Vivien Leigh: A Biography by Michelangelo Capua
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Book Reviews of Vivien Leigh: A Biography
Book Review: There are better biographies
Summary: 2 Stars
This short biography of Vivien Leigh will satisfy those looking for information about the bare bones of Vivien Leigh's career and some of the tabloid gossip surrounding her life but it never comes close to understanding who Vivien Leigh really was, what made her tick, and what made her a great star.
The problem with this biography is that it merely quotes verbatim what other biographies have already written, and when it does not it paraphrases. There is nothing to suggest the author thought deeply about his subject, no assessment of her achievements and flaws, no evaluation and little description- the information is regurgitated and presented like a high school research project. It fails in getting to the crux of Vivien's illness, her manic depression, or explaining her conflict with religious upbringing, or her worship for Laurence Olivier and the grand romancisatiion of their affair. There is scant meaningful historical context to go by, which, in a biography of someone who died almost 40 years ago, is everything to someone reading today. The writing style is also woefully adolescent, a fact you may have to forgive given this is a translation. For those looking for photographs, the selection is disappointingly stingy.
However, thankfully there are better biographies out there. I recommend Alexander Walker's excellent haunting portrayal of Vivien.
Book Review: ***
Summary: 2 Stars
Olivier did NOT fall in love with Danny Kaye. This was a rumor started when Olivier mentioned that he thought Kaye was very attractive. Despite his attraction to Kaye (which never went further than attraction; they didn't even know each other), Olivier was still attracted to women. And Olivier's attraction to Kaye did NOT involve gender confusion, but rather sexuality confusion, if anything. Not a great book.
Book Review: Still waiting
Summary: 1 Stars
Still waiting for a biography acknowledging what I think was her real underlying problem. Tuberculosis. Suffered from it nearly her whole life long. Aggravated it by smoking heavily, etc. TB KILLED her (in 1967??). Medications prescribed at the time could cause psychotic reactions. Add that to a highly intelligent, driven, complex personality, miscarriages, grueling work schedules, marital problems ... that doesn't up to mental illness to me. Particularly since she rarely missed any performances. Just not possible. Someday, one author won't put the cart before the horse and give this remarkable woman her due.Book Review: why this biography?
Summary: 1 Stars
this seems to be a collection of highlights of previous biographies and not written with particular affection or interest in the actress. not an interesting book and also rather expensive for its printed quality.
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