streisand: An Opinionated Guide

by Ethan Mordden

She said, "I became a singer because I couldn't get work as an actress," but Barbra Streisand not only became both but revolutionized the two professions. Her music transformed the smooth, uninflected style of the Frank Sinatras and Ella Fitzgeralds into an engine of dramatic vocalism in which each song is like a miniature three-act play. And Streisand's films changed forever the ideal of how a movie star chooses roles, going from musicals to dramas to comedies, from period fare to ultra-modern tales, from Funny Girl to The Way We Were to Yentl .

On Streisand begins with a broad year-by-year outline of the landmark achievements and a few of her more whimsical escapades, as when Rex Reed apologizes for an oafish interview piece and she responds with "I had more respect for him when he hated me." This is followed by a long essay on how Streisand's idiosyncratic self-realization marks her as a unique national treasure, an artist without limits. Then comes the major part of the book, a work-by-work analysis. This section is broken down into separate chapters, each organized the stage shows, then the television shows and concerts, then the movies, and last (because longest) the recordings. Throughout, Mordden follows Streisand's independence, which he sees as her central quality. Throughout all of the chapters on Streisand's shows, concerts, films, and recordings, Mordden illustrates how she was exercising individualistic control of her career from her very first audition, and how the rest of her professional life
unfolded from that point.

A book written by an opinionated expert whose prose is consistently full of flair and wit, On An Opinionated Guide will appeal to general readers in all aspects of American life that Streisand has touched, from film to television to popular music to stardom.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 9, 2019

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prolific novelist and American music theater expert Ethan Mordden (All That Jazz) offers a fascinating, perceptive and very concise overview of Barbra Streisand's six-decade career in the studio, on stage, TV and screen. ON STREISAND: AN OPINIONATED GUIDE examines and evaluates her prodigious output (she's won 10 Grammys, two Oscars and five Emmy awards) with a keen and critical eye. He also looks at her motivation behind each project. "Streisand is not a creature of impulse," writes Mordden. "She makes considered--even excruciatingly interrogated--judgment calls, because her work is her identity."

While Mordden is a fan, he's not undiscerning. Discussing her most recent two CDs, he notes, "We can no longer avoid noticing that Streisand's instrument is truly in decline." And while her 1976 movie "A Star Is Born" was a massive hit, Mordden notes that with her re-editing, she created "a love story with only one person in it." But he champions her amazingly assured directorial debut, "Yentl", as well as "Hello, Dolly!", "Funny Girl" and the problematic "The Way We Were". Mordden folds in Streisand's personal life, her difficult reputation (sometimes earned, sometimes not) and how her genuine distinctiveness worked for and against her. "She was an Original, and many people dislike Originals--at first," he writes. Her movie career slowed down when she became "a compulsive ditherer... endlessly changing her mind about everything."

ON STREISAND is a thoughtful, perceptive and at times analytical look at Streisand's creative output and working methods. Mordden's engaging examination celebrates and deepens an appreciation of Streisand and her body of work.

This concise and engaging review of Barbra Streisand's six decades of work on TV, movie screens and in recording studios will deepen your appreciation of Streisand and her output.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mordden definitely knows his stuff. I am a longtime Streisand aficionado, but I learned a lot still. His takes on her various albums made me go back and listen to many of her songs. I agree with him that Streisand should have done more films. For the biggest star of her generation, she made very few films.

[John Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I differ in my opinions of Streisand's works. Some albums I like more that Mordden does. Some movies too. But, there are things I agree with him on. Long ago, when I first saw "The Way We Were", I knew there was something wrong with the story told. I thought something was missing. I just didn't have the words to describe what I was thinking. Also, I share the popular criticism of "Funny Girl" having a weaker second act. But, from "Smash" by Garson Kanin, and other books that include the making of the Broadway show, it's clear where the trouble lies. And, as a theater person myself, who has worked on original shows (or seen original shows), it all makes sense.

I'm glad that Mordden gave some props to Barbra's performance in "Hello Dolly". I saw it recently for the 50 year anniversary. And she was delightful. It's actually a good experience to see one of her older films in a theater, and not just at home on DVD. I've done that with "Yentl" and "What's Up Doc". Seeing them in a theater brings a whole new experience, and appreciation.

I am disappointed that he only gave a passing mention to "Love is the Answer" album. I think it's her best album in recent years. It brought back, for me, some of the albums from her First Period.

[Keith]

Another opinionated guide from Ethan Mordden. He provides some interesting background, perspectives, and insight. While some of it I read with a pinch of salt, it was still a great read, especially if you are a fan of Streisand.

[Gg · Rating 3 out of 5]

looooove love love love ha