BOOK REVIEW: GHOSTFACE KILLAH - RISE OF A KILLAH (MY LIFE IN THE WU-TANG)

3.5/5

The Killah In He.

Surely this 'DOOMSTARKS' collaboration album between Ghostface Killah and the late, great MF DOOM has to come out now. Especially with an avenging Robert Downey Jr. set to play Doctor Doom, to go along with his iconic Iron Man, classic character, in the new Russo Bros 'Avengers: Doomsday' movie. Well, for the 411 on all that, and the 'All That I Got Is You' (featuring Mary J. Blige) rapper's behind the scene's story from his cameo in said Marvel movie that was left on the cutting room floor, pick up Dennis Coles AKA Ghostface Killah's new amazing autobiography 'Rise Of A Killah: My Life In The Wu-Tang' for this Cole world.

Following the Toney Starks, that even RDL recognizes as the original, 'Iron Man' ('True Reflections From The Soul of the Wu-Tang Clan') book and his 'Cell Block Z' graphic novel comes this 'Rise' with its own comic-book interlude. Chapters curated with some of the realest ish he ever wrote in Wu logo yellow, this biography that is laid out like an unauthorized book is the real deal. It's the perfect accompaniment to his Wu-Tang brother Raekwon's own bold and beautiful book 'From Staircase To Stage: The Story Of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan' like Ghost was to the Chef's cooked classic like 'Only Built 4 Cuban Lynx' (so much so, it could have been a collaborative album like the latest Jay Electronica with Jay-Z). And my brother, who gracefully got this biography for my birthday (thank you, G), tells me in that book, Rae talks about how 'Face would still carry half-eaten sandwiches around with him, even as a millionaire, because he was brought up not to waste food. Because as mountaintop high as you get, you never know where your next meal is really coming from.

Now, hot off the heels off his May album, 'Set The Tone: Guns & Roses', comes this big, brash book in the same month (sorry for the delay, but my birthday's not in May, and it takes a minute to read). One that opens with the poverty, but the love, that Dennis grew up with. When you read all about the pure reverence for his grandmother, it will make you, I assume, being part of the generation that grew up with the Wu that was "for the children" like ODB said, want to make some grandkids...STAT. There's some uncomfortable home truths that follow about the 'Bulletproof Wallets' rapper's criminal past, that's as real and raw as it gets...but at last he's honest. What's even more uncomfortable is the pain he had to go through losing two brothers to muscular dystrophy. But once you get to the closing chapters, converted to Islam, you'll feel healed by his new outlook on the world, even one at war where he details the raw reactions to what happened to George Floyd ("better let your kids watch that so they can know what's going on in the world today") and countless more to this day, as Black Lives STILL Matter.

After the Tearz that come from the start of the book, comes the bookending joy and pain, that is such as life itself. But between all that, we get tales from The W like 'The Manual'. 'The Pretty Toney' even breaks down his Eagle on the writs, bathrobe style, with more suits than Stark. All before, in contrast, playing down the prolific nature of his Def Jam run. But 'The Pretty Toney LP', 'Fishscale', 'More Fish', 'The Big Doe Rehab', 'Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City' and the 'Apollo Kids' over six years, before '36 Seasons' begs to differ. And that's without mentioning the '718' Theodore Unit mixtape. Iconic and incredible, like the 'Wu-Massacre' (with Raekwon and Method Man), 'Wu Block' (with The L.O.X. and D-Block's Sheek Louch), Adraine Yonge (the 'Twelve Reasons To Die' series) and BADBADNOTGOOD collaborations ('Sour Soul'), amongst others. Giving us the Mary J. Blige on the vaulted 'Supreme Clientele 2' sequel that may be Blockchained. Not to forget the absolutely amazing 100 plus albums from Wu-Tang artists (he ends the book with an epic take on each one of his brethren), or the only Clan you should follow's affiliates. Ghostface is right to say they're rap's Rolling Stones, they've killed it, like he has this book. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

More Reading From The Book Of Rhymes: Raekwon 'From Staircase To Stage: The Story Of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan', Ghostface Killah 'Cell Block Z', Ghostface Killah 'Iron Man: True Reflections From The Soul of the Wu-Tang Clan'.

REVIEW: HARUKI MURAKAMI - NOVELIST AS A VOCATION

4/5

On Writing.

Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami is set to return to the literary world again this April, just in time for the cherry blossom of Sakura season. But westerners be advised, there's no word on the English version of his new novel 'The City and its Uncertain Walls' as yet. All as we await second-names like Rubin and Gabriel. Our angels that ensure we don't become Bill Murray in Park Hyatt translation with shades of Scarlet.

Soon we will be reunited with Murakami, like his radio show clothing at Uniqlo, for his first novel in six years. The '1Q84' magnum-opus like 'Killing Commendatore' (this new one is over 1000 pages too) came out in 2017, and we must be out of our pandemic minds if it's really been that long. To tide us over at least we have the short-stories of 'First Person Singular'. Remembering that his moving stories of 'Men Without Woman' compelled an Oscar winning movie with one of its enthralling extracts (The Beatles titled 'Drive My Car').

