The Big Picture: Who Killed Hollywood? and Other Essays

The Big Picture: Who Killed Hollywood? and Other Essays is a collection of William Goldman's writings about the film industry, compiled from his pieces in Premiere magazine and other sources. Goldman, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, examines the state of Hollywood at the turn of the millennium. The book presents Goldman's direct observations about film production, the studio system, and specific movies from his decades of experience in the industry. His analysis includes commentary on notable films like Good Will Hunting and perspectives on major industry figures, drawing from his unique position as both an insider and critic. Through sharp commentary and industry knowledge, Goldman addresses the forces he sees as responsible for changes in Hollywood's creative and business landscape. The essays track the evolution of the film industry from the classic studio era through the contemporary blockbuster age. The collection serves as both a critique of Hollywood's systemic issues and a celebration of the art of filmmaking, offering insights into the complex relationship between commerce and creativity in American cinema.

Readers view this as a bitter but honest insider account of Hollywood's transformation into a blockbuster-focused industry. Many cite Goldman's blunt assessments and personal anecdotes as highlights. Liked: - Raw, unfiltered commentary on studio executives - Behind-the-scenes details about film development - Clear explanations of Hollywood's business shifts - Goldman's sharp humor and direct writing style Disliked: - Repetitive points from his previous books - Overly negative tone throughout - Some outdated references - Focus on complaints rather than solutions "He names names and takes no prisoners," notes one Amazon reviewer. Multiple readers mention the book feels like a frustrated rant, though an informative one. Several point out the essays work better read individually than as a collection. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (838 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (92 ratings)

Down and Dirty Pictures by Peter Biskind Chronicles the rise of independent film in the 1990s through key players like Harvey Weinstein and Miramax Films, revealing the power dynamics that transformed American cinema.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind Documents the revolution in American filmmaking during the 1970s through accounts of directors including Scorsese, Coppola, and Spielberg.

Final Cut: Art, Money, and Ego in the Making of Heaven's Gate by Steven Bach Details the production of Heaven's Gate and its impact on United Artists, illustrating how one film's failure changed Hollywood's studio system.

Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman Provides insights into screenwriting and film production through firsthand experiences with classic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again by Julia Phillips Presents an insider's account of Hollywood's power structure from the first female producer to win an Academy Award.

🎬 Goldman won Academy Awards for both "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men," proving his deep understanding of what makes films successful. 📚 Before his Hollywood career, Goldman was a novelist who stumbled into screenwriting when his book "No Way to Treat a Lady" caught the attention of actor Cliff Robertson. 🎯 The book's title essay argues that Hollywood's obsession with blockbusters and merchandising potential killed the mid-budget, character-driven films of the 1970s. 💫 Goldman coined the famous Hollywood phrase "Nobody knows anything," highlighting the industry's inability to predict which films will become hits. 🎥 The book was published in 2000, at a pivotal moment when studios were transitioning from independent productions to franchise-focused entertainment models.