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A Spectacle of Dust: The Autobiography. Pete Postlethwaite
The candid memoirs of a great character actor Steven Spielberg called him "the best actor in the world," about which Postlethwaite said: "I'm sure what Spielberg actually said was, 'the thing about Pete is that he thinks he's the best actor in the world.'" This is the story of a diverse and multi-talented actor's eventful life, told in his own vibrant words as he was at th
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Paperback
Published
October 1st 2012
by Phoenix
(first published July 14th 2011)
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Community Reviews
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Pete Postlethwaite was one of my favourite actors and it was a sad and real loss to the acting world when he passed away in early 2011 at the age of only 64.
I read Pete's autobiography for some reason sort of back to front, not a thing I normally do! I don't know if it was because I ended up with the large print edition from the library that had very dark print or it was just the way it was written, but I found the beginning chapters a bit of a chore, whereas I really enjoyed the second half of ...more
I read Pete's autobiography for some reason sort of back to front, not a thing I normally do! I don't know if it was because I ended up with the large print edition from the library that had very dark print or it was just the way it was written, but I found the beginning chapters a bit of a chore, whereas I really enjoyed the second half of ...more
Saw Pete in The Tempest at Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre. The greatest English actor at the greatest British theatre - lush. Oh and once had pizza with him in Chichester - He was at the next table but you know what I mean!
An interesting memoir, especially poignant at the end chapter which was written whilst Pete's prognosis was bleak & terminal. I really enjoyed reading all about his career in the beginning as a teacher & then his rise to fame as one of Britain's well loved actors. True to himself & his artistic & personal values; this man was understated & brilliant. He always considered himself to be a 'jobbing actor' at heart with no real interest in money or the trappings of fame. I especi
...more
Pete Postlethwaite was a one-off, a loving, generous, decent man who realised in his teens that "acting" is not a frivolous pursuit. Done in the right spirit, acting is Art - a way to open our lenses of perception beyond superficial interactions with each other. The Art in acting is to reveal us to ourselves at one remove so that we see our deepest secrets writ large on the stage of life. When acting is Art we are changed by it, by deeply witnessing it and letting our hidden selves connect with
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Pete Postlethwaite is the kind of actor that can become one of your favorites from a single role. Although I must have seen him in things like
The Lost World
when I was a bit younger, I first noticed Pete's capability in his Oscar-nominated role as Giuseppe Conlon alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in
In the Name of the Father
. It is the kind of performance that begs recognition, and really should have won the Oscar (Tommy Lee Jones won for
The Fugitive
instead. TLJ is great, but that's a bit silly).
I d ...more
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This is the autobiography of the British actor whom Steven Spielberg called "the best actor in the world". Nominated for an Oscar for his powerful performance in the movie "In the Name of the Father", Pete Postlethwaite, who died earlier this year, was a well-respected veteran of the stage, TV, and movies.
The book focuses mainly on his career, full of interesting anecdotes about his development as an actor, and of the projects and people he worked with. It is an unfailingly honest story, where h ...more
The book focuses mainly on his career, full of interesting anecdotes about his development as an actor, and of the projects and people he worked with. It is an unfailingly honest story, where h ...more
The best autobiographies delve deep into a character's soul, giving us hidden and illuminating insights. Pete Postlethwaite was a fine actor and gregarious man. He wasn't perfect, though, and he was the first to admit it. Passionate and difficult, at times, he wanted to challenge himself at every turn. For that we should be grateful as evidenced by his stellar career and love for those close to him.
I've long been a fan of this - in my opinion - underrated actor, so when I saw this autobiography on the returns trolley at the library, I knew I had to check it out.
The account is honest and open. Postlethwaite tells it like it is - warts and all - which is the essence of who he was. A fascinating and moving read.
Pete was taken from us too soon. He is missed.
The account is honest and open. Postlethwaite tells it like it is - warts and all - which is the essence of who he was. A fascinating and moving read.
Pete was taken from us too soon. He is missed.
Enjoying this book. He Played the Father in Distant voices very well which was an unusual part for him especially after Brassed off. What a pity he died so young at 64. Who knows what more he might have achieved
Sorry but I abandoned this, it is just boring. Disappointing to me as Pete Postlethwaite is one of my most favourite actors.
Five stars - need i say more!
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