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A review by fatherroderick
Mars Attacks Memoirs by Jonathan Gems
2.0
'Mars Attacks Memoirs' by Jonathan Gems and Mila Pops is an intriguing yet frustrating read. Essentially an almost unredacted transcript of four interviews with Hollywood screenwriter Jonathan Gems, conducted by Mila Pops, the book offers a candid look into the mind behind the cult classic film. However, it suffers from significant structural issues and lacks the editorial finesse needed to make it truly compelling.
One of the most glaring issues is the erratic nature of the interviews. Pops often allows Gems to veer off-topic, leading to repetitive discussions and tangential rants. This lack of focus detracts from what could have been a more cohesive narrative. For instance, the first interview delves deeply into the lukewarm reception of 'Mars Attacks!'—a topic that seems more suited for the conclusion of the book. Gems' occasional drift into conspiracy theories, such as alleging a 'deep state' conspiracy against the film, feels more like unfounded speculation than insightful commentary.
Gems' involvement in the actual filming of the movie was minimal, yet Pops persistently probes him about the star actors and their on-set behaviors. Gems' responses are often diplomatic and vague, offering little more than generic praise like "he or she was marvelous, generous, original," which adds little value for the reader. Pops, at times, displays a concerning lack of industry knowledge, resulting in surface-level questions that fail to elicit deeper insights.
Despite these flaws, the book occasionally stumbles upon fascinating tidbits about Hollywood's darker side—the transactional nature of relationships, the frequent abuse and misbehavior by powerful figures, and the frustrating influence of studio executives on creative decisions. Unfortunately, these moments are fleeting, and the next question often jarringly shifts back to trivial matters, missing opportunities to explore these themes further.
The book is in dire need of substantial redaction and perhaps a complete rewrite. Consolidating overlapping topics, improving the structure and coherence, cutting the fluff, and incorporating other perspectives would immensely enhance its readability and depth. As it stands, 'Mars Attacks Memoirs' is a mixed bag—occasionally interesting but ultimately disappointing due to its lack of critical, in-depth questioning and structural integrity.
One of the most glaring issues is the erratic nature of the interviews. Pops often allows Gems to veer off-topic, leading to repetitive discussions and tangential rants. This lack of focus detracts from what could have been a more cohesive narrative. For instance, the first interview delves deeply into the lukewarm reception of 'Mars Attacks!'—a topic that seems more suited for the conclusion of the book. Gems' occasional drift into conspiracy theories, such as alleging a 'deep state' conspiracy against the film, feels more like unfounded speculation than insightful commentary.
Gems' involvement in the actual filming of the movie was minimal, yet Pops persistently probes him about the star actors and their on-set behaviors. Gems' responses are often diplomatic and vague, offering little more than generic praise like "he or she was marvelous, generous, original," which adds little value for the reader. Pops, at times, displays a concerning lack of industry knowledge, resulting in surface-level questions that fail to elicit deeper insights.
Despite these flaws, the book occasionally stumbles upon fascinating tidbits about Hollywood's darker side—the transactional nature of relationships, the frequent abuse and misbehavior by powerful figures, and the frustrating influence of studio executives on creative decisions. Unfortunately, these moments are fleeting, and the next question often jarringly shifts back to trivial matters, missing opportunities to explore these themes further.
The book is in dire need of substantial redaction and perhaps a complete rewrite. Consolidating overlapping topics, improving the structure and coherence, cutting the fluff, and incorporating other perspectives would immensely enhance its readability and depth. As it stands, 'Mars Attacks Memoirs' is a mixed bag—occasionally interesting but ultimately disappointing due to its lack of critical, in-depth questioning and structural integrity.