(Applause Books). A master actor who's appeared in an enormous number of films, starring with everyone from Nicholson to Kermit the Frog, Michael Caine is uniquely qualified to provide his view of making movies. This revised and expanded edition features great photos, with chapters on: Preparation, In Front of the Camera Before You Shoot, The Take, Characters, Directors, On Being a Star, and much more. "Remarkable material ... A treasure ... I'm not going to be looking at performances quite the same way ... FASCINATING!" Gene Siskel
Now in his 85th year, Hollywood legend Michael Caine shares wisdom and stories from his remarkable career in this "engrossing" memoir that "shines with positive energy" (Library Journal, starred review). One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role--with a skill that's made it look easy. Caine knows what success takes. He's made it to the pinnacle of his profession from humble origins. But as he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it." Still working and more beloved than ever, Caine now shares everything he's learned-and "his fans will be rewarded, as will anyone seeking an enjoyable, inspirational read" (Library Journal).
Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act When he was in his late fifties, Michael Caine believed his glamorous, rags-to-riches Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. When one script really disappointed, he called the producer to complain about the part. The producer said, "No, no, we don't want you for the lover, we want you for the father." Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was not only an incredible personal transformation but also one of the most radical comebacks in film history. Learning to accept his new role both on camera and in his own life, Caine went on to win his second Oscar, be knighted by the queen, and deliver some of his best performances to date. Now he shares the spectacular story of his life, from his humble upbringing in London's poverty-stricken Elephant and Castle, his military service, touching marriage and family life, and lively adventures with friends, to legendary meetings with fellow stars, forays as a restaurateur, and hilarious off-screen encounters from his glittering five-decade career. Caine's The Elephant to Hollywood brings his gift for storytelling and his insider's view to a tale that is funny, warm, and deeply honest.
He defined an era and still helps define a nation, Michael Caine is a cult figure, an icon and a cinematic heavyweight, who has given some of the greatest big-screen performances on either side of the Atlantic. This book is a celebration, documentation, and fascinating insight into the performances that made that icon - the story behind the roles, the reactions, the influences, and - in some cases - the backlash, plus quotes from the man himself on his performances and from those he worked with. Caine has made over 80 films in his career, and all are covered here, from the early British successes of Zulu, The Italian Job, and his hugely influential gangster portrayal in Get Carter through the maturity of Hannah and her Sisters, the doomed stinkers such as The Swarm and back to his best with Cider House Rules and The Quiet American. Author Matthew Field, who has interviewed Caine, shows his enthusiasm and detailed research of the actor's work in a book that is not only for the fans of the man himself, but for those with a love of cinema and the craft of acting itself.
- Photographs of Michael Caine from the camera of Terry O'Neill CBE - Captures Caine across several celebrated roles, from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to Get Carter - Black-and-white and color images reveal Caine's innate cool, both on and off-screen - Includes never-before-seen contact sheets "When the pre-eminent portrait photographer of the day met the Cockney kid dominating the London film scene, magic was made." -- Australian Women's Weekly Icons "Caine, the timeless gentleman." -- Diego Armes, GQ Portugal "The engaging images are either black and white or in color and therefore perfectly show all facets of the actor. A wonderful book about a very special and remarkable actor! 5 Stars!" -- Lovely Books "I had to be an actor," Michael Caine once said. "[...] And of course, you have to remember with me, the alternative was a factory." A working-class actor who broke through to stardom, Caine's screen-time involves standout performances across multiple genres. To this day, he is synonymous with a certain kind of urbane cool. No camera has captured this quality over the decades better than that of his collaborator and long-time friend, Terry O'Neill. Michael Caine: Photographed by Terry O'Neill offers an immersive visual journey through Michael Caine's career, immortalizing Caine's charm both in and out of character. Caine occupies a landmark position in cinema and O'Neill was there from the early days of his stellar career. From the comedy of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to the European drama of Seven Times A Woman; from the miasma of The Magus to the British cult classic Get Carter, this book combines black and white and color images and includes never-before-seen contact sheets. Featuring the following films: Mona Lisa, Midnight in Saint Petersburg / Bullet to Beijing, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Blue Ice, Without a Clue, Get Carter, Deadfall, Magus, Woman Times Seven, Funeral in Berlin.
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2022 BY THE NEW YORKER The incredible rags-to-riches story of acclaimed actor Brian Cox, best known as Succession’s Logan Roy, from a troubled, working-class upbringing in Scotland to a prolific career across theatre, film and television. From Hannibal Lecktor in Manhunter to media magnate Logan Roy in HBO's Succession, Brian Cox has made his name as an actor of unparalleled distinction and versatility. We are familiar with him on screen, but few know of his extraordinary life story. Growing up in Dundee, Scotland, Cox lost his father when he was just eight years old and was brought up by his three elder sisters in the aftermath of his mother's nervous breakdowns and ultimate hospitalization. After joining the Dundee Repertory Theatre at the age of fifteen, you could say the rest is history — but that is to overlook the enormous effort that has gone into the making of the legend we know today. Rich in emotion and meaning, with plenty of laughs along the way, this seminal autobiography captures both Cox's distinctive voice and his very soul.
The epitome of cool, Michael Caine: 1960s features stunning photography of the actor both on and off screen in this, his defining decade. As part of the Swinging Sixties scene in London, Caine was pictured with the hippest actors, models and photographers of the period. Also captured here is Caine on the set of many of his most iconic films from the era, including Zulu, Alfie, The Ipcress File and The Italian Job. These hip and stylish photographs are accompanied by design and text from the renowned Graham Marsh.