Not to mention the much-anticipated 'Novelist As A Vocation' that has finally been translated for the western world. A collection of eleven essays (six previously published and five new for these pages) in an autobiographical format that serve as a guide for young aspiring writers who want to make writing novels in their own voice their vocation. All in a beautiful jacket like shopping in Ginza or on Saville Row in the U.K. Like Stephen King's 'On Writing', this is part memoir and part mentorship. 

Want to write? Then this read will show you by the book. Want to get into the mind and process of one of the world's greatest living writers? Then this is the book for you. Taking you through broad minds and all the things you wanted to know, but had no way of asking. From that first pitch sent out at a Yakult Swallows baseball game and the rounding of those bases that hit home for Haruki that he could write a novel. To the Murakami's you still see to this day on the bold-face cover-to-cover of books you find at airports and your friend's coffee table. Even in his 70s, he's still writing for the city.

Awards? He doesn't need them. He says he's the average type to still get a terrible table at a restaurant, no matter how many terrific classics he's clacked and churned out of his typewriter. Yet he's still a prized writer of prestige all around the world, even though originally being shunned in his native Japan led to a sojourn across the globe. He's a true original, who will help you find your own voice here as you wonder what to write. Introducing you to your new ally. Time, on your side like it has been for Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones for so long. Yes it is. So don't let it get its licks in any more. Take care of your body and your craft, and you too may one day be able to write an autobiography of sorts that moves more than your average memoir. Just like 'What I Think About When I Think About Running'.

Just think, this is more than what you find in a school book. These are the characters that leap off the page and will take you to your next stage. This is who you write for and moreover yourself too, because if you can't please number one first and foremost, who cares if you're on top of the New York Times Bestseller list? Reading what comes from the classic covers of The New Yorker is better anyway (wink emoji with a monocle). These stream of consciousness speech like chapters take you through Murakami's thought process with equal measures of self-deprecation and appreciation for his fans. As he opens his mental chest of drawers for what was previously 'Monkey Business', there will be times reading this where you may just wish you were reading a new novel from Murakami as you scratch your head. But that's just because of how great a writer Haruki is. Besides, his next novel is coming from the walls soon. 

Until then, it's not everyday you get to meet your heroes. And this is one you should make acquaintance with as he sits you down for a conversation over a coffee. Wrestling with 'kitchen table fiction' until it reaches your coffee table, Haruki tell us all about his influences and innovators. Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Chandler, F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan. All whilst giving us almost a dozen reasons to the rhyme of his modern day generational inspiration on paper. And even more in heart. For this we are certain. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Reading: 'First Person Singular', 'The City and its Uncertain Walls', 'Stephen King-On Writing'. 

REVIEW: VIOLA DAVIS - FINDING ME: A MEMOIR

 

4/5

How To Get Away With Your Life.

Finding yourself in this life is hard to do. Especially if you've grown-up under the hand of poverty, physical abuse, racism and sexism. From the home to Hollywood. Still 'Fences', 'How To Get Away With Murder' and 'The Woman King' actress Viola Davis has survived and strived through all this like the Queen that she is. And now living to tell a tale that's still being told, she gives us her Oprah's Book Club choice autobiography 'Finding Me: A Memoir'. Sure, this book came out in April, just as the cherry blossom was dropping. But this fall you can't find a better book (although I'll let you know about 'The Storyteller' Dave Grohl, foo fighting) under your tree come December 25th.

Besides, it's fitting right now like Viola Davis' name in an envelope. EGOT (oh hey, Legend). That's what the first African-American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting is about to get. The Tony's for 'Fences' and again the Oscar for her Academy Award-winning adaptation of the August Wilson play with Denzel Washington. The Emmy for getting away with murder. And the Grammy to come for this amazing autobiography audiobook that has joined me on the last month of mornings after the announcement of the nominations in November. Viola Davis should read children's books. Her voice is just that important and nurturing to the right side of history we should all be getting on. 

One of the TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People and number nine on The New York Times' list of the greatest actors of the 21st century is a real hero and real human being whose superpower has headlined everything from DC pictures (the 'Suicide Squad' movies to 'Black Adam'. Still here in the major overhaul of Gunn's ownership (sorry, Supes, that sucks)), to Chadwick Boseman's last movie (Netflix's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'. Her show and another from August). Yet her latest ('The Woman King') of a real hero may just be her biggest and best blockbuster. We'd love an expanded epilogue reprise on this film to mark the EG(rammy)OT certification for the Queen who owns the crown like a 'Game Of Thrones'. 

