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A Life in Movies: Stories from 50 years in Hollywood
A rollicking autobiography from the legendary producer of Goodfellas, Rocky, and Raging Bull, and an insider’s account of making movies in Hollywood over half a century
The list of films Irwin Winkler has produced in his more-than-fifty-year career is extraordinary: Rocky, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, De-Lovely, The Right Stuff, Creed, and The Irishman. His films have been nominated for fifty-two Academy Awards, including five movies for Best Picture, and have won twelve.
In A Life in Movies, his charming and insightful memoir, Winkler tells the stories of his career through his many films as a producer and then as a writer and director, charting the changes in Hollywood over the past decades. Winkler started in the famous William Morris mailroom and made his first film—starring Elvis—in the last days of the old studio system. Beginning in the late 1960s, and then for decades to come, he produced a string of provocative and influential films, making him one of the most critically lauded, prolific, and commercially successful producers of his era.
This is an engrossing and candid book, a beguiling exploration of what it means to be a producer, including purchasing rights, developing scripts, casting actors, managing directors, editing film, and winning awards. Filled with tales of legendary and beloved films, as well as some not-so-legendary and forgotten ones, A Life in Movies takes readers behind the scenes and into the history of Hollywood.
The list of films Irwin Winkler has produced in his more-than-fifty-year career is extraordinary: Rocky, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, De-Lovely, The Right Stuff, Creed, and The Irishman. His films have been nominated for fifty-two Academy Awards, including five movies for Best Picture, and have won twelve.
In A Life in Movies, his charming and insightful memoir, Winkler tells the stories of his career through his many films as a producer and then as a writer and director, charting the changes in Hollywood over the past decades. Winkler started in the famous William Morris mailroom and made his first film—starring Elvis—in the last days of the old studio system. Beginning in the late 1960s, and then for decades to come, he produced a string of provocative and influential films, making him one of the most critically lauded, prolific, and commercially successful producers of his era.
This is an engrossing and candid book, a beguiling exploration of what it means to be a producer, including purchasing rights, developing scripts, casting actors, managing directors, editing film, and winning awards. Filled with tales of legendary and beloved films, as well as some not-so-legendary and forgotten ones, A Life in Movies takes readers behind the scenes and into the history of Hollywood.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 25, 2022
Irwin Winkler started out as a summer-only mail boy at MGM but through luck, personality, and persistence became an agent, then producer with his partner, Bob Chartoff, of movies as diverse as Double Trouble, Point Blank, The New Centurions, They Shoot Horses, Don't They, The Gambler, The Mechanic, Up The Sandbox, Betrayed, all the Rocky movies, The Right Stuff, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, The Wolf Of Wall Street, and The Irishman. He also directed a number of films including Guilty By Suspicion, Night & The City, The Net, De Lovely and Home Of The Brave. This memoir has the stories of his life, films and the people he met during his busy and productive career. A must-read for anyone interested in film history. - BH.
May 30, 2019
If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes effort that goes in to film-making, then this is the memoir for you. Packed with stories from behind the camera from films such as Goodfellas, Rocky, and the Wolf of Wall Street, this is an interesting read.
I had some idea of the deal-making of Hollywood, but not the sheer scale of it and how many things can go wrong, meaning a film doesn't get made after all. Best of all, I now have a list of films to watch, some of which I hadn't heard of before.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Abrams Press, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
I had some idea of the deal-making of Hollywood, but not the sheer scale of it and how many things can go wrong, meaning a film doesn't get made after all. Best of all, I now have a list of films to watch, some of which I hadn't heard of before.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Abrams Press, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
January 15, 2021
Interesting behind the scenes look at Hollywood from the producers experience.
February 14, 2021
Winkler is my kinda guy.
May 8, 2023
If you like movies, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one worked on by producer Irwin Winkler. His most famous collaborations include the Rocky series and much of Martin Scorsese’s filmography. In this breezy rundown of his career, Winkler’s cheery demeanour comes in handy a few times as some deals don’t go the way he would have liked, or some films just cease to be a project he wants to be a part of. (Paul Verhoeven simply repulsing him out of the room led to a parting of the ways on Basic Instinct.)
