Title: Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film
Author: Patton Oswalt
First published January 6, 2015
240 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781451673234 (ISBN10: 145167323X)
Rating: 3.62
Overview
In the late ’90s, Patton Oswalt found himself consumed by an addiction that would shape the course of his life. But it wasn’t drugs or alcohol that had him in their grip – it was movies.
Moving to Los Angeles opened up a whole new world for Oswalt, and he quickly became a sprocket fiend, devouring everything from classic films to cult hits at the legendary New Beverly Cinema. As he immersed himself in the world of cinema, he discovered that the silver screen had become his life schoolbook, informing his views on everything from acting and writing to comedy and relationships.
In Silver Screen Fiend, Oswalt takes us on a journey back to the early days of LA’s alternative comedy scene, where he went from aspiring stand-up comedian to successful sitcom actor with the help of the colorful characters he met at the New Beverly. With his trademark wit and insight, Oswalt shares a story of addiction, obsession, and ultimately, self-discovery.
About the Author
Meet Patton Oswalt, a multi-talented American entertainer who dabbles in stand-up comedy, writing, and acting. Oswalt’s personal life has been marked by tragedy, as his first wife Michelle McNamara passed away.
Despite this heartbreaking loss, Oswalt continues to pursue his passions and make his mark in the entertainment industry.
Editoral Review
Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film by Patton Oswalt is an honest, hilarious, and heart-wrenching memoir that explores the author’s obsession with movies and how it impacted his life in unexpected ways. Published on January 6, 2015, the book is a blend of memoir, film criticism, and cultural commentary that is sure to captivate readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Patton Oswalt, a renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, is known for his sharp wit, pop culture references, and unapologetic honesty. Silver Screen Fiend is his second book, following the critically acclaimed zombie novel, Zombie Spaceship Wasteland.
However, this memoir is an entirely different beast, as it delves deep into the author’s personal life, childhood, and career as he navigates his addiction to movies in the late 1990s. The book is divided into three parts, each presenting a different stage in Oswalt’s life as a self-proclaimed film buff.
In the first part, titled “The Early Years,” the author recounts his childhood love of movies and how he developed a deep connection to cinema by watching obscure films in his local video rental store. As he grows older, he becomes obsessed with the screening schedules at the New Beverly Cinema in Hollywood, which plays double features of classic films.
In the second part, “The Addiction Years,” Oswalt details his descent into movie madness, as he spends all his free time watching movies and neglecting his personal relationships and career. He mentions how he found refuge in the dark theater and how he viewed films as a kind of therapy that helped him deal with his depression and anxieties.
However, the third part, “Redemption,” is the most poignant and powerful of the book. Oswalt realizes that his addiction to movies has become a crutch and that he needs to find a way to overcome it.
He acknowledges how he needs to start living in the real world and take responsibility for his actions. This part is a testament to the author’s resilience, vulnerability, and growth.
What makes Silver Screen Fiend a compelling read is not only Oswalt’s witty prose and film analysis, but also his ability to connect his personal experiences with larger themes of addiction, art, and identity. The book is not just a memoir about a film addict but also a meditation on life, loss, and the power of storytelling.
The author’s love for cinema is contagious, and readers will find themselves yearning to watch old classics and discover new favorites. Oswalt also provides insightful commentary on various filmmakers, actors, and genres, offering readers a crash course in film history.
However, the book is not without its flaws. There are moments when Oswalt’s humor feels forced, and the pacing can drag a bit.
Also, some readers may find it hard to relate to specific personal anecdotes, as they are quite niche and specific to the author’s experiences. Overall, Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film is a poignant, funny, and engaging memoir that will resonate with anyone who has ever found solace in art.
Oswalt’s writing is lively, honest, and sincere, and his passion for movies is infectious. Readers who are looking for an insightful, humorous, and heartfelt memoir will not be disappointed.
For these reasons, the Washington Post gives Silver Screen Fiend a rating of four out of five stars.
