Madly Deeply is a rare invitation into the mind of Alan Rickman—one of the most magnetic, beloved performers of our time.
From his breakout role in Die Hard to his outstanding, multifaceted performances in the Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and more, Alan Rickman cemented his legacy as a world-class actor. His air of dignity, his sonorous voice, and the knowing wit he brought to each role continue to captivate audiences today.
But Rickman’s ability to breathe life into projects wasn't confined to just his performances. As you'll find, Rickman's diaries detail the extraordinary and the ordinary, flitting between worldly and witty and gossipy, while remaining utterly candid throughout. He takes us inside his home, on trips with friends across the globe, and on the sets of films and plays ranging from Sense and Sensibility, to Noël Coward's Private Lives, to the final film he directed, A Little Chaos.
Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Rickman's public and private life. Reading them is like listening to Rickman chatting to a close companion. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.
Madly, Deeply features a photo insert, a foreword by Emma Thompson, and an afterword by Rima Horton.
I find myself rather conflicted in writing this review. Being an Alan Rickman fan, I had anticipated this book for months.
The definition of the word "diary" is: a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences. A subnote says--British: a datebook. So this is definitely a datebook sort of diary with mostly short entries and time stamps, rather than a journal of detailed thoughts and experiences.
He attended countless parties and social gatherings. Rickman watched many films and attended plays in support of his friends and the arts. The details about his own filming experiences tend to be scarce and minimal in some entries and more verbose in others. Much is mundane recording of house renovations and daily activities or travel frustrations.
There were many parts I appreciated. Among them, the loving way he spoke of his mother, especially at her death. His musings after the terrible shooting at Dunblane. His perceptions after reading the last Harry Potter book and Snape's end. His tenderness toward Maggie Smith as she was going through treatment for breast cancer during the filming of Half-Blood Prince. And his utter disdain for award shows.
He gave praise when he believed it was due and he was just as critical. In some instances, scathingly so.
At one point, I said to The Doctor (who is British) that Rickman was often critical, cynical, and snarky. The Doctor's reply? "So British, then?" And I laughed, because he is correct. Rickman was very British and that comes through in his writing, which is also just as witty as one would expect from him.
The foreword and afterword are good. The editing is questionable. What was edited and why? And the lack of consistency in documenting who was who was frustrating. I finally gave up trying to figure out each person Rickman talked about.
There is a scarcity to his words and an assumption that the reader will know the unmentioned details, which makes it hard for me to believe that he intended for these diaries to be published. And if he did, I can only assume he would have been in control and could have added clarity and insight.
I adore Alan Rickman, I always have. And while I would have loved a true memoir from him, I did find his diaries fascinating.
Read 5/23
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3/5 Stars
3/5 Stars
I found your review fascinating reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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