Library Journal
One of these two coffee-table books pays homage to "The Sexiest Man of the 20th Century;" the other, though affectionate, tries to make sense of the poor choices made by probably the most influential actor of the last part of the century. From milkman to movie star, from Tommy Connery to Sir Sean, McCabe's treatment of Sean Connery is an homage to a life that was virtually invented. Casting about as a laborer, Connery was able to parlay his good looks into some modeling and acting roles. He shunned formal education and acting classes and instead spent ten years reading voraciously, watching, and listening, developing his voice and movement, and studying Marlon Brandon's acting techniques. Though he acted steadily, the film world really didn't know what to do with him; he was a new kind of actor. Then along came Bond--James Bond--and the rest is cinematic history. At 70, Connery is probably hotter than ever. This is not the case for Marlon Brando. Schickel, film critic for Time magazine, here revises and updates his 1991 book of the same name (LJ 7/91. o.p.), which now appears in a completely new format with additional text and pictures. It is no wonder that Connery studied Brando's acting techniques, as Brando has long been hailed as one of the world's greatest actors. But age has not been as kind to him as to Connery. Not only have Brando's looks faded, but, as Schickel reveals in his discussion of the actor's poor choices and self-destructive tendencies, Brando is a deeply troubled man. Though both books are lavishly illustrated, neither is an essential purchase, as they are expensive for what they deliver. Still, they are nice additions where funds allow.--Rosellen Brewer, Monterey Cty. Free Libs., Salinas, CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Booknews
This book traces the course of Connery's life from his impoverished childhood in Edinburgh through his casting as James Bond (007), and his later rejection of that role, to his Oscar for , and his recent knighting. Color and b&w photos are prominently featured. McCabe is a film writer and author. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
