Every so often I read a book that takes me completely by surprise, and this one was a treat. The book is a memoir of the author growing up in and around the movie business. The focus is on his parents, and how they each had various levels of success in finding their place in the world. They had different goals and different approaches, and all the while the author is growing up and preparing to take up this struggle himself.
First of all, the writing is great. He tells of unhurried moments, and interpreting and imagining intersections and junctures that had influence on their lives. With the ability to look back and forward the relating of these events is sometimes marked with sudden shocks: “we stood in the house that he just purchased that would burn down in two years”. He casually drops information about people’s futures and makes every sentence a possible clue.
There is also a lot of wisdom in what he writes, and introspection. I found myself highlighting many phrases that resonated, much more than most other books. The title of the book is The Golden Hour, but along with all the golden moments there is quite a bit of darkness, making the journey that much more interesting.
One thing (maybe the only thing) that I wasn’t really into was the frequent and detailed analysis of the deal making and business agreements that changed the structure and business of Hollywood. I’m sure for some people it is interesting, but to me it didn’t hold a lot of appeal. I was far more interested in the human moments and how the culture of movies was in flux.
One of my favorite books this year – a thoughtful exploration of the industry’s evolution, but more importantly a great tribute to the author’s parents.
Next I am reading Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.
