David Lean - an Intimate Portrait by Lady Sandra Lean

by Sandra Lean, Barry Chattington

From lowly beginnings in the film industry as a tea boy at Gaumont-British Studios, David Lean quickly became the most sought after editor in the business before moving behind the camera. What followed was an astonishing career during which his films were nominated for an incredible 57 Academy Awards, 27 of those winning Oscars. His movies were they told huge stories on vast canvases and were aided by hundreds of technicians, thousands of extras and the most talented actors in the world. Yet he singularly controlled this vast army, giving pleasure and inspiration to millions.Whether it be "The Bridge on the River Kwai", "Dr Zhivago" or "A Passage to India", his films reflected his own life - the brooding perfectionist happy to sacrifice his private life for his art. Collated by his widow, Lady Sandra Lean, "David Lean - An Intimate Portrait" is an arresting and highly personal account of the life and work of her late husband. David Lean himself always said that a good book should contain "Really good pictures...That's all. Just bloody good pictures". Illustrated with over 400 images, many previously unpublished, this book is a unique study of the man believed by many to be the ultimate film-maker.

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was art director and visual (and general) researcher of this book. Think of it as a companion book to Kevin Brownlow's biography - it has loads of pictures that Brownlow's book lacked - many were chosen based on what I had wanted to see in his book. Many photographs by Lean himself - as well as being a great director he was a brilliant photographer. I own and have read every book written about Lean and/or his films.