Kiss Me Like A Stranger - Gene Wilder

Kiss Me Like A Stranger

By Gene Wilder

  • Release Date: 2010-04-01
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 142 Ratings

Description

In this personal book from the star of many beloved and classic film comedies -- from The Producers to Young Frankenstein, Blazing saddles to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory -- Gene Wilder writes about a side of his life the public hasn't seen on the screen. Kiss Me Like a Stranger is not an autobiography in the usual sense of the word, and it's certainly not another celebrity "tell-all." Instead, Wilder has chosen to write about resonant moments in his life, events that led him to an understanding of the art of acting, and -- more important -- to an understanding of how to give love to and receive love from a woman.

Wilder writes compellingly about the creative process on stage and screen, and divulges moments from life on the sets of some of the most iconic movies of our time.

In this book, he talks about everything from his experiences in psychoanalysis to why he got into acting and later comedy (his first goal was to be a Shakespearean actor), and how a Midwestern childhood with a sick mother changed him. Wilder explains why he became an actor and writer, and about the funny, wonderful movies he made with Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Richard Pryor, and Harrison Ford, among many others. He candidly reveals his failures in love, and writes about the overwhelming experience of marrying comedienne Gilda Radner, as well as what finally had to happen for him to make a true and lasting commitment to another woman.

A thoughtful, revealing, and winsome book about life, love, and the creative process, the New York Times bestseller Kiss Me Like A Stranger is one actor's life in his own words.

Reviews

  • Loved this book

    5
    By Marleytravis8
    Loved
  • So good I read it in one sitting!

    5
    By Jovan Scottsdale
    Loved this book. Of course, I'm partial to anything by Gene Wilder. Every one of his movies, is my favorite. What I took away from this book is that it's never too late to meet the love of your life. I know that it's true, because it happened to me!
  • The best!

    5
    By redwhiteandawesome
    I hate biographies. And I especially hate AUTObiographies. But this book truly transcends the medium. Wilder doesn't brag about his accomplishments. He doesn't clean up or censor the less-than-flattering moments. He tells it like it was, warts and all, giving us a rare glimpse of a man who has had as many doubts, as many insecurities, as many failures as the rest of us, balanced with deliciously amusing stories of behind scenes with Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor, and Gilda, among others. To get such an unabridged look at the battered and wounded psyche of a brilliantly funny man, a genuine sad clown, is unexpectedly refreshing. I hate biographies. But I've read this one over and over again.
  • Book

    5
    By topastro
    Nice book
  • wicked Goblin King

    5
    By Wickedlord
    Really enjoyed getting to see your life through your own words. The Audio really put me in that place... I have lived next to your life for so many years, but this really felt like being there. I wish I could make a short film with you... I have thought of it for years, and following you through your life makes me wish I had had the chance even more. Regardless it has been amazing seeing all your work come to life.
  • Kiss me like a Stranger

    5
    By GoGoGoneGone
    So sweet....helps me understand an actor's heart!
  • Disheartening

    2
    By Rockportreader
    To begin, I am a Gene Wilder fan. Or rather, I was. After reading about him rationalizing his hurtful behavior to the women in his life.... I don't think I can enjoy his films. I feel most compassion for his daughter, Katie. Wow. Depressing.
  • A must read!

    5
    By Kinckers
    If you love gene or his movies, you have got to read this book!