Harvard, Hollywood, Hitmen, and Holy Men: A Memoir

The movie director Paul Williams is a real-life Forrest Gump, who has had a unique and often wild constellation of encounters with star power, political power, and spiritual power. He seeks out tutors who reveal themselves, such as Kissinger, Skinner, Galbraith, Erikson, Alpert, Leary, the Hubleys, and Jean Renoir. He helps Terrence Malick make his first film, adjusts to the tyranny of the wealthy, and turns down offers to direct Animal House and Stepford Wives. He also recounts his adventures with Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver, Fidel Castro, Huey P. Newton, and Pope John Paul II.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

Paul Williams, the acclaimed movie director, has a remarkable life story that resembles a real-life Forrest Gump. Throughout his journey, Williams encountered a diverse array of influential figures, including star power, political power, and spiritual power. This unique constellation of experiences shaped his life, leading to fame, fortune, and integrity, as well as moments of anonymity.

Williams' early years were marked by a tumultuous upbringing. His father, an autocratic English teacher, and his mother, who infantilized him, created a challenging environment. However, Williams managed to thrive amidst this adversity. He developed a keen visual acuity, which served him well in avoiding physical confrontations. At the same time, his writing ability won his father's approval and earned him a scholarship to Harvard University.

At Harvard, Williams embarked on a quest to learn from some of the most renowned thinkers of the time. He sought out tutors such as Henry Kissinger, B.F. Skinner, John Kenneth Galbraith, Erik Erikson, Alan Alpert, Timothy Leary, the Hubleys, and Jean Renoir. These mentors exposed him to different perspectives and ideologies, shaping his intellectual development. Howard Gardner, his roommate, and Michael Crichton, a friend from the college daily, The Crimson, played significant roles in his academic journey.

During his time at Harvard, Williams became a member of the inner circle of the Movie Brats, a group of young filmmakers who revolutionized American cinema in the 1970s. His idiosyncrasies and creativity made him a darling of the era. His stories about his friends, including Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg, shed new light on the world of cinema, bursting with creativity and possibility. Williams also played a pivotal role in the early career of Terrence Malick, helping him make his first film.

As Williams' fame grew, he faced the challenges of wealth and fame. He attempted to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry while maintaining his integrity and authenticity. He turned down opportunities to direct blockbuster movies like Animal House and Stepford Wives, as well as partnering on a new Parisian restaurant, The Hard Rock Cafe. He also declined Lorne Michaels' offer to help him create Saturday Night Live.

Despite these setbacks, Williams continued to pursue his passion for filmmaking. With remarkable honesty, he recounted the unexpected details of making his seminal cult classics, Out of It (1969), The Revolutionary (1970), and Dealing (1972). His adventures with Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver in Algiers and Fidel Castro in Havana added another layer to his remarkable life story.

Paul Williams' life is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. His encounters with star power, political power, and spiritual power have shaped his unique perspective on the world. Through his storytelling and filmmaking, Williams has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and artists. His legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of creativity, integrity, and the pursuit of our dreams.

Weight: 652g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813196671