By the same investigative reporter as "All the President's Men", this book enquires into the death by drug abuse of John Belushi. In his search for what went wrong in the comedian's life, the author uncovers the seedier side of the American star system. A film based on the book has been made.
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By GILL H-W
I have to say this is a real unputdownable book not just if your a Belushi fan but a great look at the whole hollywood system and drug scene of the early eighties. I thought Bob Woodward( All the presidents men) may lay it on thick but the book sweeps along at an exciting pace, so much so I tended to forget that I Was reading a true story and desperately wanted a happy ending which I wouldn,t ultimately get. Woodward has managed to craft a book from interviewing many of Belushis friends,associates and family which reads like a novel but paints Belushi both as saint and sinner. If you can get a copy of this book grab it,read it,keep it and read it again. If you are thinking of taking any illegal substances read this book first.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
From a top investigative journalist - of All the Presidents Men fame - a well researched, objective account of John Belushis short life. The amount of access to his widow, family and friends means that nothing is papered over - the facts are there in Belushis words and actions for a reader to form an opinion rather than other biographies of those who die tragically young (e.g. one I read about Judy Garland) where much of what is written is analysis after the death of what was on the subjects mind and regrets by those who knew the deceased. Really easy to read as well - only complaint would be wished there were more photos !!!
Subtitled The short life and fast times of John Belushi, Woodward tells it like it really was. Wired is the life story of an immensely talented but fatally insecure and self-destructive man. Belushi could have been a contender, but allowed drugs to overtake his life, alienating him from the Hollywood system he craved acceptance from, and let destroy him.
Woodward's investigative journalism has uncovered the facts, but they do not make pleasant reading. The first parts of this biography takes us through the organised mayhem that was Saturday Night Live and into the Blues Brothers movie. Reading about the creative processes involved in the making of great comedy is fascinating. Even at this relatively early stage in his career, you can see his insecurity emerging, as the rival sketch writers and comedians all try to get their material in the show, and Belushi felt left out, as when Chevy Chase joined the gang. Drugs were everywhere though and everybody used them, but not everyone got totally hooked the way Belushi did.
In the second half of the book, Belushi hits Hollywood and his habit rapidly gets out of control; the text becomes just a catalogue of drug transactions, and less and less about acting and comedy. It gets sadder and sadder as Belushi gets increasingly pathetic. Woodward's attention to detail frankly makes the latter chapters boring and overlong, and when Belushi finally dies you're almost relieved. However the book is essential reading for anyone interested in US culture in the 70s and 80s, and certainly does nothing to glamorize drugs.
Woodward's investigative journalism has uncovered the facts, but they do not make pleasant reading. The first parts of this biography takes us through the organised mayhem that was Saturday Night Live and into the Blues Brothers movie. Reading about the creative processes involved in the making of great comedy is fascinating. Even at this relatively early stage in his career, you can see his insecurity emerging, as the rival sketch writers and comedians all try to get their material in the show, and Belushi felt left out, as when Chevy Chase joined the gang. Drugs were everywhere though and everybody used them, but not everyone got totally hooked the way Belushi did.
In the second half of the book, Belushi hits Hollywood and his habit rapidly gets out of control; the text becomes just a catalogue of drug transactions, and less and less about acting and comedy. It gets sadder and sadder as Belushi gets increasingly pathetic. Woodward's attention to detail frankly makes the latter chapters boring and overlong, and when Belushi finally dies you're almost relieved. However the book is essential reading for anyone interested in US culture in the 70s and 80s, and certainly does nothing to glamorize drugs.
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
