The Odeon Online Book Review : The Elephant to Hollywood by Michael Caine.

Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, also known as Michael Caine, has written a few books and I have just finished reading his second autobiography titled 'The Elephant to Hollywood'. This was published in 2010 so it has been on the shelves for a few years now and sort of follows up his 1992 autobiography 'What's It All About?', fills in the blanks, and gives us a very personal account of the mans life. Back in the mid-90's Caine was at a point in his career where he thought he was largely done - his movie star status was beginning to shine less brightly and the big roles that had given him his movie stardom were no longer coming thick and fast. He had almost resigned himself to his fate of retiring to the English countryside, tending to his beloved gardens and spending out his days with his close knit family and friends.

Of course it didn't work out that way, and as we know Caine is still a jobbing Actor and still going strong appearing in many notable films in the last twenty or so years - small independents, mega budget action blockbusters and those in between, some of which have been highly acclaimed for his performances. Those include work with Christopher Nolan on the 'Batman' trilogy, 'The Prestige', 'Inception' and more recently 'Interstellar', and of course his Oscar winning turn in 'The Cider House Rules'. Still in demand, he will turn 82 years of age in March this year and when he finished this book he had just celebrated his 77th birthday.

This is a great read I must say and a very easy read. His writing style is from the heart and he describes passionately the moments in time, the places, the people and the opportunities he has had with a funny, charming and honest account of his life. Growing up in the grittier side of London (which he returned to to make 'Harry Brown') he had an upbringing nonetheless where he was surrounded by close family, caring and loving parents and a sense of community despite the hardships and the advent of the second world war.

Knowing from a fairly young age that he wanted to be in the movie business he struggled for many years to get a foothold, gain some recognition and secure parts that would move him forward. After his obligatory two years of National Service (which he also has some fond memories of) he did though have a great time in the late 50's going into the swinging 60's and as a result forged life long friendships with the likes of Sean Connery, Terrence Stamp, Stanley Baker, Roger Moore and the like. 1964 gave him his big break in 'Zulu' and he has never looked back. Those early years growing up and trying desperately to get a break are described in colourful detail, together with the girls, the clubs, the parties, the frustrating bit-parts and his own struggles to remember his lines, combat his nerves and overcome his fears when he did get in front of the camera.

Once he had arrived on the scene and was increasingly cast in bigger films and lead roles we are given an insiders view of Hollywood - the glitz, the glamour, the people, the movers & shakers, the movie business, the restaurants, bars & clubs and how it has changed and evolved over the many years he has been going too & fro. It's a fascinating insight that we rarely get to see or hear about - particularly from the perspective of someone living there in the latter end of the 20th Century.

After his early success with the likes of 'Alfie', 'The Ipcress File' and its two follow ups 'Funeral in Berlin' and 'Billion Dollar Brain' , 'The Italian Job', 'Get Carter' and 'The Man Who Would Be King' he made some duds it would be fair to say, taken on mostly for the chance to travel or to pay for a house extension - 'The Hand' and 'The Swarm' as notable standouts. His film choices and the Actors, Directors and Producers he has worked with are also laid out for us here in great detail too including what went on in front and behind the cameras, on-set and off it, and the necessities of an acting career that go on long after the film shoot has finished.

Throughout the book he seems to have always been very grounded, deeply appreciative of the circumstances that his acting career and its success has brought him, a firm believer in friendships and relationships, and never losing sight of his humble beginnings and his roots back in London's The Elephant & Castle. He is a family man first and foremost and bestows the most importance on his wife Shakira (married now for 40 years), his daughters Natasha and Dominique and his grandchildren, and his home in rural England and in it his love of gardening, cooking and sharing it with his nearest and dearest.

Reading the book you can't help think that he has had a privileged life, but, it is entirely of his own making, and it wasn't always that way. He was over 30 years of age when 'Zulu' came out, and his ongoing career success for the following 50 years has come about because of his own conviction, love for his craft and always keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground without succumbing to the excesses of Hollywood that we see all too often today.

As he gets older he mourns the passing of his dear friends that helped him along the way or have played a part in his life, the passing of the old Hollywood that he knew and loved so much and the impact that society is having on the less fortunate younger generation. That said he balances that with the new talent emerging in films which he continues to be fortunate enough to work with, his gratitude for the opportunities still afforded him, and the love and respect he still has for his chosen vocation in life.

The winner of two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, two BAFTA's and countless other wins and nominations as well as a Knighthood in 2000, Sir Michael Caine's 'The Elephant to Hollywood' is a heartfelt, funny and insightful read!

-Steve, at Odeon Online-