By and large though, these are happy and successful stories related very readably. Winkler is affable almost to a fault, though he is also happy to grind the occasional axe; it’s a slightly odd tonal mix, the almost banally pleasant and the still-mad-about-stuff. (It’s worth taking his recollections with a pinch of salt, if only because dipping into William Goldman’s Adventures In The Screen Trade offers a very different account of what went wrong on The Right Stuff. Goldman’s account was written before the movie came out; Winkler’s, in 2018.)
3.5
By and large though, these are happy and successful stories related very readably. Winkler is affable almost to a fault, though he is also happy to grind the occasional axe; it’s a slightly odd tonal mix, the almost banally pleasant and the still-mad-about-stuff. (It’s worth taking his recollections with a pinch of salt, if only because dipping into William Goldman’s Adventures In The Screen Trade offers a very different account of what went wrong on The Right Stuff. Goldman’s account was written before the movie came out; Winkler’s, in 2018.)
3.5
December 21, 2018
For those of us who love film this is a fine look at the career of Irwin Winkler who was responsible for some of the best films ever made.
Winkler takes us through his career film by film and gives the reader capsule views of the difficulties and triumphs of making each of his movies.
I must admit to liking the backstories of some of my favorites, including GOODFELLAS and De-Lovely. Great anecdotes about stars, producers, directors and writers. It was fun to reflect with Winkler on his incredible career and contributions to film.
Winkler takes us through his career film by film and gives the reader capsule views of the difficulties and triumphs of making each of his movies.
I must admit to liking the backstories of some of my favorites, including GOODFELLAS and De-Lovely. Great anecdotes about stars, producers, directors and writers. It was fun to reflect with Winkler on his incredible career and contributions to film.
August 28, 2019
If you like the tough-guy Irwin Winkler productions you may enjoy this book, even though it doesn't offer a lot of surprises. It's more of a filmmaking diary that rambles on and on, at times one paragraph taking up an entire page.
For a man who talks about the importance of editing film and telling a story on screen he surprisingly doesn't show the same concern for his writing. This book needs cuts in every chapter and every page to cut out some of the absolutely insignificant things like multiple phone calls to different people. The "stories" he puts into the book are often nothing more than business negotiating. "Who cares?" came to mind a number of times. It was like Winkler just was going through old appointment book and phone call notes that he kept.
There are some insights into how some of his famous movies were made but, honestly, not enough. He could have provided much more significant information. At times he starts writing about a movie's pre-production stage, then doesn't say anything about the actual months or years it took to make the film or what happened once it premiered.
Most of his praise is for his own movies and those he worked with, but many of the movies he thinks were great I thought were weak or bombs, and some of the movies he slams that others made were actually quite good, as proven by the boxoffice. So he overstates his own movies' success while putting down competing films that actually did better with audiences.
There are a few times he slams some in Hollywood by name (we're talking about you Oliver Stone) but he overpraises De Niro, Stallone, and others that are famously difficult to work with.
So in the end the book seems quite self-serving: it's a way for a man to memorialize his own successes near the end of his life. It would have been better if real research would have been conducted by an objective co-author where we'd hear the perspectives of others, and Winkler challenged to come up with much better behind-the-scenes stories of his famous films. Screen students will benefit from some of this, but for the average reader this book is neither a hit or a flop.
For a man who talks about the importance of editing film and telling a story on screen he surprisingly doesn't show the same concern for his writing. This book needs cuts in every chapter and every page to cut out some of the absolutely insignificant things like multiple phone calls to different people. The "stories" he puts into the book are often nothing more than business negotiating. "Who cares?" came to mind a number of times. It was like Winkler just was going through old appointment book and phone call notes that he kept.
There are some insights into how some of his famous movies were made but, honestly, not enough. He could have provided much more significant information. At times he starts writing about a movie's pre-production stage, then doesn't say anything about the actual months or years it took to make the film or what happened once it premiered.
Most of his praise is for his own movies and those he worked with, but many of the movies he thinks were great I thought were weak or bombs, and some of the movies he slams that others made were actually quite good, as proven by the boxoffice. So he overstates his own movies' success while putting down competing films that actually did better with audiences.
There are a few times he slams some in Hollywood by name (we're talking about you Oliver Stone) but he overpraises De Niro, Stallone, and others that are famously difficult to work with.
So in the end the book seems quite self-serving: it's a way for a man to memorialize his own successes near the end of his life. It would have been better if real research would have been conducted by an objective co-author where we'd hear the perspectives of others, and Winkler challenged to come up with much better behind-the-scenes stories of his famous films. Screen students will benefit from some of this, but for the average reader this book is neither a hit or a flop.
