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(More customer reviews)Every so often, a television program weaves its way into the cultural fabric of its time. Comedian/writer Larry David has been behind two of those shows. David, co-creator of "Seinfeld" and creator of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," continues the trend of celebrating life's little eccentricities. Along with television shows and movies like "The Office" and Meet the Parents, "Curb" keenly observes human foibles to an exaggerated degree, creating its own "theater of the uncomfortable," which episodes like "The Pants Tent" and "Affirmative Action" aptly demonstrate.
Originally an HBO special, David broadened his cringe-worthy antics into a highly successful weekly show. Unlike other situation comedies, "Curb" is entirely improvised. Each season, David creates outlines for 10 shows that cover the season's arc. He writes them out longhand because he doesn't know how to use a computer. His outlines are passed to his assistant who types them up. He then clues in his fellow cast members --- or not. Most of the actors are briefly told what the scene is just minutes before they start shooting. David believes that the best comedy comes out of the more naturalistic improv process: "When I was doing "Seinfeld," sometimes I'd get to a scene and I'd go, 'Boy, this scene doesn't need me to write it...The situation is all there. You can just bring in the actors and they can do it."
But despite the kamikaze nature of the filming process, actors refer to "Curb" as "hands-down the most fun I've ever had on a set." Each actor brings his or her own experience to his or her role, but perhaps no one had a more difficult task than Cheryl Hines, the actress who plays David's wife. She had to imagine how anybody "could live with someone like Larry day in and day out. I think the only way Cheryl can have a good life is not to be bothered by most of it."
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: THE BOOK looks at this popular show from all angles, featuring interviews with David, his co-stars, the directors, his real-life manager and his real-life wife, all of whom claim that, yes, he really is that neurotic. But in the words of guest star Mel Brooks, "there's something about this middle-aged bald guy that is thrilling!" Also included are detailed episode guides and outlines for each show of the last five seasons, along with fascinating tidbits of information such as rejected names for the series ("Life be not Proud" and "No Life to Live"); his various quirks, including his dental hygiene compulsion (he flosses about three times a day); details about his days on "Seinfeld" and his altar-ego, George Costanza; and his time as a struggling comic in New York City.
This delightfully informative compendium is the perfect companion to the quirky and revolutionary show, and a bible for all things "Curb."
--- Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller
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What are the secrets behind the creation of Larry David's hit show? Fans can finally find out with this long-awaited companion guide to the Golden Globe- and Emmy Award- winning series. Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Book is complete with stories about Larry David's childhood, his roots as a stand-up comic, and his various writing jobs before the breakthrough of Seinfeld. Readers will enjoy dating stories from his bachelor years, discover how he met his future wife, Laurie David, and learn why Cheryl Hines was picked to play his TV wife. A highlighted map of Santa Monica shows locations where favorite Curb scenes were filmed, such as the Toyota of Hollywood where Larry works as a car salesman. Ever wonder if there's a story behind the creation of Krazee-Eyez Killa's infamous rap? There is, and it's in this book, along with the tale of the ordinary afternoon lunch where the idea for Curb Your Enthusiasm was first formed. Perhaps best of all, fans can finally see Larry David's original scene outlines-just a few sentences from which the actors improvise-which eventually evolve into the carefully edited comedy that we see on air. After five hilarious seasons, Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Book offers fans an intimate view of the people, experiences, and stories behind one of television's funniest shows. Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Book is filled with hilarious images, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments, including: *Original interviews with and commentary from more than 100 cast and crew members, guest actors, comics, and friends and family, including Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, and Richard Lewis *An in depth, four-section interview with Larry David, covering everything from his childhood in Brooklyn to his emergence into the world of comedy and television. *Never-before-seen outlines from the show that are the basis for episode storylines. *Detailed episode guides for the show's first five seasons. *More than 100 full-color photographs.
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