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A review by henrymarlene
A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke
2.0
I pose whether this novel can be considered two ways: the high and lows of a celebrity actor, or a recount of lowlights from possible real experiences? Either way, we are introduced to William Harding, a famous film actor, who has begun his first foray on Broadway (that rhymes!) as Hotspur in Shakespeare's Henry IV. At the very same time, his marriage to an famous rockstar crumbles away. Why? Well, William decided to have an affair in South Africa, and has now arrived back home to a New York hotel. His children stay with him; he buys them a 'guilt puppy'. And they have very philosophical discussions (for a 5 and 3 year old). Everyone wants to tell William why his did the wrong thing and what to do next. William never really listens to anyone, apart from his own victim layererd mind, and he continues to sleep with other women. He didn't seem sorry. Well, he said it once to his wife. But I didn't feel it. Where was the emotion, the commitment, the drive to want to make it better. Where was the method acting? Was he only sorry he was caught out?
The novel also provides a critical observation of the highs and lows of Shakespearian acting. The weaving of this craft, and the words of Henry IV into the life and mind of William was intriguing and that is where William's suffering was stunningly brought to life. It was in these moments one could forget that he was an idiot, and a sex-crazed, self-absorbed 30-year old who had hit rock bottom. Was William really grappling with first world problems which were the aftermath of his own stupid choices? Was he ever sorry or accepting for any of his choices and actions - his early marriage, his relationships with his parents, marriage breakdown, and taking resonsibility for his own actions?
The novel also provides a critical observation of the highs and lows of Shakespearian acting. The weaving of this craft, and the words of Henry IV into the life and mind of William was intriguing and that is where William's suffering was stunningly brought to life. It was in these moments one could forget that he was an idiot, and a sex-crazed, self-absorbed 30-year old who had hit rock bottom. Was William really grappling with first world problems which were the aftermath of his own stupid choices? Was he ever sorry or accepting for any of his choices and actions - his early marriage, his relationships with his parents, marriage breakdown, and taking resonsibility for his own actions?