Inside Inside

I loved this book!!! James Lipton can write and does indeed write extremely well. The first half is indeed more autobiographical in nature but is a very interesting behind the scenes story of his life and art. Mr. Lipton includes plenty of self-congratulation, but contrary to some reviews, which made the book much more interesting for me.

Most of the last half is about "Inside the Actor's Studio", a TV-series that I never missed once I discovered it. I ran into a dozen or so passes that were quite moving as I read this book. I highly recommend the book for anyone who enjoyed the series and/or finds James Lipton to be an interesting fellow.

Just ignore the title and expect more than just about going Inside "Inside the Actor's Studio". If you only want the TV series part, read chapters 11-17 and view the photo section. Be warned, however, that you will miss some real nuggets.

What I wished he had included (think future edition) is a list of the 200 or so guests who appeared on "Inside the Actor's Studio", in order, in an appendix.

James Lipton provides the reader with a modestly-written account of his multi-faceted career and his many accomplishments. It is easy to journey with him from his initial efforts to earn money for law school to his accomplishments on radio, in television, on the stage and, finally as a (the?) principal of the Actors' Studio. That's the first half of the book. The second half is a review of many of the actors, actresses, writers and directors who were interviewed by him on "Inside the Actor's Studio" arranged with emphasis less on the individuals and their fame and more on their mettle. For devotees of the program, it is another wonderful journey with Lipton. For those who have not watched his television series on Bravo and who don't know James Lipton, it is an introduction to a most talented and accomplished individual who has a wonderful story to tell. "Inside Inside" is a most enjoyable read.

In a nutshell:
Despite a long introduction assuring us it's not all about James Lipton, it's all about James Lipton.
Pompous and self-serving, ponderous reading.
Word for word rehashing of the tv shows' conversations with little to no new information or insight.
Mr. Lipton never misses an opportunity to sing his own praises (or to quote others who also, invariably, sing his praises). I'm a fan of the show and had no idea Mr. Lipton was so accomplished in so many areas. But a reader can only take so much and this unending litany of "aren't I wonderful and oh, by the way, aren't I wonderful." It gets tiresome quickly.

I, like most readers I assume, ventured to this book under the auspice that it could possibly reveal some kernels from behind-the-scenes of a show so devotely watched and scrutinized. I, also, have joined the legions that have enjoyed mocking, mimicking and wondering what possibly could have spawned such a fawning, erudite boob. Yet, while Lipton has over the years been the easiest of targets (i.e. Will Farrell, Ali G, etc.) there has always been an aspect that you cannot dismiss about him altogether.
Not only has he survived such ridicule with aplomb, but he has embraced it. (i.e. having Ferrell on show, appearances on Conan O'Brian)

What emerges in the book is a life enmeshed with literary and artistic giants but also a portrait of grace, intelligence and generosity. Lipton is uncommonly frank and is only discreet when the embarrassment is for someone other than him.
Most likely unknown are his previous best-selling books, Broadway musicals and collaborations with Arthus Miller, Baryshnikov, Stella Adler and other world movers that he can count as friends and heroes.

While I, too, was seeking more on the likes of Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman and Martin Scorcese, what I found was something more interesting. My own assumtions eroded and a new appreciation of the man, the arts and all the people that come and go through his long journey to the show. It's quite impressive.

That being said, be WARNED. Lipton is an erudite, a son of a writer, who published a book on words themselves ('The Exhaltation of Larks'). Don't go two steps from this reading without a dictionary in hand. Think I'm kidding? Then ask yourself- Are you a sesquipedalian?

Not a tell-all, nor a peep backstage, but a deep and winding discovery of a treasure hidden in plain sight.

I heard James Lipton interviewed by Elvis Mitchell on KCRW's The Treatment (broadcast March 19, 2008). Lipton was promoting Inside Inside. The interview made me want to buy the book. When I visited Amazon to make the hardcover purchase the reader reviews were rather unkind and I thought, unfair. The theme of the complaints seemed to be that the book centered too much on Lipton and not enough on the show Inside The Actors Studio or on the stars who'd graced the show. Well after hearing that interview with Lipton on The Treatment, I came away understanding that Lipton's book was about himself and the different people and events that had influenced him. People who purchased the book thinking it was about something else perhaps did not bother to listen to Lipton before purchasing the book. James Lipton is a good story teller and at age 80 he has some good stories to tell. His classical education shows itself in his facility with language and in the themes around which he groups his essays. There are those who state that Inside Inside is too centered on Lipton as if that is a detriment instead of an asset. Lipton has had a rich life and he has met quite a few interesting characters outside of the well-knowns he's interviewed on the show. The manner in which he introduces you to these characters and allows you to get to know them through his memories is quite engaging. Still, this book may not be engaging for everyone. Before purchasing Inside Inside, or any book for that matter, I would suggest sampling one chapter of the book. If you would like an audio sample of Chapter 6 of Inside Inside you may search Y-o-u T-u-b-e for the ISBN-13 number for Inside Inside. The number is 978-052595035.