by Lucy Sante
First published 2000
Luc Sante and Melissa Holbrook Pierson gather an eclectic group of writers to examine the performers who shaped American cinema. John Updike reflects on Doris Day while Patti Smith considers Jeanne Moreau. Charles Simic writes about Gene Tierney and Greil Marcus tackles J.T. Walsh. The collection spans from cartoon characters like Elmer Fudd to character actors and leading stars. Dana Gioia mourns the disappearance of great fat men from movies. Jacqueline Carey examines Margaret Dumont's comedic timing. Each essay captures how these performers created lasting impressions on audiences. The anthology celebrates both megastars and lesser known talents who delivered memorable performances. These writers demonstrate how actors become embedded in our collective memory of Hollywood.
Genres: anthologies, 20th-century, biography-memoir, 21st-century, film, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
304 pages · Paperback · Vintage