Definitive it may be, but Robin Williams’ biography still leaves us wanting more.
‘The definitive biography,” writes Steve Martin on the cover, and it is hard to imagine any better book will be written about Robin Williams’ life. New York Times reporter David Itzkoff has watched every minute of videotape, interviewed family members, colleagues and ex-wives and pored over 40 years of playbills and reviews. The research was exhaustive and journalistic, and included extended conversations with the man himself.
So, there is nothing more in the world we can learn about this unrivalled talent – and yet we are left knowing not much more than when we began reading. Williams’ death at 63 was unexpected and unsignposted. Without a suicide note, we are left to guess at his state of mind. Was he unable to continue a life defined by mental agility but rapidly succumbing to Lewy body dementia, or was the act spontaneous, fuelled by the hallucinations that come with that disease? There is nobody left to ask.
Denne historien er fra July 7 - 13 2018-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra July 7 - 13 2018-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
