Michael Whitehall contrasts the glamorous image of theatrical life with the mundane realities of the business; while passing on some startling trade secrets along the way. A laconic raconteur of refreshingly unstar-struck theatrical anecdotes; Whitehall deftly sketches the social comedy of his eccentric background: growing up in suburban London in the 1950s; his schooldays at Ampleforth and his subsequent adventures as a prep schoolmaster ndash; worthy of Evelyn Waugh himself ndash; before becoming an actorsrsquo; agent. Shark-Infested Waters is a charming; funny and piquant view of a world that continues to fascinate.Praise for Shark Infested Waters:ldquo;The funniest show-business memoir Irsquo;ve read since David Nivenrsquo;s The Moonrsquo;s a Balloon.rdquo; - Nigel Haversldquo;One of the yearrsquo;s funniest memoirs.rdquo; ndash; Daily Express
#1327552 in eBooks 2012-10-02 2012-10-02File Name: B006VFZVT8
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The State of the ArtBy The BibliophileDavid Denby probably ranks as my favorite critic writing about movies these days. so I guess I shouldnt be too surprised that this book reads like a perfect reflection of my own thoughts on the past 15 or so years of American cinema. Denby isnt the breeziest or snarkiest of film critics. Hes better: hes a thoughtful one. clearly passionate about the idea that movies actually matter. in peoples lives and in our culture. Denby deftly explicates why film after film either works or doesnt. charting out the evolution of American cinema in recent years as the art form has been hollowed out by business interests and advances in filmmaking technology on a level unprecedented in the mediums history. In some ways its a call-to-arms kind of book. and it gracefully manages to be both cautionary and celebratory. I hope its observations dont go completely unheeded. because if they do. well all be the poorer for it. Thanks for writing this book. Mr. Denby.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Splendidly Written and Both Quite Entertaining and InformativeBy J. William UrschelI have already highly recommended this book to several friends who are movie enthusiasts. I must admit that my inital reaction was more than a bit over the top enthusiastic. based upon the books introduction. because the author quickly presented a great summary of the current state of the industry. the technology. and the audience. as well as the decades of growth (really regression) leading up to the present. And of course. what the authoraccomplished. from my perspective. was to encapsulate both the "facts" and the spirit of what has happened. and what IS happening to the movies - a point of view just absolutely parallel to my own. but stated so knowledgeably and elequantly!At this point. according to my Kindle statistic. I am 67% of the way through the book. And now. I feel there are times that the author goes on too long about certain stars or directors (most of the book is drawn from prior appearances in the New Yorker Magazine. where what appears by anyone is typically overwritten and just toooooooo long!). typically when my viewpoint diverges from his. which it often does. I admit to being appalled by his vaunted view of some who I have held in contempt for some time. But even here when I disagree the most. he has maintained my attention and interest. And for the most part. I must say that I am in agreement with him. and also certainly enlightened.Of all the texts on movies which I have read in the last five years. this one is at the top of my list and recommendation!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Goes beyond reviewsBy Timothy JacksonDenby is a wonderful writer of film but he does something more here. The opening essay provides some great perspective on the current need for good film criticism beyond mere reviews. Two ideas are introduced; film is either too complex these days for thumbs up/thumbs down reviewing or secondly. too commercially compromised by corporate marketing formulas and genre writing. Writers need to encourage a broader perspective for a renewed and vital film culture. I think thats what the book does well.
