David
Ready for My Closeup is a wonderfully researched look at the making of one of the greatest films ever made about the Hollywood machine—Sunset Boulevard—and arguably one of the greatest films of all time, period. The book strikes a perfect balance between deep historical insight and sheer entertainment, making it a quick, engaging read even for casual film fans.
Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, it explores not only how the film came together but also the profound cultural impact it had—on Hollywood, on audiences, and on the people who created it. The author brings the era vividly to life, capturing the glamour, delusion, and sharp-edged cynicism that still feel remarkably relevant today.
Fun (and dark) fact: this was reportedly a favorite film of Felon Trump. As Stephanie Grisham recounts in her memoir after watching it with him:
“Here was a woman (Norma Desmond) who was convinced that everyone loved her and lived in a fantasy world of her own making. I’m sure that Trump had no clue—like none—how similar to him she was.”
A cautionary tale about delusion, power, and decay—tragically lost on its biggest fan.
Ready for My Closeup is a wonderfully researched look at the making of one of the greatest films ever made about the Hollywood machine—Sunset Boulevard—and arguably one of the greatest films of all time, period. The book strikes a perfect balance between deep historical insight and sheer entertainment, making it a quick, engaging read even for casual film fans.
Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, it explores not only how the film came together but also the profound cultural impact it had—on Hollywood, on audiences, and on the people who created it. The author brings the era vividly to life, capturing the glamour, delusion, and sharp-edged cynicism that still feel remarkably relevant today.
Fun (and dark) fact: this was reportedly a favorite film of Felon Trump. As Stephanie Grisham recounts in her memoir after watching it with him:
“Here was a woman (Norma Desmond) who was convinced that everyone loved her and lived in a fantasy world of her own making. I’m sure that Trump had no clue—like none—how similar to him she was.”
A cautionary tale about delusion, power, and decay—tragically lost on its biggest fan.