Dennis Hopper & the New Hollywood

by Matthieu Orléan, Jean-Baptiste Thoret

Dennis Hopper's many talents—actor, director, photographer, painter, and collector—are showcased in this monograph on an American icon. Dennis Hopper’s role in the seminal film Easy Rider (1969) made him an icon for the greatest directors of modern times, such as Coppola, Peckinpah, Altman, Wenders, Lynch, and Ferrara. Alternately a wonder boy and a pariah of the industry, Hopper’s original ideas have transformed film as we know it. Hopper has created and collected art for decades—he was a pioneering collector of major artists such as Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, and Warhol, from whom he bought the very first Soup Can. This monograph presents the art and artists that have inspired his cinematic work as an actor and director. Hopper’s own photographs of the silver screen’s biggest stars are juxtaposed with paintings acquired by Hopper from renowned artists, on-set shots of his films, and an art installation co-signed with Marcel Duchamp. Complete with an exclusive extended interview of the artist/actor/director, this books offers privileged insight into one of the era’s great fringe icons and brings to light the relationship between Hopper’s artwork and his cinematographic career.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handsome volume published to coincide with a French exhibition of Hopper's films, his work as a photographer and painter , his art collection and his history as a Hollywood outsider. The essays discuss how Hopper's early enthusiasm for postwar painting informed his largely underappreciated work as a filmmaker and offer a portrait of the actor/director as a lengthy road trip from abstract expressionism through the the Beats, the underground and straight on to the post-pop, postmodern art scene of the 2000s.

[Kevin Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent monograph on Dennis Hopper as an artist, actor and director of Easy Rider. I would've preferred to see more of his photography work and less of his art collection or work of artists somehow related to him. The essays are all pretty similar and boring. No writing or insight that captures the allure of his photography and lifestyle. Ultimately, it feels like a moderately interesting textbook for a class about New Hollywood.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great catalogue for two reasons: It focuses on Dennis Hopper's entire career, which of course includes his film work, but even more important his paintings & photos. The other reason is his personal art collection, which includes the works by my father Wallace Berman. Dennis has a great collection, and he has prime Berman works in that collection.

But beyond that this book is well-designed (a must for a catalogue) and interesting as well. It's a great intro to the world of Dennis as well as his film work. Also I am thrilled that he has a Ben Talbert piece in the book as well. Wonderful artist.