Reviews

Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris

filmposta212's review against another edition

informative inspiring relaxing medium-paced

4.5

Cried so hard after finishing. Initially scared I was gonna lose interest after the book got through his earlier years working with Elaine May and the beginning of his film career from Whose afraid of Virgin wolf to carnal knowledge (his best film imo) but actually found myself finishing the second half of the book in one weekend.

rdlevitt's review against another edition

4.0

I don't really know how to fairly rate this book. Let me just say: if this is the kind of thing that you like, you will like this.
The story arc of Nichols' life is pretty interesting, how he built himself up from nothing to become incredibly successful. But I feel like the meticulous research got in the way of enjoying the book. Like, it felt a little bit more like studying than reading for pleasure.
The general arc of the book was basically "This talented person did a thing, and it turned out great." Or, occasionally, "This talented person did a thing, it didn't turn out great, but the next thing he did turned out great." Except for his coke addiction, but hey, it was the 80s!
The level of research in this is truly impressive. Anyone who's ever said anything about Mike Nichols is quoted in this book. Kudos to the author for piecing everything together.

suzyreadsalot's review

emotional informative medium-paced

4.0

minna_tuum's review against another edition

funny informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

amlibera's review against another edition

5.0

There are certain artists that you feel an affinity for - Mike Nichols is one of those for me - I wanted to be a director like Nichols well before I ended up at Second City or watched Nichols and May on repeat in the classes I teach.

This book is excellent, it gives both a good sense of the arc of Nichols life and his art and that extra thing about him that was special.

kishka's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

3.5

sarahbethbrown's review against another edition

5.0

I joked that I wanted to read this to learn more about Mike Nichols' wigs, but I tell you, that's not a terrible reason to pick up this book. This is one of my favorite biographies I've ever read-- it doesn't shy away from Nichols' weaknesses and failures, but it's generous and loving, and moves along at such a clip that you can't believe at the end you've covered 80 years. The celebrity gossip and hollywood/broadway background was excellent, but it's also a primer on what makes a good boss and a good friend. This took me a long time to read, but only bc I had to take many breaks to watch Nichols and May clips, read New Yorker articles, talk to my mom on the phone, and watch the entirety of Heartburn.

jwcavins's review against another edition

5.0

This book is long--almost 600 pages. I think it could have been 400, but probably the parts I found less-than-fascinating are the parts the next reader will relish.

Nichols's movies have always been part of my life and I enjoyed reliving them and hearing about the methods, the successes, the mistakes. I wish I had been able to see his work in live theater.

renaplays's review against another edition

3.0

As long as you understand that this is a biography of Nichols' work (with only minimal insights into his life and personhood), then you will likely enjoy it. For fans, for sure.

sarahonthecoast's review against another edition

4.0

I dedicate one star to all of the times Sondheim showed up.