Rating: 
Summary: An insanely brilliant man searches for a perfect moment.
Review: Almost ten years ago, I discovered "Swimming To Cambodia" on a shelf in a London bookstore. I was intrigued by the cover and the title, and, on a whim, I snatched it up to read on a flight back to my then home, Moscow, Russia. Now, nearly a decade later, my copy of "Swimming To Cambodia" is dog-eared and battered, but it is a ritual piece of my traveling ensemble; it is the first object I toss in my carry-on bag for any far-flung journey.
Amazon Books, sadly does not stock the book version of "Swimming To Cambodia." However, Amazon
does carry the video version. In truth, this is a better introduction to the neuroses and
brilliant madness of author and monologist, Spaulding Gray. Gray, a lanky man with a shock of
bright white hair, infuses his performance (describing his adventures in Thailand during the
filming of "The Killing Fields") with a raving physicality and live-wire energy. His storytelling gift, both wildly intellectual and earthy, holds you spellbound, as his tales fly from the absurd (watching a bizarre live sex show in Bangkok - featuring projectile bananas) to the profound (marijuana-hazed philosophizing on a Thai beach with a South African playwright.) Regardless of
subject, each tale is told with the same, almost childlike - but definitely adult - mystic respect
for the value of the experience.
Throughout this journey, Gray is searching for "a perfect moment." Convinced that his trip is
not complete without an illuminating experience, he takes in everything around him, until he can be
certain that he has achieved that defining moment. Only then can he call his girlfriend, pack his bags, and head home. On my journeys now, I find myself thinking about Gray's "perfect moments," (though it's hard to find one in dirty, dusty Moscow.) Then again, I think about his flying Bangkok bananas,
as well. You will, too, once you are drawn into the manic world of Spaulding Gray.
Rating:
Summary: Enthralling and captivating
Review: First of all this is a monologue and I usually hate monologues. The first time I watched this was starting at midnight and I was quite tired. I was expecting to fall asleep to it but found myself wide awake and engrossed. I was absolutely mesmerized by this performance. Spalding Gray just captivates you from the very beginning and holds your attention all the way through. He mixes it with bits of wry comedy and anecdotes, and mixes in a bit of history and politics for good measure. He actually brings you to the places he is talking about, its like you can see Thailand and experience the production of the Killing Fields.
Mr. Gray talks not as someone talking from note cars or a pre planned speech but from someone telling you about a great adventure. He has a natural and easy going style that makes you very comfortable. His energy and passion is contagious. The may is a born storyteller and narrator.
It is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen and I am usually an action movie kind of guy. I had never even heard of Spalding Gray before this nor had I seen the Killing Fields. But after watching I rented the killing fields and researched Mr. Gray.
There is great lighting and film style to go along with it. Even though he's just sitting at a desk they add an exciting mood to it.
Its ashamed that Spalding Gray is no longer with us as I found the man intensely interesting. I would highly recommend the VHS/DVD to anyone. I don't know how well it would be in a book as much of the attraction is Spalding himself. The man was simply amazing in this.
Rating: 
Summary: I am sure this is very funny live onstage...
Review: I have read a few of Spalding Gray's books, and I found them hysterically funny. So a while back I decided to work my way through all of his books. All his books have been bought and are on my shelf, so I hope this one is just one of those bad apples..Don't get me wrong, Spalding is a very, very funny guy. And the other books I have read ("Sex and death to the Age 14" and "Morning, Noon and Night") are just fantastic books. They made me laugh out loud over and over and over again. This one however.. Not quite... It is more a "transcript" of his stage performances. You can tell that this would be hysterically funny onstage, but reading it on an overcrowded tube on my way to work was maybe not the best setting, and probably didn't give this material justice. Anyway, I think these stories are better left for live performances.
Rating:
Summary: One word: Captivating.
Review: I was glued to the TV the entire time this was on--I couldn't even tear myself away to get a drink or go to the bathroom. Spalding is quite the story teller, and even the rather mundane underlying story (basically, "I had this small role in a movie"), really comes to life with all his voices and expressions and history lessons and tangents... I've never heard anyone before or since tell stories in such a way. After all, this is just a guy sitting in front of an audience talking. Who would think it would be so memorable?
Rating: 
Summary: Another masterpice decimated by 'full screen'.
Review: One of the most innovative, exciting movies of a generation, and NOT AVAILABLE in widescreen. Demi is a cinamatograhic master and his work has been butchered by VHS full screen format. ('Full' of what, one wonders.) Watch this tape and see half the movie as created. DEMAND your DVD release now.
Rating: 
Summary: exercise your Gray matter
Review: spalding gray is stream of consiousness on speed. Over before you know it, you'll know a lot more when it's over.
Rating:
Summary: exercise your Gray matter
Review: spalding gray is stream of consiousness on speed. Over before you know it, you'll know a lot more when it's over.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most important films of our time
Review: Swimning to Cambodia is unquestionably one of the most important films of our time. It will shake you out of the duldrums of hyped up action / dude films and the inanity of chic flicks, and actually make you open your brain (no spoon feeding here). If you choose to close down after the film is over, that is your choice, but if you pay attention to the film and let it take you where it inevitably will, you will be forever changed. This is not a film that will require thought to watch; it is a film that will you require you to think when it has finished. Spalding Gray's insight into the human prospect and what "the killing fields" (read Vietnam) did to the world is compelling, and maybe for some, hits too close to home. Don't expect Saplding Gray to pull his punches here...don't expect the humor inherent in Monster In A Box; it is not there. Swimning To Cambodia is raw, intelligent and not for even one second does it hold back. It will probably never get the recognition it deserves, but make no mistake about it this is one of the most important films of all time, and missing it becasue there are a few swear words, or the content bothers you, is simply weakness and an inability to face the ugliness of the American Dream, and the consequences, and responsibilities that come along with it.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most important films of our time
Review: Swimning to Cambodia is unquestionably one of the most important films of our time. It will shake you out of the duldrums of hyped up action / dude films and the inanity of chic flicks, and actually make you open your brain (no spoon feeding here). If you choose to close down after the film is over, that is your choice, but if you pay attention to the film and let it take you where it inevitably will, you will be forever changed. This is not a film that will require thought to watch; it is a film that will you require you to think when it has finished. Spalding Gray's insight into the human prospect and what "the killing fields" (read Vietnam) did to the world is compelling, and maybe for some, hits too close to home. Don't expect Saplding Gray to pull his punches here...don't expect the humor inherent in Monster In A Box; it is not there. Swimning To Cambodia is raw, intelligent and not for even one second does it hold back. It will probably never get the recognition it deserves, but make no mistake about it this is one of the most important films of all time, and missing it becasue there are a few swear words, or the content bothers you, is simply weakness and an inability to face the ugliness of the American Dream, and the consequences, and responsibilities that come along with it.
Rating:
Summary: Dont Forget
Review: The other reviewers said pretty much all I would want to say.. (Its Great) But, this film also has a sountrack (sort of) by none other than Laurie Anderson. Even if I wasnt a Gray fan I'd get it just for the weird noises and sometimes "nice" sounds.
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