Ron Perlman (1) (1950–)

Ron Perlman has been one of my favorite actors since I first saw him in The Name of the Rose and Beauty and the Beast. When Enemy at the Gates came out, I didn't care that Rachel Weisz, Jude Law, or Joseph Fiennes were in it—I saw that movie because of Ron Perlman and Ed Harris.

Mr. Perlman is one of the most compelling performers in movies and television. He makes challenging and intelligent choices, his portrayals are always riveting. He's widely respected, reportedly well liked by his coworkers, and he has a reputation in the acting community for being generous, kind, and big-hearted.

Prior to reading Easy Street (the Hard Way), I hadn't known much of anything about his background—the poverty he was raised in, his family tragedies, his struggle with depression. Mr. Perlman is an admirable man. Knowing now what he's been through and what he overcame to achieve his personal and professional success, I admire him all the more.

But he's a terrible writer.

The writing in this book is painfully amateurish—and that's being kinder than I probably should be. It's self-consciously affected, cliché-ridden, and embarrassingly convinced of its own profundity.

But here's the thing—I don't want to be harsh about this book. Mr. Perlman is smart and self-aware, a skilled and accomplished man who overcame great obstacles in his life and yet managed to remain kind and passionate, and who somehow kept his sense of humor through it all. All of that is evident in this work and all of that is worthy of great praise.

It's just that, for all his talents, he's a terrible writer.

It's always interesting to get a glimpse into someone else's worldview, to learn about someone else's experience of life. The stories he tells of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, of his family and personal history, are fascinating. I have no doubt that if Mr. Perlman were to regale us with these tales in person, the experience would be an utter delight.

Written out on paper, it's frequently cringe-worthy.

To criticize this book feels too much like I'm personally criticizing the man. And that bothers me because it's unfair to the man.

Moreover, this book is driven by a powerful sense of mission. Mr. Perlman wants to make a difference in the world by telling his own story. Observing the changes wrought in our culture over the course of his lifetime, he doesn't like what he's seen and he has dedicated himself to making something better for his children. He's passionate about his cause, and about his beloved art. Whether or not you agree with his vociferous criticisms of modern culture, you have to admire his strong commitment to define a better and more humane path forward for us all.

I have immense respect and admiration for Ron Perlman, as a human being and as an actor.

But his writing is pretty bad.

He has important things to say—I just wish he said them better.… (plus d'informations)