But the ever versatile Viola's most powerful performance may be here in the words she wrote on her life script. Infused with an influence of inspiration and passion. As this is no act. This is the real deal like an uncompromising and unflinching Davis always is. This is real life. Real love like J. Blige. Mother Mary, how this autobiography sings to me. Give her the Grammy already. You want to peak over the 'Fences'? Know what she really thought of 'The Help'? Or the whole, I didn't 'Get Away With Murder', but if I did, here's how I'd have done it from this incredible character, always killing it with her acting? It's all here to read all about like a sandwich board. No Hollywood gossip, just love for the craft. In a world that's strangely devoid of actor autobiographies (Matthew McConaughey's 'Green Lights' of 2020 appearing to be both the most recent and first in absolute years). Musicians, sure. There's lyrics worth. But actors. Maybe they care more than that cliché that says it's all about themselves. 

Not a note of narcissism, the best book and most moving memoir since Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' (I have Barack's waiting for me when I get home this Christmas after a three-year lockdown induced wait) is all about helping others own their story and rise from all that tries to keep them down, just like the epically empowering Viola Davis has done. Want a quotable like the ones from the greatest artists and activists of our time that adorn these chapters? This whole book is full of these affirmations in black and white, like the portrait of this hardcover staring at you with the warmth of reassurance. Sure the musings of working with Meryl Streep and the memories of the late, great Philip Seymour strike a beautiful chord, no doubt. But it's no name-drop. And it's the family matters and those that stir the soul at the heart of this book and life still being lived to the upmost full. From watching her mother being beaten, to living with rats. To wishing upon the love of her life and becoming a star in the Hollywood Hills. It's all from the grace of God, who is a woman after all. One that looks like the same beautiful dark skin that was once told they wouldn't make it in this town. Right before they ran it like those old misogynistic, dinosaur notions out. This woman's work and worth is one of a warrior. You can find it in 'Me'. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Reading: 'Michelle Obama-Becoming', 'Alicia Keys-More Myself: A Journey', 'Matthew McConaughey-Green Lights'. 

REVIEW: WILL SMITH - WILL

4/5

When There's A Will.

West Philadelphia, born and raised. Will Smith doesn't have to start his autobiography this way to sell books. But I do, so f...wait a minute. I'm not Eminem. Want to know why the man who won the first rap Grammy (alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff) doesn't cuss in his raps (apart from one powerful moment with Mary J. Blige demanding 'Tell Me Why', albeit with a bleeped censor)? Want to talk about "the only reason your a## went to Miami", becoming a 'Bad Boy' and the King of the fourth of July like 'Independence Day', as this new 'Man In Black' cashed in on movies and music, sometimes at the same "here come the" damn time? Want to go for a battle of Will's when most tricks are unarmed? Or even learn why he throws up after orgasm (WHAT?!). Then pick up the Agent Smith who turned down 'The Matrix' and still became the one's memoirs for recent showbiz memory. And 'Will' yourself to read all about one of the most epic lives in all of entertainment across genres and platforms. Or listen to the audiobook accompaniment, narrated and rapped by the man himself in all its "whoo's", "haha's" and scoring sound effects. Closing with a real new rap for the record. From a Bel-Air mansion to a YouTube star in every home and all the Fresh Prince's and Big Willie's in between that had hilarious consequences for the British press and fan base. Nothing says cocky like "big d### weekend." But for all the hallmark hubris that never segues into arrogance despite his charismatic charm, Will is missing one of those from his head. 'Bad Boys', 'Independence Day', 'Men In Black', 'Enemy Of The State', ('Wild Wild West' (open bracket, we actually love it, like 'Bagger Vance'), 'Ali', the 'MIB' and 'Bad Boys' sequel (whatcha gonna do?), 'I, Robot', 'Shark Tale', 'Hitch', 'The Pursuit Of Happyness', 'I Am Legend', 'Hancock'. He may start off some chapters by listing off his decade plus reign as a Hollywood king (and that's before the music) and how much all those movies made grossly like we don't have IMDB, or he doesn't know how to read the room of who's reading his book. But believe me he's as self aware as the road leading to some of his longest highways to hell have been paved with good intentions. The central theme of 'Will' is that nothing is more important than love and family and getting and more importantly keeping both of those that are one in the same, dear reader has nothing to do with how much you make in terms of money or grand gestures (see a certain birthday gift). Even if you have the will like Smith, there needs to be a better way. 

The man that saved the world almost as many times as he saved the box office will show you the way, but you have to open that door, or in this case, turn that page. Giving you the 'Green Lights' like Matthew McConaughey's 2020 autobiography. This is akin to his good friend Tyrese Gibson's 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way' self help or Keith B. Real of 'Big Willie Style' himself, 'Ali' cornerman Jamie Foxx also releasing a memoir of what really matters last fall with 'Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me'. If you think you've had your fill of cinder block books, it's time to lay another brick. Save stories with the 'Ali' crew in Africa, the line learning between him and the late, great James Avery during that iconic "how come he don't want me, man" 'Fresh Prince' scene that has been meme'd and bastardised every time LeBron James fails to win a ring and the time he was so method he fell in love with Stockard Channing on the set of 'Six Degrees Of Separation'. There's not much in the way of 'Will' towards behind the scenes back-ups to those bodacious, braggadocious box-office boasts. But it's not tricking if you got it. And we are still treated to tales from the 'He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper' Jazzy Jeff days and the real reason Townes was thrown out the crib every time he rocked that gold shirt in the house. We also get inspired impressions. From grandma Gigi, to Daddio (check out his emotional tribute and life lesson that has now become a TikTok of all things for this generation on a book tour with 'When They See Us' director Ava DuVernay) and Charlie Mack ('First Out The Limo'), that we may not know personally, but feel like we do now. Not to mention the Smith family legacy the legend made like 'Dallas' years later. Talking about striving, struggling and soaring again after his first marriage with the love of his life Jada. Giving it up for her rocking heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom and the sage story behind it's skeleton key conception. All whilst getting candid about why he couldn't say a word to the late, great GOAT of rapping, the poet Tupac Shakur. 

