- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Orion; New edition edition (3 Nov 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 185797493X
- ISBN-13: 978-1857974935
- Product Dimensions: 17.8 x 10.6 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 132,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Laurence Olivier was a true legend. No classical actor had ever been such a dazzling star. No star had been such a magnificent actor. In this marvellous autobiography Laurence Olivier tells his own story: his brilliant career as actor, director, film-maker and producer; his role as husband to three women including Vivien Leigh and Joan Plowright; and his many friendships - with Sir Ralph Richardson, Noel Coward and Sir Winston Churchill, to name just a few. CONFESSIONS OF AN ACTOR is more than just a memoir. It is a deeply felt testament by one of the most astonishingly gifted artists of all time.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
How to review an autobiography? Well, I can't comment on the plot - as this is someone's life, these events have actually happened. I can't comment on the characters, as they're real people. What I can comment on is the style of writing, and the way in which the author presents the various events throughout his life.
I'm not usually a fan of autobiographies. I find them hard work and slow going. However, when I saw this on my grandparents' bookshelf I thought I'd give it a go. I knew very little of Laurence Olivier before reading the book. My knowledge of him was limited to a) he's probably the most famous actor of the 20th Century; and b) he was married to Vivien Leigh. I'd also only seen one of his films (Rebecca).
Confessions of an Actor is beautifully written. Olivier is incredibly articulate, if somewhat verbose at times, which is understandable - he's acted the work of some of the greatest playwrights in the history of theatre. Sometimes his purple prose does get a little wearing, and often I felt it was used as a diversionary tactic when he was writing about something a little awkward. For example, his extra marital affairs (of which there were quite a few) sounded like pure poetry!
Olivier does nothing to dispel the stereotype of actors of his generation. He definitely comes across as bit of a luvvie "dahling"! He was clearly so absorbed by the development of his craft, we learn little about his children or "Joannie" - unless it's in terms of acting. By his own admission he could be selfish and self involved. However there is a warming moment when he dries up on stage after catching the eye of two of his children in the audience. A comforting thought for any budding actor...even the great Laurence Olivier forgot his lines sometimes! For anyone with an interest in the theatre arts there are fascinating notes on acting, stage management, character motivation, Shakespeare and many other great playwrights. The documentation of his involvement in the establishment of the National Theatre is interesting, and you can't help but admire his tireless quest to bring challenging, thought provoking pieces to the masses.
This is an extremely self indulgent book, but aren't most autobiographies? This edged up to 4 stars due to the fact that it is so well written, is sensitive and diplomatic in parts, especially when dealing with Vivien Leigh's mental illness and he gives the most touching and poignant tributes to friends who have passed away and his ex wife, both professionally and personally. I felt quite moved when I had finished the book, and also felt a respect and admiration for him, which I suppose is one of the aims of an autobiography. It definitely beats all these poorly written, sensationalist autobiographies knocked out by wannabies in their 20s!
I'm not usually a fan of autobiographies. I find them hard work and slow going. However, when I saw this on my grandparents' bookshelf I thought I'd give it a go. I knew very little of Laurence Olivier before reading the book. My knowledge of him was limited to a) he's probably the most famous actor of the 20th Century; and b) he was married to Vivien Leigh. I'd also only seen one of his films (Rebecca).
Confessions of an Actor is beautifully written. Olivier is incredibly articulate, if somewhat verbose at times, which is understandable - he's acted the work of some of the greatest playwrights in the history of theatre. Sometimes his purple prose does get a little wearing, and often I felt it was used as a diversionary tactic when he was writing about something a little awkward. For example, his extra marital affairs (of which there were quite a few) sounded like pure poetry!
Olivier does nothing to dispel the stereotype of actors of his generation. He definitely comes across as bit of a luvvie "dahling"! He was clearly so absorbed by the development of his craft, we learn little about his children or "Joannie" - unless it's in terms of acting. By his own admission he could be selfish and self involved. However there is a warming moment when he dries up on stage after catching the eye of two of his children in the audience. A comforting thought for any budding actor...even the great Laurence Olivier forgot his lines sometimes! For anyone with an interest in the theatre arts there are fascinating notes on acting, stage management, character motivation, Shakespeare and many other great playwrights. The documentation of his involvement in the establishment of the National Theatre is interesting, and you can't help but admire his tireless quest to bring challenging, thought provoking pieces to the masses.
This is an extremely self indulgent book, but aren't most autobiographies? This edged up to 4 stars due to the fact that it is so well written, is sensitive and diplomatic in parts, especially when dealing with Vivien Leigh's mental illness and he gives the most touching and poignant tributes to friends who have passed away and his ex wife, both professionally and personally. I felt quite moved when I had finished the book, and also felt a respect and admiration for him, which I suppose is one of the aims of an autobiography. It definitely beats all these poorly written, sensationalist autobiographies knocked out by wannabies in their 20s!
Format:Paperback
Want to know more about Laurence Olivier? Read this book - simple as that. Fantastic read as Olivier is incredibly open and hilarious at the same time.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ok, we get a little insight into one of the most famous actors of all time. But where were the bisexual references? Where was the juicy back-stabbings? Olivier was the centre of a few scandals in his life and this book doesn't answer them.
As an actor I also bought this book thinking I could learn something. I was disappointed - he doesn't reveal many of his trademark secrets in this installment and his famous parts are simply skimmed over.
Casual read. Nothing special.
As an actor I also bought this book thinking I could learn something. I was disappointed - he doesn't reveal many of his trademark secrets in this installment and his famous parts are simply skimmed over.
Casual read. Nothing special.
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