July 28, 2019
I’m not normally eager to read about producers but Irwin Winkler has had a hand in some great movies. On that score, this really delivers as he takes you through the nuts and bolts of classics like Rocky, Raging Bull and Goodfellas. What was unexpected was hearing about the movies he didn’t make and why. The sections on Basic Instinct and Nixon stick out and Winkler is not afraid to call people out, which Is the closest this gets to gossip. What’s unavoidable is reading about films I never heard of and don’t care about but he keeps it moving. Look up Winkler’s filmography, if you like even half the movies, this is a breezy read.
August 3, 2019
It's hard not to like Winkler's sincere book, and considering his list of credits, there's almost enough anecdotal information to keep you interested. Almost. The movies are too good to gloss over so fast, and the lack of transitions makes time periods unclear, as well. Winkler focusing on his own rather mediocre directing isn't all that thrilling, but his knockabout encounters within a business uncomfortable with producing underdog stories like "Rocky" or sociopathic masterpieces like "Raging Bull" are intriguing. Still worth reading for what's assembled, but the man's career deserves a better writer to cover it.
August 25, 2019
Dishes all the juicy Life As a House dirt that a person could hope for!
March 20, 2019
Note: I was loaned a digital ARC copy of this title by Edelweiss and the publisher in return for my honest review.
Winkler has been involved in some of Hollywood’s most interesting projects and his insight is both interesting and entertaining. This is a man who has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names (Presley, Fonda, Reynolds, Scorsese, De Niro, Bullock, Moore, Stallone, the list goes on and on) on some of the most well-known movies of all time (all the Rocky movies, Raging Bull, Last Temptation of Christ, Goodfellas…)
It’s written chronologically, focusing on each of his movies. His stories are incredibly interesting, giving background and context to some of my favorite movies. Still, his writing is sometimes difficult to follow. He blows through everything so quickly and I often wished there were moments he explored more fully. As well, there’s a dizzying number of names being thrown around. Often, he’ll tell a story about someone, will quickly jump to what that person ends up doing in the future, and then goes right back to where he was in the original story.
This is a man who knew what he loved and who took chances, some that paid off and some that didn’t. And that’s one of the things that I found made this book different from a lot of other Hollywood-esque autobiographies—the author is able to admit both the things he did right and the things he didn’t. Despite his tremendous success in the business, there’s no over blown egos and no taking credit for everything that came his way. One great example—he decided to pass over Francis Ford Coppola for The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, thinking he wouldn’t be able to manage a mafia movie. He says, “I haven’t seen The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight since 1972, and I see The Godfather, directed by the man I couldn’t imagine directing a gangster film, every chance I get.”
Though not perfectly written, this book is definitely worth the time of anyone who an interested in learning more about the Hollywood experiences of one of the most prolific producers/directors/writers of the last 50 years.
Winkler has been involved in some of Hollywood’s most interesting projects and his insight is both interesting and entertaining. This is a man who has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names (Presley, Fonda, Reynolds, Scorsese, De Niro, Bullock, Moore, Stallone, the list goes on and on) on some of the most well-known movies of all time (all the Rocky movies, Raging Bull, Last Temptation of Christ, Goodfellas…)
It’s written chronologically, focusing on each of his movies. His stories are incredibly interesting, giving background and context to some of my favorite movies. Still, his writing is sometimes difficult to follow. He blows through everything so quickly and I often wished there were moments he explored more fully. As well, there’s a dizzying number of names being thrown around. Often, he’ll tell a story about someone, will quickly jump to what that person ends up doing in the future, and then goes right back to where he was in the original story.
This is a man who knew what he loved and who took chances, some that paid off and some that didn’t. And that’s one of the things that I found made this book different from a lot of other Hollywood-esque autobiographies—the author is able to admit both the things he did right and the things he didn’t. Despite his tremendous success in the business, there’s no over blown egos and no taking credit for everything that came his way. One great example—he decided to pass over Francis Ford Coppola for The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, thinking he wouldn’t be able to manage a mafia movie. He says, “I haven’t seen The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight since 1972, and I see The Godfather, directed by the man I couldn’t imagine directing a gangster film, every chance I get.”
