Depardieu: A Biography

When you look at a picture of Gerard Depardieu or see one of his earlier films, his appearance & mannerisms are generally sloppy and well, not very attractive. However, as you read through Paul Chutow's book, DEPARDIEU, you quickly learn there's a whole lot more to this famous French actor than just his nose. The reader will follow his rebellion against everything that surrounded him as a child, poverty, fear, ignorance and how Depardieu began a life-long quest for intelligence, accomplishment and significance. You will read how Mozart gave Mr. Depardieu his voice and how acting gave him his soul. The reader will soon not recognize the "big oaf" of the past, but begin to see the metamorphisis of a boy to a complex, intelligent, talented and perhaps the greatest unrecognized actor of our time. You will be invited into the depths of the creative process and into the openess of Mr. Depardieu's mind. You will find this a fascinating tale of a man that is diverse, yet simple and a wonderful story of someone I think everyone should know. Not only is he a an unbelievable and skilled actor, but he writes, directs, creates, sings, cooks, owns a winery and is just as mutli-faceted as a person could be. Yet, even though there is wonderful complexity, you will find yourself drawn into wanting to discover what is in this one man's heart. Paul Chutow's gives us a brief glimpse worth reading!

I loved this book, couldn't put it down. This biography is well written and about a very interesting man. This is a must read for any Gerard Depardieu fan. I only wish the biography was more recent as Gerard Depardieu continues a to be an excellent actor and has accomplished much more since this book was written. Maybe Paul Chutkow might consider Part II of this biography.

I gave four stars to the book but I give five to Gerard Depardieu. Through it I was able to affirm my admiration for the actor, realize the other side of the so called Oscar and the american media and to know a very good writer.

This book is the only one that has done justice to an overlooked actor in the US. Often misunderstood aspects of his life are eloqunetly protrayed in this writing.