Parents just don't understand. But the 'Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble' rapper is trying his damndest. From the privacy of Trey Smith shunning the spotlight, to Jaden wanting emancipation after 'After Earth'. It's all part of the purist of a real happiness, no typo as this family goes and gets it...period. One of the most inspired stories being the time that Willow wanted to stop whipping her hair. No matter what Daddy or Jay-Z had to say. And just wait until you find out how this kid who now grown up gave us one of hers and last years best in 'Lately I Feel Everything' with Willow Wisdom. Lately the biggest movie star has turned into a smartphone one across all platforms. Missing out on making a killing with 'The Suicide Squad' Summer sequel smash, but instead hitting new balls towards the Academy like Wimbledon, or the US Open. Advantage, the one that used to get jiggy with it. He's also presented Netflix ('Amend: The Fight For America') and Disney + (whoever came up with the title for National Geographic's 'Welcome To Earth' deserves a raise) shows concerning life's history and nature. But through it all. Declaring bankruptcy and almost losing his family. The threat of divorce and death. Losing loved one's and blending his family, Will has always remained Will. And 'Will' will show you why. Including the closing chapters that detail his physical and metaphysical recovery to both his love and life. This is why this book can end on a literal high. Standing on the side of a helicopter about to bungee jump into the Grand Canyon, carved from water that he was once afraid of (I also can't swim, although now I need Smith's will as he can), because someone on the Internet told him too (give me a part in the next 'Bad Boy' or 'Men In Black'...hey, you can't blame a guy for trying). The same heli jump that gave us the grace of that iconic image that had Smith looking like his dearly departed Uncle Phil. Because after a life like this, you can let go and live a little. Wise in its words, chapter and verse. Vulnerable and quotable (but you need to share that for yourself) this book is the perfect guide and tell all on a life truly lived. Just like his mother who in retirement travelled the globe with James Avery's mother. One day diabetes set in and she was stuck in hospital. A couple of weeks recovery would do the trick but Caroline Bright didn't want to stop. She told them to take her leg. She was back up in no time and then a few days later an earthquake levelled the hospital she was in as so many lost their lives. "All I lost was a leg", she said. On the set of Netflix's 'Bright', finding a light in downtown Los Angeles at night for a FaceTime, director David Ayer told Will he had to call his dying Daddio...right now. The two just looked at each other on the video call for about 20 minutes in stunning silence. Nothing more needed to be said. Love was all they needed. Let that be the last word. But in epilogue, this Golden Globe winner for 'Best Actor' may just serve up doubles at the Oscar's for his biopic on the father of Venus and Serena Williams, 'King Richard' (he came close with 'Concussion'). But before we read that envelope, it's signed, sealed and delivered that when it came to his crowning year in the last one of his greatest hits, Smith also has the best book of the calendar. When there's a 'Will', there's a great read. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

REVIEW: JAMIE FOXX - ACT LIKE YOU GOT SOME SENSE: AND OTHER THINGS MY DAUGHTERS TAUGHT ME

4/5

Dad Keeps Embarrassing Me.

When 'Will' came out this month, movie megastar, the original Agent Smith who is even big enough to pass on 'The Matrix', showed us the way yet again. Just watch that Tik Tok that's gone about as viral as Smith's sensational second career as a YouTuber before he serves for the Oscar throne as 'King Richard' with the Williams sisters. The way that took the West Philadelphia born and raised (where's did he spend most of his days? Do you even have to ask) Fresh Prince who moved in with his Uncle and Auntie in Bel-Air to Hollywood and beyond infinity as his buzz welcomed aliens to earth. But during the age of 'Big Willie Style' and that very album for the new man in black, one of Will Smith's good friends was waiting in the wings. Or the interludes. The hilarious Keith B. Real. Do you remember? Don't act like that, you know you got it! That album sold more than Taylor Swift...or maybe even 'Independence Day' for the King of the fourth of July movie-going weekend. Still, not with me? OK. You've got Spotify. I'll wait like Will with those two guns (word to Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington) in 'Bad Boys II' when another classic Def Comedy Jam stand-up talent was trying to tell people that were shooting at them that they weren't immigration. Hilarious right!? But does that voice that's constantly getting thrown out by Smith's legendary bouncer Charlie Mack (first out the limo) and slapped by Jada sound familiar. Yep, that's right! Beat Shazam. That's Jamie Foxx. Before the Oscar for 'Ray'. 'Any Given Sunday'. Even 'Ali' with Smith, when Foxx was in Will's corner again for his 'Collateral' and 'Miami Vice' director Michael Man's boxing biopic as Bundini Brown. This compared to Smith's star stratosphere was almost a before they were famous moment, even though Jamie had his own show named after him like 'Martin'. Now as 'Will' lines everyone's bookstores and shelves Jamie has his own good book to go next to the Hollywood God. 'Act Like You've Got Some Sense' and read it too. 

