> Peter Biskind SEXE, MENSONGES ET HOLLYWOOD Paris, Le Seuil, coll. « Points », 2007, 928 p., 9,80 €
Se reporter au compte rendu de O. M.
In: Revue Esprit No. 338 (10) (Octobre 2007), pp. 219-220… ; (en ligne),
URL : https://esprit.presse.fr/actualite-des-livres/peter-biskind/sexe-mensonges-et-ho...

Fun and fascinating. I can't believe there aren't any other reviews of this here.

If you've ever wondered why the films that get made - get made - even in passing, you should read this. It will also give you a great appreciation for you boss, since this focuses a lot of attention on Miramax and the Weinstein brothers. And rightly so, as there's no story as good as a shocking story, and they deliver. Especially fun for me was the fact that I was in my 20s when many of the films and film makers discussed were getting started. I remember the films very well and can see the impact that resulted.

The author seems to keep it very objective and tries to insert dissenting opinions where available. I don't know if it is my lack of education that made me feel like there were a few typos in this book, or the use of big words that I don't understand - the author is clearly a very smart man and can't help throwing a few big words around in here. Overall it is extremely accessible to the novice if that's even the appropriate word here.

It can be a little depressing though. If you care at all about art and artists, this will not give you a fond outlook on the film industry. As someone who enjoys off the wall cinema, it feels like I am being robbed of many things by Hollywood, and not just the things you would think make economic sense. So many personal vendettas and power struggles that we never see equal life long projects that will never be seen by anyone. Good ones, too. ( )