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An in-depth examination of one of Hollywood's most famous, and infamous, directors and stars.

About the Author

Christopher Sandford has reviewed and written about film and music for over twenty years. A regular contributor to titles on both sides of the Atlantic, himself profiled in Rolling Stone magazine, he's published acclaimed biographies of Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney and Steve McQueen. His bestselling life of Kurt Cobain is currently in development as a feature film. A dual national, Christopher Sandford divides his time between Seattle, Surrey and Lord's cricket ground. He's married, with one son.

Reviews

Celebrity biographer Sandford (McCartney, etc.) tackles the life of director Roman Polanski, but only scratches the surface of one of cinema's most controversial figures. Born in Paris in 1933, Polanski, with his family, moved to Poland in 1936 on the eve of World War II. His mother died in Auschwitz and his father was imprisoned for the duration of the war, leaving Polanski to fend for himself in the Krakow ghetto. He later attended Lodz's National Film School and began attracting attention for themes that would become his trademarks: voyeurism, sexual tension and latent violence. Polanski took full advantage of the "swinging" '60s in Paris, London and later America, and developed a reputation as a lothario with an eye for younger women. His life and career in America, which included the classics Rosemary's Baby (1968) and Chinatown (1974), were marred by two pivotal events: the 1969 slaying of his pregnant wife, actress Sharon Tate, by members of Charlie Manson's "Family" and Polanski's own arrest in 1977 for the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. (Sept.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Biographer Sandford (McCartney; Kurt Cobain) delivers the latest work to explore Roman Polanski, notoriously controversial director of Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, and The Pianist. Recounted are many of the hideous events Polanski witnessed as a child in German-occupied Poland, from which he formed a worldview often reflected in his films. Sandford takes every opportunity to address the transformative events of Polanski's life, often initiated by Polanski himself; not surprisingly, the author speculates on the possibility that many a metamorphosis was, and is, intentional fabrication. Drawing from firsthand interviews with the director's associates and colleagues, as well as Polanski's autobiography, Roman by Polanski, Sandford writes this life-spanning survey with casual fluidity--seemingly appropriate for a man so well known for his nonchalant personal exploits. Stories of Polanski are seemingly always up for dispute and practically by default evoke conflicting views of his personal moral character. Nonetheless, Polanski's artistry is generally held in high regard, and Sandford's obvious knowledge and critical estimation of Polanski's work conveys a tough but appealing fairness that should be welcomed by scholars and lay readers alike.--Eric Pasteur, Peoria P.L., IL Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.