My Rating - 4/5
Violet-eyed siren Elizabeth Taylor and classically handsome Montgomery Clift were the most gorgeous screen couple of their time. Over two decades of friendship they made, separately and together, some of the era’s defining movies—including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Misfits, Suddenly, Last Summer, and Cleopatra. Yet the relationship between these two figures—one a dazzling, larger-than-life star, the other hugely talented yet fatally troubled—has never truly been explored until now.“Monty, Elizabeth likes me, but she loves you.” -Richard BurtonWhen Elizabeth Taylor was cast opposite Montgomery Clift in A Place in the Sun, he was already a movie idol, with a natural sensitivity that set him apart. At seventeen, Elizabeth was known for her ravishing beauty rather than her talent. Directors treated her like a glamorous prop. But Monty took her seriously, inspiring and encouraging her. In her words, “That’s when I began to act.”To Monty, she was “Bessie Mae,” a name he coined for her earthy, private side. The press clamored for a wedding, convinced this was more than friendship. The truth was even more complex. Monty was drawn to women but sexually attracted to men—a fact that, if made public, would destroy his career. But he found acceptance and kinship with Elizabeth. Her devotion was never clearer than after his devastating car crash near her Hollywood home, when she crawled into the wreckage and saved him from choking.Monty’s accident shattered his face and left him in constant pain. As he sank into alcoholism and addiction, Elizabeth used her power to keep him working. In turn, through scandals and multiple marriages, he was her constant. Their relationship endured until his death in 1966, right before he was to star with her in Reflections in a Golden Eye. His influence continued in her outspoken support for the gay community, especially during the AIDS crisis.Far more than the story of two icons, this is a unique and extraordinary love story that shines new light on both stars, revealing their triumphs, demons—and the loyalty that united them to the end.
I remember watching A Place in the Sun and thinking that Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor were two of the most beautiful people I had ever seen. They both have an ethereal beauty that you cannot look away from. It also doesn't hurt that it is a really great movie with each giving one of their best performances. That movie also launched a life long friendship between Monty and Liz which is the focus of Charles Casillo's book.
Nonfiction books are always a bit of a challenge to review. You can't discuss them the same way as you would fiction. Research is vital to a nonfiction book and Charles Casillo has certainly done his research. Peppered throughout are quotes from people to highlight and expand upon the points being made and to source where information is coming from. Quotes from both Elizabeth and Monty are also used which I found important in this case. The writing is smooth and concise making for a quick and enjoyable reading experience.
I only knew the barest of details about Montgomery Clift going in. I knew about his tragic accident that left him a vastly different man than he was prior. I knew about the substance abuse that started before the accident and worsened after. I also knew about his early death. The story of Montgomery Clift is a heartbreaking one but I wasn't sure just how much until reading this book. Montgomery definitely had his demons and seemed like he would both trigger the impulse for people to take care of him and push them away with his outlandish behaviour. The book paints a portrait of a broken man who was loved by those around him very much despite his flaws (and he was definitely a hot mess, especially at the end).
I was even less familiar with Elizabeth Taylor. I have only seen one or two of her movies but I was certainly aware of her scandals and affairs as any fan of classic Hollywood would be. Her story parallels Montgomery's in many ways which I what drew them to each other. They had similar childhoods which bonded them. Their friendship was unconditional and easily the most important relationship to either of them. They both seemed lonely even when surrounded by other people.
This book mainly focuses on their friendship and the time when they were in each other's lives. It does briefly touch on their childhoods and Elizabeth's life after Montgomery's death but that is not the focus. Those looking for an indepth look at the infamous Liz and Richard Burton relationship will not find that here, but it is touched upon. This is the story of a friendship and the two people within it.
Fans of either Elizabeth or Montgomery will definitely want to pick this one up. It gives you a great snapshot into the lives of these two stars and the enduring friendship they shared. I also recommend it to those with an interest in the golden age of Hollywood. They will also want to pick up this read that spotlights two of that era's brightest stars.
blue 1mg xanax
ReplyDelete