Book Pick: Mike Nichols A Life

If you're not sure who Mike Nichols is, chances are you have enjoyed at least one of his films. I'll wait here while you check IMDB.

Mike Nichols as a director, comedian, actor, and person......each embodiment is fascinating. He is a man who has presented his foibles, triumphs, failures and sensibilities to his audiences with each performance.

In listening to his story on audiobook (which I highly recommend for the unpretentious tone of the reader) I was intrigued by his early story of Jewish immigration to America, trying to fit in as a boy without hair and eyebrows, and how he navigated his own feelings about his parents and his new country.

I had NO idea who Nichols and May were and IMMEDIATELY had to go back and watch their old sketches.

I was immediately jealous because I have tried to create a heterosexual writing partnership for years and have never been able to make it happen.

I also loved the honesty of this book in addressing Mike's downfalls.....his many divorces and relationship failures, his struggle with early parenthood, drug use, reckless spending of money, his need for acceptance, his ego trips.....all of it is laid bare and is incredibly relatable.....even if you're not a famous film director.

As with many film directors, Mike had a few muses. My favorite was Meryl Streep. They definitely had an affinity for one another that shines through and creates great work. One of my faves is Silkwood.

And I'll be honest and say that my favorite films of his are Heartburn, Silkwood, The Birdcage and Charlie Wilson's War. I saw The Graduate and can barely remember it. I saw Working Girl and didn't really love it (except for Joan Cusack of course). Sometimes there are things that just aren't made for YOU. And that's okay.

But my absolute favorite piece of Nichols' work from stage to screen is his production of Tony Kushner's sublime play, Angels in America. I had to go back and re-watch after finishing the chapter describing the shoot, the actors and the labor of love it took to make the HBO film.

If you're a reader that loves Hollywood/Broadway name-dropping and still remembers who people like Elizabeth Taylor and Walter Matthau are, you will love this book. If you're a striver who loves second chances and redemption stories, you'll probably dig it too. And if you're a lover of stage craft, theater, and the art of film-making, you will definitely enjoy it.

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