Spidey senses right now are tingling at a buzz which is scrolling and sawing through the timelines and fan theories as the second trailer for this Christmases 'Spider-Man' trilogy conclusion 'No Way Home' dropped this week like bird s### made of cement. Whilst the big question and mocked up leaked photos is on whether Jamie Foxx's 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' co-star Andrew Garfield and the original Tobey Maguire will suit-up as Peter Parker alongside Tom Holland. The latters post credits cameo in Tom Hardy's connected 'Venom' movie and all those universe web weaving Easter Eggs in Jared Leto's 'Morbius' trailer has us hoping they'll go into the spider-verse like the classic animation. Besides all the villains are there like the return of Foxx's electric Electo character that gave us the most epic showdown amongst the bright lights of Times Square in 'TASM2'. Putting the big city of New York in another blackout. And you have to love the new duds and the classic comic crown call-back for Foxx. Even if we did like the Blue Man Group look in Manhattan. Let's just hope Jamie keeps the electricity in his voice. Speaking as such as he talks about the pleasure of "getting to kick Spider-Man's ass" here you have to get the audiobook version of this autobiography that will join you in company when you get ready for work in the morning and take the train home. Not only is it easier on the hands, you lazy readers that love to just scroll through stuff, it's chocked full of Foxx's sly, charismatic charm and the art form of his impressions. Everyone gets it. Sidney Poitier in regal introduction (that's Mr. Poitier to you...and me). Snoop Dogg in a meet the family moment similar to welcoming your daughters first date round in again, hilarious 'Bad Boys II' fashion (you've all done it, just not with The Doggfather). And the best and funniest impression you'll ever hear of Jay-Z. It's crazy! It sounds so much like your boy. 

Names are dropped, sure. This is Hollywood and the man who also moves in music circles and comedy circuits. This is the man that played Ray Charles and in the same year provided that voice for Kanye West's 'Gold Digger'. He took your mooooney. He hosted better parties than Diddy. Introduced Ed Sheeran to the industry. You only have to watch many a Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to see he is a master of storytelling like he is of ceremonies. Just check the one about Bobby and Whitney and whilst we're here that Denzel impersonation too that he even impressed on Washington himself. OK, alright! 'Django' has had out attention since his Mr. Cab Driver sold us and Jada Pinkett in Real reunion on his "cool groove experience" Island Limo's idea before all the 'Collateral' damage happened with Tom Cruise. But the most important name is Foxx...and not his. His daughters. Corinne and Annalise Bishop. Corinne who provides the foreword even narrates the chapter names...which are as creative as the careers of these Foxx's themselves. Earlier this year Corrine Foxx even produced her father in his return to the small-screen sitcom world for the family comedy 'Dad Stop Embarrassing Me' based on their lives. Sure, the show tanked like Jamie and our R&B friend (what's up Babbs?), and Netflix have couched and cancelled 'Dad Stop' after it barely got out the gates. But that's Netflix for you and they still have 'Project Power' with Foxx. But there was nothing embarrassing about that delightful, charming, inoffensive show that took us back to both the golden, good old days of television sitcoms before streamers and Foxx's salad days of having an Eddie Murphy family of his raw characters he created and played himself to delirious effects. It was just in and the wrong time. But how about this book? It serves as more than a sequel or a companion to the show. Instead more like a behind the scenes documentary to the family and home life of a Hollywood legend and his real, lasting legacy. Besides for all the inspired impressions and charming character, what's better than the real thing? 'Act Like You Got Some Sense', Eric Bishop's grandmother Esther Marie Talley, the woman who raised him and the tribute subject of his beautiful piano, 'Unpredictable' song 'Heaven' told him, to which he named his book. And check the dust jacket of Jamie Foxx's memoir like running a cloth over it and straight out the foxxhole you can see the words 'I Taught My Daughters' crossed out for the common sense of this books sub-heading, "And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me". Sure this book my be a parenting guide, but it's no Dad of the year hubris pitch. Even though this man is that type of father like Vader is Luke's. Instead this awesome autobiography were Dad doesn't embarrass is a celebration of love and life. The man may not be married and that's his choice and his right like it is everyone and anyone's to do what they wish with their heart, so long as it doesn't hurt another. But it's clear all he's learnt in this life and everything he continues to be educated on comes from the work and worth of the women in his life. Act like you've got some sense and listen to those teachings too. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

REVIEW: QUENTIN TARANTINO - ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

4/5

Once Upon A Time...Back In Hollywood.

