Marlon Brando

by David Thomson, Sean Moore (Editor)

A noted film critic and author of The Story of Orson Welles provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's most acclaimed actors and offers a critical analysis of his influence on the history of American film. 50,000 first printing.

Genres: Biography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2003

About the author

David Thomson, renowned as one of the great living authorities on the movies, is the author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, now in its fifth edition. His books include a biography of Nicole Kidman and The Whole Equation: A History of Hollywood. Thomson is also the author of the acclaimed "Have You Seen . . . ?": A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films. Born in London in 1941, he now lives in San Francisco.

Reviews

[William Dury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little book. Thomson considers Brando a gifted, not very bright actor. I have trouble with that. I consider the acting ability as a sign of, or a kind of, intelligence. Brando appears to have been emotionally damaged and certainly seemed to lack common sense. He also seems to have been simultaneously devoid of and over loaded with empathy. Despite his faults I have trouble with the easy, go-to label of “stupid.”

That being said, Thomson himself is a bright, perceptive writer whose opinions are entertaining and informative.

[Sarah.Sep · Rating 1 out of 5]

This isn’t just the worst biography of Brando, it’s one of the worst biographies I have ever read. It started going downhill when the author, in his infinite condescending wisdom, points out how Brando’s childhood couldn’t have been that bad since he is smiling in his family pictures!!! This is the calibre of insight we are dealing with here. He keeps going on and on about how Brando’s childhood wasn’t as difficult as he (and his sisters… and friends…and neighbours) remembered because you see, David knows better. I couldn’t help thinking Thomson is probably one of those clueless people who think a difficult childhood looks like one of those “Save a Child” posters. I can’t believe someone this articulate can be so absolutely clueless. Then again it’s not surprising that he confuses being articulate with being smart.
I have read other books by him and had always found his takes elegantly shallow but my main problem is with how pleased with himself his is in this book. You can almost sense his sneer through the pages. I don’t know but I have always found this breed of biographers - the kind who have a self important, schoolmasterly attitude with no insight to back it up- incredibly ingratiating. Frustratingly bad book.

[Blane Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brando 💋