Sidney Lumet: A Life

Sidney Lumet shined a light on humanity with his camera lens. His six-decade body of work graced the small screen, big screen, and the stage. He knew the human condition and left a piece of himself with every foot of film. His attempt to write his own history to be shared was sadly unfinished. Show business was ingrained in Sidney from the beginning, his father Baruch was an actor on the stage. Sidney received two educations in his impressionable years, school and stage. Life at home was dysfunctional, Baruch absent from his wife and children. Sidney’s mother battled mental health issues, while Baruch gallivanted with other women. Sidney and his sister attempted to run away but were unsuccessful. Sidney’s true escape would be to the army. The army provided Sidney with another education, particularly with respect to intolerance. After his service, the theater beckoned, but Sidney viewed being behind the scenes and directing as his calling. The wealth of work and quality proved this vision as prophetic.

Sidney Lumet: A Life marks what makes biographies endearing to readers. Maura Spiegel pens a moving, fascinating book about a true auteur. No stone is left unturned, the personal life mixed in with professional hits and misses. The impact of the late director and his legacy is displayed for all to view and appreciate. A+ read.