400 Pages. Writer: Quentin Tarantino.

Liverpool, 2007. Home of The Beatles. Fans waiting in droves like Americans at airports hoping they have the stones. A now as defunct as the neon one in Times Square, Virgin Megastores is packed to the tip like they were giving out free condoms for your cherry popping. Lines circle round to the rails like the bathrooms of 'Pulp Fiction'. So much so you don't even need a needle to the heart for this shot of adrenaline the special guest in attendance is giving you. He's definitively draped in leather to the boots like a rockstar, but this is no Ed Sullivan show. More like a man who always gives you a shot through the heart (and we aren't talking about Bon Jovi) with extra blood splattered for effect. On the Q.T. we're talking about THE director of cult classics. This town may have been made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo, but tonight it's Quentin Tarantino's. This is 2007, so his popularity is at epic heights. Camera phones flipped and turned on and in his direction before social media truly became a thing. MySpace can wait. People were doing this for their own posterity. Here he actually is, signing copies of his screenplay 'Death Proof' for the Grindhouse double-bill with friend and 'From Dusk Till Dawn' director Robert Rodriguez's 'Planet Terror'. Before the battle of the 'Basterds', 'Django', eight that hate and more westerns than you could shake a saloons batwing doors at. This is the guy that gave us 'Resevoir Dogs', 'Jackie Brown'. The man who felt still as much as a myth as he was a legend. Here, in the UK. Straight from the USA. Rewriting the American dream and starting from the end. Everyone in line like me is thinking of the perfect question to ask him. We all work at a local cinema in a small town trains throw away. We're all dreamers hoping to become screenwriters too (one has made it as an actor thanks to that hard work). I figure that's four in one company, imagine one town, one country. The world?! I got to step it up. The questions come thick and fast. "What's in the case?". "What's in the case?" "What's in the"...OK, they come thick. People are asking what's in the box like Brad Pitt wondering why Gwyneth Paltrow didn't make it home for dinner. But people want to know. "Whatever you want it to be" the misunderstood director who is actually Paul Rudd gregarious in real life and not aloof kindly replies. Then it's my turn. I stroll up, nervous as hell. This is an idol. An inspiration. A great. A God. Someone who legend have it would be picked up by a man in a van after stumbling onto the main road after a night on the town that day. Just another classic once upon a time story for his Hollywood history. "Quentin, I've just got one question I've been dying to ask you." He looks up. "What do Salma Hayek's toes taste like?"

Foot fetish fans, I know that to even you that sounds like filth, but like Christoph Waltz putting one in DiCarpio's Candie man with a prostitute gun, "I just couldn't resist." And have you seen 'Dusk Till Dawn?' There's a moment tequila really makes Tarantino happy as the 'Desperado' star Hayek drives her foot into the directors mouth and pours tequila down her knee, all the way down her leg and into the man's mouth. Hey, one half of it is at least sexy. I may not mind feet, but I know a fetish when I see one. 'Death' was proof. As was, well every other film in this man's outstanding 'ography. Even in this book, they are pressed against glass, draped over falling red cinema chairs and laced with the hippie dirt and grime of a smogy, Sixties Los Angeles. Because this is 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood', Quentin Tarantino's first and brand new novel based on his latest, and quite possibly greatest movie. Another love letter to the land of Hollywood and movie masterpieces like Miramax. A sign of the sixties time you can't help read in the narration of 'Proof' vehicle driver Kurt Russell. Who along with fellow cameo star Bruce Dern, the late great Burt Reynolds who was meant to be in the movie that also saw another we lost in the lovely Luke Perry, 'Bill' himself David Carradine, legends like Robert Blake, 'Vol. 2' highlight Michael Parks and the late, great Robert Forster (yeah 'Jackie') is "especially" thanked amongst these "old timers" with their "tremendous" Hollywood stories realer than Charlie Murphy. Holding this book in your hands, they are the reason we get to read this period piece now. Although it's 'The Hateful Eight' hostage Jennifer Jason Leigh in cahoots who moonlight like moonshine as the audiobook versions official storyteller. And what better an accent to punctuate this prose? "Hollywood 1969...You should been there!" The strapline tells us once again. Well, now we get another chance for the new novel based on the film whose dust jacket cutting room floor, behind the scenes photos shows these extra chapters we're based on scenes actually filmed for the movie that directors cut may still find their way to that promised four part TV serial Tarantino still may give us. With blurbs of each player in this script harking back to television of its time and even commercials in the back for fellow "new" novels like 'The Switch' by Elmore Leonard and the novel that was adapted into 'Hollywood' star Al Pacino's 'Serpico', wherever books are sold. This one is the perfect picture that fits the part. Answering more questions than my one about Tinsletown stars toes. Like what really happened with 'The Great Escape'? What's with this Bruce Lee s###? Is there more Manson? And did Cliff really kill his f###### wife? 

