Reel Power : the Struggle for Influence and Success in the New Hollywood

As a lawyer and former associate of Ralph Nader, Litwak developed his investigative skills, and he makes exemplary use of them in this report on modern movie-making. The author talked to people in all branches of the business, and the result is an objective, clear-sighted account of an industry that stresses making deals over making films. In Hollywood, Litwak learned, agents virtually dictate pictures to be made and who will be in them. A box-office draw (e.g., Sylvester Stallone) can "rewrite" a good script and create a flop ( Rhinestone, even with a co-star as popular as Dolly Parton. Actors, producers, directors are harassed by money people who insist on commercial properties. There are numerous situations cited in the text that strike one as crosses between satire and tragedy. Readers may wonder how a good movie ever gets on the screen. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.