Though not perfectly written, this book is definitely worth the time of anyone who an interested in learning more about the Hollywood experiences of one of the most prolific producers/directors/writers of the last 50 years.
February 16, 2020
I liked reading a behind the scenes book from the producer/ director’s viewpoint for a change. It seems most (not all) celebrity memoirs these days are basically the author complaining about how rough their lives have been. This book is essentially a love letter to Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese (nothing wrong with that!) that was in need of a good editor/ fact checker. While I found this book interesting and entertaining overall, I was left wanting so much more.
Each chapter is broken down into movies that Winkler worked on throughout his career. These sections essentially give a lengthy summary of the film and then a few making-of facts are thrown in. Some of these facts were simple things like this director didn’t get along with this actor, or this actor was very professional and was always on time. I wanted MORE! To me, this was a shell of a much bigger story. I would have preferred if he had selected a few of his films and gone into a lot more detail about his experience working on them, as opposed to cramming in everything he worked on with very limited tidbits. More often than not the facts given were very interesting and this is definitely a good read for movie lovers.
Each chapter is broken down into movies that Winkler worked on throughout his career. These sections essentially give a lengthy summary of the film and then a few making-of facts are thrown in. Some of these facts were simple things like this director didn’t get along with this actor, or this actor was very professional and was always on time. I wanted MORE! To me, this was a shell of a much bigger story. I would have preferred if he had selected a few of his films and gone into a lot more detail about his experience working on them, as opposed to cramming in everything he worked on with very limited tidbits. More often than not the facts given were very interesting and this is definitely a good read for movie lovers.
May 20, 2019
I won an Uncorrected Proof of A Life in Movies: Stories from 50 Years in Hollywood by Irwin Winkler from Goodreads.
Irwin Winkler shares with readers his fascinating journey through five decades of producing and directing films in his book, A Life in Movies: Stories from 50 Years in Hollywood. Readers are given an insider's view of the behind-the-scenes negotiations and other efforts to finance and launch a movie as Winkler describes his efforts step-by-step with each of his incredible films. The narration is easy to follow and feels like a friendly conversation. Film buffs will enjoy not only the background information, but also the details concerning famous actors and directors as they consider movie scripts, and then reject or accept offers to create a film. Irwin Winkler's memories will certainly inspire readers to create their own must-see movies list.
Irwin Winkler shares with readers his fascinating journey through five decades of producing and directing films in his book, A Life in Movies: Stories from 50 Years in Hollywood. Readers are given an insider's view of the behind-the-scenes negotiations and other efforts to finance and launch a movie as Winkler describes his efforts step-by-step with each of his incredible films. The narration is easy to follow and feels like a friendly conversation. Film buffs will enjoy not only the background information, but also the details concerning famous actors and directors as they consider movie scripts, and then reject or accept offers to create a film. Irwin Winkler's memories will certainly inspire readers to create their own must-see movies list.
August 4, 2019
This is a readable and interesting memoir from one of the biggest producers in Hollywood. His career starts from the last gasps of the old studio system that dominated the first 60+ years of Hollywood, recounting personal meetings with such names as Jack Warner, and has ties all the way to the current day, where he is involved in the production of movies that are set to appear on streaming services (i.e. The Irishman on Netflix). The chapters are broken up by movies, with quick accounts that cover Winkler's role in each picture, from producing, casting and in some cases directing. It doesn't hurt that he has personal relationships with such luminaries like De Niro and Scorsese. Was fun to read that immediately after seeing the screening for Star Wars, he purchased stock in 20th Century Fox. Maybe not great literature, but for a film buff, worth a beach/summer read.
January 19, 2020
This isn’t exactly a memoir, and anyone who’s hoping for the life story of legendary Hollywood producer Irwin Winkler will be disappointed to find just a few fleeting and sporadic personal anecdotes. It’s basically a catalog of films he’s worked on, late 60s to the present day, with behind the scenes stories for each. I was fascinated by the creative decisions Winkler expounded on, including comments about casting, writing, and music. A majority of these tales focus more on financing and business negotiations, which to me is far less interesting, though your mileage may vary. The book does offer a helpful overview of what producers actually do, and it paints a clear picture of how the film industry has evolved over the decades. I’ll conclude by noting what seem to be some significant typos and formatting issues here and there, which are annoying, but the book is still entertaining.