Pray, we will never tell, but there's definitely something in the water and you're going to need a bigger break to get through this addictive page turner that shows Tarantino is as nuanced a novelist as he is a compelling, cinematic storyteller. In fact that brutal moment is in some ways beautiful, such is the juxtaposition of Quentin's ever controversy courting cinematic work. Although the Bruce Lee story, true or not, doesn't sit so well with us as much as the much-maligned movie moment here (the film hinted that it thought this guy was all mouth. The book has more than a few foul choice words for the martial arts legend that we know will sit in even worse standing with his family), you can't deny the gun sticking conviction of Quentin, even in the face of criticism. Especially in these times. Rejecting hypotheses of those claiming he's sexist (Margot Robbie's Sharon Tate gets an even more respectful and deeper delve into character here, although her history rewriting end (which is now a Tarantino hallmark is omitted) or racist. Besides with what some of the characters say here about a certain 'Rio Bravo' star, you're going to think the dynamic director hates Dino. And let's not get started on Glen Campbell. All in all with legendary chapter names (from the Kurt Russell Ego as an actual planet, let alone as big, 'Brandy You're A Fine Girl' nod, to literally 'The Last Chapter') to one's actually written in the western first-person real-time of the Hollywood film they're shooting in this movie, to an alternative ending that's so subtle we won't spoil, but still as compelling as this cinematic classic (it features a different type of car pulling up and a phone, but no ones heads getting bashed into it...sadly for some), this nuanced novel is more than a companion piece. It's its own stand-alone classic. Showing this screenwriter can go as by the book well as you thought...and hoped. Whether going against type. How about the different location were DiCaprio and Pitt's characters meet Pacino's Agent Marvin and all that leads to? Or sticking to the script. The description of dinnertime with the dog evokes those traditional Tarantino indulging cherished moments like chow slop that writers have tried to put in descriptive words for years. More than making up for the fact that arguably the greatest long take in Tarantino history of Pitt driving down the Hollywood highway and past the contrasting bright lights of a big-screen, drive-in movie that his trailer...park home hides behind is merely a footnote. Some things are better seen than said...even for this man. Fun fact, Hollywood hearthrobs Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt were once up for the Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger roles in Ang Lee's 'Brokeback Mountain'. With all due respect to those two legends of their own, how monumental and game changing would that of been at the time, during their collective prime? Well, almost as big as two of the world's leading men starring in the same classic 'Hollywood' picture that is Oscar winning no longer a once upon a time or wish on a star dream. This book that's full of tidbit stories like that we won't spil just documents this definitive moment in movie lore for the record. This L.A confidential is no longer, hush, hush. This work of fiction pulp from the 'Pulp Fiction' director actually chicken after the egg was written following the filming and due to Q.T.'s love for movie novelizations. It doesn't get more sleepy, quiet backstreets to the all eyes on me, he, or she, whoevers the talk of the town, big city of stars than this in a true behind the scenes cut. Moviegoers and aspiring writers alike will want to take a page out of this book, answering more asks then seeing what lies beneath the clasps of that gold light. Now with the man himself even hinting at a 'Reservoir Dogs' novel that he considered first, we can't wait to leave the local bookstore with more in our little green bags. Oh and to conclude the story. As for Quentin's reply to my question about what lies beneath Hayek's heels, "pretty good, pretty good. If you ever get the chance I recommend it". You're move Salma. Only in Hollywood. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

REVIEW: ETHAN HAWKE - A BRIGHT RAY OF DARKNESS

 

4/5

Darkness On The Edge Of Broadway.

Hark! Who goes there? Times Square. All of the lights. Here's what we know about this name written in them. Ethan Hawke first got our attention like "O Captain! O Captain!" as he got on the desk of 'Dead Poets Society' and got that of the late, great Robin Williams. But the 'Training Day' star and Denzel Washington's man (how nice is 'The Magnificent Seven' reunion for Antoine Fuqua?) is more than that, or even that rookie cop, ride along movie. The American actor, writer and director has been nominated for four Academy Awards (half of those for screenwriting) and a Tony. Getting behind the camera for three feature-films ('Chelsea Walls', 'The Hottest State' and 'Blaze'), three off-Broadway plays and a Toronto film festival favourite debuting documentary ('Seymour: An Introduction'). The 'Reality Bites' star is cult best known for his 'Before' trilogy of Sunrises, Sunsets and Midnight's with French megastar Julie Delpy and revolutionary director Richard Linklater ('Dazed and Confused', 'Everybody Wants Some') who also literally directed Hawke over time for the decade plus spanning 'Boyhood' experimental and epic family drama. Or he may be better known for once being married to 'Gattaca' co-star and 'Kill Bill' and 'Pulp Fiction' icon Uma Thurman. Now 'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood' their daughter Maya Hawke is making her own name as the scene stealing Robin in 'Stranger Things' season 3, amongst forging herself a beautiful music career with her pops barn music video direction. AHOY! Not bad for a 50 year old from Austin, Texas who right now is filming the latest Marvel super-series alongside Oscar Isaac's (what a cast already), 'Moon Knight' were he plays the villain. Like he does here. 

