The Introverted Bookworm

Title: Josh Brolin: A Short Biography

Author: Thora Larson

Genre: Biography

Josh Brolin: A Short Biography examines the early life and achievements of the acclaimed American actor, Josh Brolin, who is best known for his portrayal of notorious protagonist Llewelyn Moss in the 2007 blockbuster film, No Country for Old Men. From his immersive upbringing in the world of acting and showbiz, to his own personal struggles with substance abuse issues, through to some of the controversies that have surrounded Brolin’s personal life, the book explores many the various factors which led to Brolin’s professional success as a famous, revered Hollywood actor.

Due to the use of third-person narration, this biography is set out in a clear and concise manner, with an informative and objective voice that gives an unbiased insight into what has shaped Brolin’s acting career thus far. Larson effectively convinces the reader that it was due to Brolin’s unique dedication and determination when it came to mastering his craft, that led to his well-deserved achievements and critical acclaim.

The versatility which Brolin possesses, which allows him to play the role of a diverse range of characters, is also highlighted as a unique advantage that has landed him key roles in film, television, and, surprisingly, theatre. Ridley Scott’s crime drama, American Gangster (2007), where he played the part of Detective Trupo, was a highlight in Brolin’s career at the time, along with True Grit (2010). Brolin’s progression to a producing career (he recently co-founded Brolin Productions) reaffirms his status as a multitalented A-list actor.

The principal theme that Larson’s seeks to impress upon us through her book is Brolin’s ability to truly inhabit the experience of every character he plays; to get under their skin, so to speak, and inhabit their emotional landscape; and his immense dedication is reflected in the sacrifices that he undertakes in the name of his craft – such as when he undergoes dramatic weight loss in order to convincingly portray the character of Joe Doucett in a neo-noir action film, Oldboy (2013), directed by Spike Lee. This commitment is key to his empathetic interpretation of the roles that he plays and demonstrates his capability as an actor.

Although the book is succinctly written and divided into clear, easy-to-read sections, the reader may crave a bit more detail, in terms of  getting a sense of Brolin’s personal voice. With this in mind, it might have been enlightening to have included some quotes from Brolin himself, perhaps extracted from interviews, which might have helped the reader to get a better sense of his viewpoint and perspective. The ‘controversies’ section is an enjoyably indulgent read, where Brolin’s run-ins with the law, paparazzi, and his ex-wife are outlined, and the reader’s secret desire to discover the ‘darker’ side of Brolin’s personality is briefly satiated.

Overall, Josh Brolin: A Short Biography is a succinct, entertaining book, perfect for film and cinema lovers. It is refreshing to read a biography of a current actor who is still alive, and hopefully has many more years in the industry ahead of him. Larson – who has written a series of other short biographies of contemporary figures – enables the reader to appreciate the passion and commitment that Brolin displays as an inspirational Hollywood actor.