October 18, 2021
Movie producers aren't generally as well known as actors or directors, so the name Irwin Winkler may not ring a bell. But over the years Winkler helped put together such classics and/or box office hits as "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?," "Rocky" (plus all those sequels), "Raging Bull," "The Right Stuff," "Goodfellas" and "The Wolf of Wall Street," and here he recounts his experiences in those films and more, including a few efforts as a director. It's more anecdotal than comprehensive: Winkler devotes more space to certain projects than others, ignoring a few altogether, and the casual reader's eyes may glaze at the behind-the-scenes details on how they were assembled/financed (spoiler: lots of meetings). But there are some interesting stories along the way (including Winkler's takes on some major players and a couple of mild shots at Oscar winners that beat out his pictures) and it's a quick read if nothing else.
May 14, 2024
I loved it! "Irwin Winkler: A Life in Movies" provides an intimate and insightful look into the legendary career of Irwin Winkler, one of Hollywood's most prolific producers and directors. From his early days as a struggling screenwriter to his rise as the creative force behind iconic films such as "Rocky," "Raging Bull," and "Goodfellas," Winkler's journey is both inspiring and illuminating. Through candid anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal reflections, Winkler offers readers a glimpse into the highs and lows of the film industry, as well as the passion and perseverance required to succeed in the world of moviemaking. Whether you're a film buff, aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the inner workings of Hollywood, "Irwin Winkler: A Life in Movies" is a must-read for anyone interested in the magic of cinema.
September 12, 2019
When you watch a movie, you can clearly see the effort that the actors and directors put into it. But what about the producer? Why is a producer and what does the producer actually do? This book is the perfect answer to it.
This book are full of behind-the-scene stories from the big ole Hollywood. I see the struggles that producers go through just for producing one movie, from not being able to hire the ideal actor, to dealing with an irresponsible, amateur director. I especially like reading about all the "office drama" that Winkler had to go through. Hey, working in Hollywood isn't THAT much different from our ordinary office jobs!
This book are full of behind-the-scene stories from the big ole Hollywood. I see the struggles that producers go through just for producing one movie, from not being able to hire the ideal actor, to dealing with an irresponsible, amateur director. I especially like reading about all the "office drama" that Winkler had to go through. Hey, working in Hollywood isn't THAT much different from our ordinary office jobs!
January 29, 2022
I grew up in the 70's going to see tons of movies. Winkler's stories of his experiences trying to get movies made is both inspiring and daunting. Just for a film to get made takes a tremendous amount of dealing and planning so it's amazing that any of them get made at all. Chartoff and Winkler produced many great movies, especially in their collaboration with Martin Scorsese. One of their greatest triumphs was believing in and supporting "Rocky," which is a fascinating story. If you're a film fanatic this book is for you. I'm not sure how much it would interest people who just have a fair interest in films.
June 20, 2022
A diverting, fast read with some interesting stories. The highlight for me is a fantastic Jack Warner anecdote early on in Winkler's Hollywood career.
To be a more in-depth read I think choosing a selection of his work would have been best rather than racing through everything Winkler has been involved in. When The Right Stuff is discussed as an unexpected box-office failure the opinion of why it did not connect with the audience isn't explored.
This book also really needed another proof-read, 'The Bold and The Beautiful' is named as one of Winkler and Scorsese's favourite movies (should be The Bad and the Beautiful), typos on names etc.
To be a more in-depth read I think choosing a selection of his work would have been best rather than racing through everything Winkler has been involved in. When The Right Stuff is discussed as an unexpected box-office failure the opinion of why it did not connect with the audience isn't explored.
This book also really needed another proof-read, 'The Bold and The Beautiful' is named as one of Winkler and Scorsese's favourite movies (should be The Bad and the Beautiful), typos on names etc.
January 16, 2023
Invaluable anecdotes. Irwin Winkler journals his highs and lows in the industry and provides insights into the arduous process of movie producing with vigor and wit. There are so many great moments. A young Winkler being invited to a party by Jack Warner was a highlight along with the whole chapter on Rocky. Also, the whole chapter on Silence provides a keen look into mysterious world of film financing. I'm just glad to know that sometimes doesn't really make any sense even for the big dogs. Flew through this book because I loved it so much. Will definitely revisit and pay more attention.
