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I Love You Phillip Morris #2
Life After Phillip Morris
Life After Phillip Morris is the second installment of the life story of gay, four-time prison escapee, fraudster and conman, Steven Russell. The first half of his life was made into the book/film I Love You Phillip Morris.
246 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 19, 2022
What a great follow up to I Love You Phillip Morris! I’ve been following Steven Russell’s story ever since I first read McVicker’s novel. I’ve seen the film, read the articles, and have finally had the chance to read this follow up novel, which includes a great afterward from Steven himself.
I was initially hesitant when I first learned that the story was formatted as a script. It felt strange for all of two seconds, but it quickly finds its footing. I was already laughing aloud during the first few pages. It’s brilliant that Steven Russell and Laurence Watts share a similar sense of humour and were able to tell the story in such an enjoyable way together. What a duo!
I also appreciate the use of a narrator that is separate from Steven himself which creates a lot of comedic opportunities but also gives more of a chance for the story to really dig into Steven’s perspective and mental state, which is funny but simultaneously does not shy from the harsh reality of his situation. I’m somebody that loves to learn about the behind the scenes of movies, particularly ones based on true stories, so the movie-making aspects of the script were quite the treat. There is a lot to be learned from this novel and I enjoyed every moment of it!
I’d love to see a performance of this someday, or better yet, a film adaptation. I enjoyed learning even more from Steven’s afterward in the end, particularly his response to an interview Phillip Morris gave around 2010. I always wondered if he had read that and what he had thought of it if he had.
All in all, this was a terrific and enjoyable read. I got some good laughs and will be sure to revisit it in the future.
I was initially hesitant when I first learned that the story was formatted as a script. It felt strange for all of two seconds, but it quickly finds its footing. I was already laughing aloud during the first few pages. It’s brilliant that Steven Russell and Laurence Watts share a similar sense of humour and were able to tell the story in such an enjoyable way together. What a duo!
I also appreciate the use of a narrator that is separate from Steven himself which creates a lot of comedic opportunities but also gives more of a chance for the story to really dig into Steven’s perspective and mental state, which is funny but simultaneously does not shy from the harsh reality of his situation. I’m somebody that loves to learn about the behind the scenes of movies, particularly ones based on true stories, so the movie-making aspects of the script were quite the treat. There is a lot to be learned from this novel and I enjoyed every moment of it!
I’d love to see a performance of this someday, or better yet, a film adaptation. I enjoyed learning even more from Steven’s afterward in the end, particularly his response to an interview Phillip Morris gave around 2010. I always wondered if he had read that and what he had thought of it if he had.
All in all, this was a terrific and enjoyable read. I got some good laughs and will be sure to revisit it in the future.
February 16, 2022
Surprisingly funny and crude, Life After Phillip Morris disguised itself as a sequel to an insane “love story” centering a gay conman who’s escape prison four times, which is true on the surface. The narrative explores the prison system, mental health, and the effects and humanity of solitary confinement. How we see prisoners and think (or rather, not think of) their treatment.
Russell and Watts create a unique reading experience filled with humor, meta comedy and fourth wall breaks that shouldn’t work but do! It’s interesting, shockingly heartfelt, and would make a really good play. The ending “Afterword” written by Russell was probably my favorite bit of the book as it pulls back the curtains and reveals the real him and the mental health affects of his sentence- which you can’t help but sympathize.
One of the better memoirs I’ve read in a long time with great reread material.
Russell and Watts create a unique reading experience filled with humor, meta comedy and fourth wall breaks that shouldn’t work but do! It’s interesting, shockingly heartfelt, and would make a really good play. The ending “Afterword” written by Russell was probably my favorite bit of the book as it pulls back the curtains and reveals the real him and the mental health affects of his sentence- which you can’t help but sympathize.
One of the better memoirs I’ve read in a long time with great reread material.
December 4, 2020
Having enjoyed the film 'I Love You, Phillip Morris', when I found out about this follow-up play, I had to read it. I was not disappointed. It's funny and fantastical but also highlights the unfairness of Steven Russell's prison sentence and the conditions it's served under, compared to the crimes (ie, having never physically harmed anyone). Not just his situation but the practice of prolonged solitary confinement in general and the flaws in the prison system. Food for thought whilst being entertaining and enjoyable.
January 19, 2024
A Must read...
Hardly ever review books, but this one made me laugh, and made me sad.
I really loved reading about Steven, and the narrator had me in stitches. It's sad how this played out in my opinion Steven should never be in solitary confinement for the rest of his life. He isn't dangerous or killed anyone, am shocked at the sentence and the torture he is going through as a punishment, I hope he gets released some day soon.
Wish Steven Russell all the best.
Hardly ever review books, but this one made me laugh, and made me sad.
I really loved reading about Steven, and the narrator had me in stitches. It's sad how this played out in my opinion Steven should never be in solitary confinement for the rest of his life. He isn't dangerous or killed anyone, am shocked at the sentence and the torture he is going through as a punishment, I hope he gets released some day soon.
Wish Steven Russell all the best.
October 21, 2018
Really funny and thought provoking.
July 17, 2018
Wow! I really enjoyed this continuation of Steven Russell's life story after I Love Phillip Morris. The story follows Steven Russell coming back to prison after his fourth escape and the narrative is set up in play format. This is told from Steven Russell's pov as well as his conscience (narrator) and what follows his recapture including how the book and film came to be. His interactions with prison staff and the warden is hilariously funny and how he has them on edge every Friday the 13th! I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I have to say this play definitely pulls on many emotions regarding prison injustices. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I sure hope to hear more from Steven Russell and Laurence Watts in the future.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews