Sean Penn

Description

Sean Penn had barely hit our movie screens before he was hailed as 'the best actor of his generation'. Then his tumultuous first marriage to Madonna turned his life into pulp fiction, even landing him in jail. But Penn re-emerged as a brilliant director, devoted father, occasional hell-raiser...and reluctant actor, capable nevertheless of breathtaking performances (Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, Mystic River). He also found his political voice, inspired by the example of his father Leo, a decorated WWII serviceman whose acting career was cruelly curtailed during the 1940s blacklist era. Drawing on many exclusive interviews, Kelly creates a richly detailed likeness of an uncompromising American artist.

Richard T. Kelly was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1970, and grew up in Northern Ireland. This is his third book.

"'A fascinating "oral history" of the actor-director, with countless interviews with family, friends and colleagues (Nicholson, Huston, Walken) and the ex-Mr Madonna himself.' Time Out 'A relentlessly entertaining insight to the most talented actor of his generation.' Guardian 'Revealing... comprehensive and impressive... Richard Kelly has done an excellent job.' Sunday Telegraph 'Highly readable... Essential reading for any admirer of the actor but also for those seeking a front-line account of American cinema over the past 25 years.' Herald 'The riveting Sean Penn by Richard Kelly... is a book nobody should miss.' Andrew O'Hagan"