June 19, 2024
I wish I was as enamoured with my own work as Irwin Winkler does.
There's some interesting nuggets in here - making They Shoot Horses Don't They, Winkler's work with De Niro - but they're saddled with a truck load of stories about genuinely middling films.
Mate, Home of the Brave is not all that. Ordinary People on the other hand, is.
A sojourn into Winkler's diaries as he regales how he got Guilty by Suspicion off the ground is particularly tiring. Skip that part if you must read this.
My suggestion is to read the synopsis of The Shipping News instead. That's something quite impressive. The film is shit, but that synopsis... wow.
There's some interesting nuggets in here - making They Shoot Horses Don't They, Winkler's work with De Niro - but they're saddled with a truck load of stories about genuinely middling films.
Mate, Home of the Brave is not all that. Ordinary People on the other hand, is.
A sojourn into Winkler's diaries as he regales how he got Guilty by Suspicion off the ground is particularly tiring. Skip that part if you must read this.
My suggestion is to read the synopsis of The Shipping News instead. That's something quite impressive. The film is shit, but that synopsis... wow.
January 20, 2020
**1/2: if you love movies, you’ll probably want to read this as Winkler produced or directed many classics, from the late-60’s to present, including Point Blank, Rocky, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and more. Adapted from his diaries, and it shows. On passion projects like Rocky and Guilty By Suspicion, there is a level of detail that many other entries are lacking. The amount of rote, repetitive “I read the script, hired a director, struggled for budgeting, cast and recast, it premiered” formula wears thin fast. I admire Winkler being frank about Hollywood without spilling too much tea.
August 23, 2020
WOW! I had no idea. Honestly, before I saw this book I'd never heard of Irwin Winkler. Even though he'd produced, written, and directed some of my favorite movies of all time. But to get to listen to Winkler share these amazing stories of how some of the undeniably greatest films of the last 50 years got scraped together is priceless. And the lessons in ingenuity, passion, persistence, and craft that underlie Winkler's stories are even more valuable. I can already see I'll be picking this one up a few more times over the years.
April 11, 2021
Producer (and sometimes director) Irwin Winkler has had an impressive career, being involved in some blockbusters such as the Rocky films as well as being friends with big names such as Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorcese, etc. It was interesting reading about the different films and none of the backstories were too long. The diary chapter wasn't too interesting, though, and his tribute to his late producing partner seemed to have been inserted into the book in the wrong section so that was a bit confusing. Otherwise, a good read for those interested in what it takes to bring a film to the screen.
February 8, 2023
Thinking about becoming a film producer, wanted to learn more about the work itself from one of the most esteemed to ever do it. This memoir is mostly a highlight reel of Winkler's filmography (some very good highlights at that) but for the most part, lacks any self-analysis. There are so many great stories ABOUT each film he produced but they are all surface-level. He never says what made him a good producer. When you produce GOODFELLAS, ROCKY, and THE RIGHT STUFF, you've got to be doing something right, right? What was that thing? I guess he was a nice guy to work with, but what else? I'm still not sure... At least the stories are amazing.
April 27, 2019
This is a personal memoir of a man who was in the heart of the movie industry for many, many years. The book is chock full of behind-the-scene stories of some of Hollywood's greatest successes (and a few of its not so impressive moments). It is the story of a bold and charismatic man who seems real and interesting. I doubt we will see another with his long creative history.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
May 10, 2022
Three and a half stars. There are not many people in film and modern culture who have been at the centre of so many important moments as Winkler and it was fun to hear about his eclectic career as a producer, writer, director and fixer. Many will be drawn to his relationships with Scorsese, De Niro and Stallone but I found the other films in his CV more interesting to read about whether it was Revolution, True Confessions, Betrayed and the like. Essential Hollywood book.
May 17, 2019
A light, fun read about old school Hollywood producing by someone who seems like a good guy. I genuinely liked the author and enjoyed hearing about how he made his way from Coney Island to Beverly Hills. There is nothing too contrived, illicit or scandalous, which was refreshing. Would be a fun beach read for a film buff.
October 9, 2019
I won this book through a GoodReads Giveaway and wish that I could have got into it. I think it was more of a timing thing than a book thing. My mind was distracted with family issues and I really wasn't up to reading about behind the scenes Hollywood gossip at that point in time. Due to that reason I feel I am unable to write an honest review of this book.
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