Review by Booklist Review
Film and television journalist and critic Ryan has written the kind of book the phrase "searing indictment" was invented for: a straight-shooting, rigorously researched and documented exposé of Hollywood's culture of abuse. And not just the high-profile cases like that of producer Harvey Weinstein, whose history of sexual misconduct rocked the industry; Ryan takes us behind the scenes of popular television shows and into producers' offices, speaking with a lengthy list of industry insiders to build a compelling case that abuse in Hollywood--sexual, racial, gender-based, and more--is not a series of isolated incidents, but rather part of a larger pattern. Hollywood is rotting from the inside, and it will take major changes, which the author discusses in detail, to make it healthy. This appears to be the book Ryan's career has been building toward: she's always been an advocate for people who work in the entertainment industry, and she's never shied away from exposing Hollywood's darker side. This powerful, angry, shocking, and important work should grip all readers interested in the truth about the entertainment industry.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Film and television critic Ryan debuts with a scathing critique of the "self-serving myths Hollywood believes about itself." Arguing against the view that "difficult" actors are the price of good art, Ryan contends that Jared Leto's insistence on keeping his character's exaggerated limp in between takes on the set of Morbius wasted his colleagues' time and insulted disabled people. She also excoriates the tendency to view abusive bosses as tough guys who "get things done," discussing how Scott Rudin's high-profile defenders allowed the producer to get away with screaming at employees. Asserting that the industry has failed women and people of color, Ryan notes that Lost actor Harold Perrineau was written off the show after complaining he was being sidelined in favor of his white costars, and that "with one exception... HBO has not aired an original one-hour drama series created by a woman." Success stories demonstrate the benefits of cultivating a healthy workplace: Nancy Drew showrunner Melinda Hsu Taylor's commitment to respecting writers' work/life balance once convinced a coveted writer to choose the show over better-paying opportunities. Filled with revealing behind-the-scenes stories and blistering analyses of the industry's failings, this makes a convincing case for rebooting Hollywood. (June)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Television critic, reporter, and Vanity Fair contributing editor Ryan explores the corrosive power dynamics that underpin the entertainment industry. Her critique addresses the impact of harmful behaviors on the media viewers consume and the people involved in its creation. High-profile cases like those of Harvey Weinstein and Scott Rudin are covered, along with many others. Ryan's meticulous research and plentiful interviews with actors, writers, and directors expose the myths Hollywood tells itself about whose voices deserve to be heard and what behavior is acceptable in pursuit of artistic excellence. Narrator Samara Naeymi's tone when representing Ryan is authoritative yet conversational, feeling more like a chat than a seminar. Naeymi shines in capturing the heartfelt emotion and thoughtful consideration of the interview subjects. Their triumphs and disillusionment both resonate clearly. Published on the cusp of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA workers' strikes, this gripping title is a timely foray into a difficult but necessary conversation. VERDICT Highly recommended for listeners interested in social justice and entertainment equity. Offer to those who have devoured Kantor and Twohey's She Said or Ronan Farrow's Catch and Kill.--Natalie Marshall
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An exposé of the entertainment industry and its patterns of abuse, hypocrisy, and staggering arrogance. Hollywood likes to think of itself as a dream factory, but for many people who try to build a career in the industry, it can seem like the stuff of nightmares. Vanity Fair contributing editor Ryan has been writing about the film and TV industries for many years and has collected a huge number of stories about abuses. While the revelations about Harvey Weinstein shone a light into shadowy corners, the author argues that a propensity for abuse is effectively institutionalized, especially among producers and directors. One of the myths of Hollywood is that creativity and awful behavior are tied together, so the abuse of people with no power by those at the top is allowed, even expected. In fact, some of the worst abusers have shelves of awards and receive massive paychecks. Even post-Weinstein, anyone who dares to complain about abuse is risking their career or more. Women suffer much of the abuse, ranging from protracted harassment to rape. At the same time, minorities are cut out of opportunities or pushed into stereotypical roles. Ryan accepts that there has been improvement in the past few years, but the pace is glacial. For many abusers, there are still no consequences for their behavior, and therefore no reason to change it. Ryan devotes the final third of the book to possible options for reform. She notes that a portal for reporting abuse has been established, although it is too early to assess its effectiveness. The key to real improvement is a change of mindset. Industry companies must stop employing known abusers, take complaints seriously, and create an effective process to assist victims. Hopefully, the author's suggestions will be implemented, but genuine change will be a long and painful haul. Ryan has the experience and insight to explore Hollywood's dark underbelly, and she finds plenty of monsters. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
