This book is a another triumphant effort by Biskind. He really knows how to write. The narrative is quick, the information is revealing, and the gossip and anecdotes are juicy. I had read his book about the New Hollywood which I really like and got a whole lot of information about directors, producers, actors, and, of course, the films of the New Hollywood. This book is all about the 90s independent film movement. So far, I've read about 150 pages, the book has discussed in significant detail the creation and gradual rise of the Sundance film festival and the struggles and successes of the Miramax film company. The book provides big dish about Robert Redford and the first star of Sundance Steven Soderbergh. This discussion of what is now the biggest venue for indie film makers is good. Yet, I liked, for whatever reason, the portrayal of Harvey and Bob Weinstein, particularly Harvey Wienstein. He is a larger than life character. The descriptions of his tantrums, his view that he would never let the Nazis put him on a train without a fight, and his refusal to answer lawsuits against him make him a very colorful character.
So far, when I think about the book, I wonder to myself if I would ever want to work for Miramax. It seems like a way too stressful atmosphere. The Weinsteins are way too demanding and seem to be angry all the time. Yet, they were at the cusp of the independent film movement of the 90s. If you worked for them you could make quality films, take on Hollywood, and feel like you were changing the Hollywood system. This attitude to take on the big studios really interests me. I don't like the big films, the franchises, the exploitative nature of Hollywood. The Weinsteins from the 90s and Coppola and George Lucas with American Zoetrope in the 70s are great examples of film companies shaking up the system. Making great films, not just for profit, not just to exploit a niche, and to allow filmmakers a voice to express their personal stories and artistic ideas.
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