Blazing like saddles of late this man has been on even more of a trail. Critical acclaim came like it should have done with an award for his church chaplin character in Paul Schrader's 'First Reformed' in 2018, but before that he was already mounting up and riding. Donning a stetson twice in a year for something 'Magnificent' and the underrated 'In A Valley Of Violence' (think 'John Wick' in the Wild West...they even kill his dog), face offing opposite John Travolta. After some classic sci-fi cameos in Luc Besson's 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' and a directors cut one in the 'Total Recall' remake opposite Colin Farrell, the renaissance man has been hitting his stride of American legends. Like country and Western singer 'Blaze', or the coil of Serbian-American inventor and engineer 'Tesla'. Playing Pat Garrett alongside 'Valerian' himself Dane DeHaan's Billy in Vincent D'Onofrio's underrated 'The Kid', you'd be forgiven for thinking the man who earned his spurs wanted to keep them. And why not? Who could blame him? His Showtime special on the "instrument of God" John Brown ('The Good Lord Bird') does nothing to abolish that...which you best believe is a good, no great thing. Ethan's first love, however was in theatre and the stage hawker who made his debut in '92 with' The Seagull' most recently retook to the Broadway stage with Paul Dano in 2019 for Sam Shepard's (rest peacefully) 'True West'...oh, another Western. So much in his saloon you'd be forgiven for thinking the man who has just released his fourth novel (his first three include 'Ash Wednesday', 'The Hottest State' and 2015's 'The Hottest State'. Not to mention the 'Indeh: A Story Of The Apache Wars' graphic novel) was releasing a prohibition era one with its burnt orange dust jacket by a struck match looking to set everything ablaze like moonshine. 'A Bright Ray Of Darkness' however sets alight the spotlights of theatre. Stage set, were Hawke's narrator is a movie actor on the ropes of life, dealing with divorce from a much more famous celebrity partner (a rock goddess) and being present with his kids whilst trying to maintain a Broadway run of 'Henry IV' under a media glare like Times Square. Wait a minute! Is he writing about himself? Is this semi-autobiographical? Meta? Surely not. This character is cloaked in so much narcissism, if it is him then this really would be dripping with a gratuitous greed of self-indulgence. We think instead this Hawkeye is just having his fun with us, all whilst taking some shots with the bow at his younger life. Playing Cupid to a Devils advocate. It's awfully stage left close though for a man that even once played Hotspur on Broadway with an off-contemporary twist. The New Yorker magazine calling it, "a compelling, ardent creation." How much more on the nose can you get? Well, the name of this character reciting Shakespeare? No, not Ethan (thank God), but William.

To preen, or not to preen. That is the new social media age old question. Now the legacy 'half' hour of time before an actor takes to the stage they are looking at their reflection not between illuminating flashbulbs, but the distortion of a black mirror. Compelling like his interview cadence or bar room keeping the first act of Aussie sci-fi 'Predestination' in perfect time. Well-written and heartbreaking honest and defiantly devote though in a time were we can curate our own online narratives with little thought spared for anyone else in this merciless purge, Hawke delivers us a nuanced one worthy of the bestsellers. Sure talking about a struggling male, white actor on Broadway in 2020 is seriously selfish. But without wearing a mask even on stage it is so much more self aware than critics will give credit for. Here's a man who in character takes ownership for his side of the street, but won't play into a "wrong side of the tracks" cliche when there's more reasons than the catalyst of cheating to why a marriage breaks down and rings are tore off fingers with no more death do us part. Sure the sex here (espeically in another made bed) is dirty but like Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals (how fitting) once said, "I remember when sex was dirty and the air was clean. And everything worth knowing was in a magazine". I don't know if that means much to this, but it's a hell of a line. Besides the bed side manner here is still written with a blue beauty Haruki Murakami signature with all the passion that comes with it. Playing out in the tabloid scripts, the real expose is the exploration of a man's mind when everything leaves him behind. Friends, family, the industry. The dream he had in his soul. Not the heart of one lost in the bight lights like the big city. It doesn't matter if he's in the Big Apple entertainment core of the world. He's lent up on a dumpster on a Times Square side-street in chain-mail and pigs blood, eating an ice cream sandwich so his voice doesn't pack its bags and leave a ring on the table too. He had the world. He gave it up for night. He thought the people loved him. He's about to hear what they really say behind his back cheered into the masses of a crowd at a safe distance like six social feet. This book is as blisteringly brutal as the bloodthirsty displays that used to play in The Globe. And even if this is theatrical Hawke doesn't escape all that is shed here in the name of his own life, he comes out swinging from the canvas of playwrights. Seconds out. Some may think showing that side isn't really bright (whiskey business). But when all our life is a stage, that's real darkness. And in lifting the curtain and showing us behind the scenes backstage, Ethan Green Hawke deserves his standing ovation. Take a bow. TIM DAVID HARVEY.