Rating: Summary: One of the funniest things I have ever read! Review: For as long as I can remember I have been aware of Richard E. Grant. He seemed like one of those perfect working actors. Always doing good work but in either small films or small roles, never quite becoming famous with a capital "F". This book, a diary of his work, chronicles Grant's career from the, relative, beginning. When he was "Swazi boy" (Grant was born and raised in Swaziland, not England) struggling through auditions, always that close to his "big break". Grant recalls his experiences with great insight and even more humour. He has something to say about everybody (I think he, not Kevin Bacon, is the hub of Hollywood. He seems to have worked with everyone). Grant is an insider but always on the fringe of the action, always aware of how ridiculous the business is. The book, which takes you from Withnail and I through Spice World and beyond, is hilarious. Particularly touching are the entries about his marriage and how it ha! s been affected by his career. Grant has written a brilliant, entirely entertaining book.
Rating: Summary: With Nails Without Parrell Review: I bought this book because I was a fan Of Richard E. Grant and was not disappointed. It is fabulous. The author takes you through the enjoyments (Withnails and The Player)and the terrors(Hudson Hawk )of filmmaking and the everyday life that surrounds it. An unashamed name-dropper Grant puts you right in the middle of the backstage of the movies and does it with a style and wit that is unmatched and a real delight to read. Personlly enjoyable was reading about Age of Innocence, remembering when it was filmed in my area. Have read it three times already and have picked up something each time. If you enjoy it try Grant's novel, By Design, A Hollywood Novel.
Rating: Summary: Excellent! I'm obsessed! Review: I can't explain it- I'm obsessed over this book. Richard E. Grant is terribly interesting- I laughed out loud while reading this book. I highly recommed it. And if I recommend it, you know it's got to be good!
Rating: Summary: Where Has This Man Been Hiding? Review: I first saw Richard E. Grant several weeks ago in the A&E "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and became fascinated with him. When I discovered that he also wrote a book, I had to have it. I have just finished it and loved every word. He reminds me a great deal of David Niven and the wonderful book he wrote about his life in the movies, "Bring on the Empty Horses", but with names named. In turn funny, sad, and insightful about the oddities of the acting profession and thoughtful, without being pompous. I came away from this book with the impression that Mr. Grant is a nice man (and sexy)who happens to be an actor who can look at his profession with a jaundiced eye and a quirky sense of humour. He is both a participant and an observer. I can't wait to read his novel, "By Design".
Rating: Summary: the perfect book for movie lovers Review: i have always been an avid fan of character actors; they are better than the real thing. Richard E. Grant is a gifted actor who is like everyone, constantly asking the universal questions: "am i doing this right?" and playing through his roles in films and his life by ear. His stories about the stars are strikingly personal and amusing. most of the book is REG vomitting in various embarrassing venues in hollywood in front of various famous people, adding to the amusement of the tale. i especially enjoyed the story about rachel ward's daughters trashing steve martin's house and terrorizing his cats. my only complaint about this book is that REG did not cite som of his other films that he starred in like IN THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY and JACK AND SARAH. but the book is well written and personal, a delight to read on a sunny afternoon.
Rating: Summary: the perfect book for movie lovers Review: i have always been an avid fan of character actors; they are better than the real thing. Richard E. Grant is a gifted actor who is like everyone, constantly asking the universal questions: "am i doing this right?" and playing through his roles in films and his life by ear. His stories about the stars are strikingly personal and amusing. most of the book is REG vomitting in various embarrassing venues in hollywood in front of various famous people, adding to the amusement of the tale. i especially enjoyed the story about rachel ward's daughters trashing steve martin's house and terrorizing his cats. my only complaint about this book is that REG did not cite som of his other films that he starred in like IN THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY and JACK AND SARAH. but the book is well written and personal, a delight to read on a sunny afternoon.
Rating: Summary: thoughts from a real person in an unreal world Review: I loved this book. Grant is a natural writer, the book provides a fascinating and very funny look at a world far remove from the one that most of us exist in. Even if you are not a movie buff, you will still enjoy this book. It is surprising that book is at time quite touching (when he is writing about his personal life). Richard E Grant seems to be the kind of movie star we all would like to be, he comes across as a real person (in what seems to me) an unreal world. When I finished this book, I gave my copy to my brother who is a struggling actor, he loved it too. Okay Richard, that's one paying customer you missed out on, but after reading the book, I figured you would understand........ Mike Element
Rating: Summary: MY NEW HERO! Review: I saw REG in that dreadful movie 'Hudson Hawk' and I was hooked. This book is not only a revealing insight into REG but also into the weird and wonderful world of Hollywood. He doesn't hold back, though on the down side, he doesn't name names either. Poop it! My favourite part, his meeting with the magnificient Ms Streisand! It's nice to see that even famous people can become tongue-tied around the stars. I reccommend this to anyone who loves the movies and especially to all you REG fans out there! Well worth the investment!
Rating: Summary: This is a highly amusing book. Review: I would recommend 'With Nails' to anyone. I knew who Richard E. Grant mainly from his role as the Scarlet Pimpernel in the BBC production. He was brilliant. This book deals with his earlier career. Anyone who has ever aspired to become an actor will really enjoy this book, particularly as it is funny as well as informative. I highly recommend Emma Thompson's diaries of 'Sense and Sensibility', which is very similar, though I have to say slightly more polished. Anyway, Richard E. Grant shows he has talent as a storyteller as well as an actor in his book.
Rating: Summary: Mr. Grant desperately needs a ghost-writer Review: Mr. Grant's incredibly poor writing style made this a chore. There are some good Hollywood stories in here, but wading through his boundless egotism, his tortured introspection, and his mangled prose is hardly worth it. Endless run-on sentences and bad structure make this a painful read. I want to give it zero stars, but the review page won't let me.
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