About the Book
Leo Biga has reported on the career of filmmaker Alexander Payne for 20 years. In this updated collection of essays, the author-journalist-blogger offers the only comprehensive look at Payne's career and creative process. Based in Payne's hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Biga has been granted access to location shooting for Nebraska and Sideways, the latter filmed in California's wine country. Biga has also been given many exclusive interviews by Payne and his creative collaborators. His insightful analysis of Payne's films and personal journey has been praised by Payne for its "honesty, thoughtfulness, and accuracy." The two-time Oscar-winner calls Biga's articles, "the most complete and perceptive of any journalist's anywhere." Payne's films are celebrated for their blend of humor and honest look at human relationships. Members of Hollywood's A-List, including George Clooney (The Descendants), Jack Nicholson (About Schmidt), Reese Witherspoon (Election), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), Laura Dern (Citizen Ruth), and Bruce Dern (Nebraska), have starred in his films.
About the Author :
Leo Adam Biga is an author, freelance journalist and blogger based in Omaha, Nebraska. In pursuit of his cultural journalism Biga cultivates stories about people, their passions and their magnificent obsessions. His award-winning work appears in many publications. He is available as an expert commentator, public speaker and workshop presenter.
Review :
"Alex Payne is one of the few remaining auteurs in the Conglomerate Hollywood era. Leo Biga, a Nebraska native like his subject, deftly looks at how the 'home place' of Nebraska has shaped and nurtured Payne's singular artistic vision." --James Marshall Crotty, columnist, director and producer
"Alexander Payne is one of American cinema's leading lights. How fortunate we are that Leo Biga has chronicled his rise to success so thoroughly." --Leonard Maltin, film critic and best-selling author
"Alexander Payne richly deserves this astute book about his work by Leo Biga. I say this as a fan of both of theirs; and would be one even if I weren't from Nebraska." --Dick Cavett, TV legend
"I've long admired Leo Biga's journalism and prose portraiture for its honesty, thoughtfulness, and accuracy. On a personal note, throughout many years of being interviewed, I find Mr. Biga's articles about me to be the most complete and perceptive of any journalist's anywhere. They ring true to me -- even in critique -- in a way that reveals the depth of his talent in observation, understanding, and expression." --Alexander Payne
"Last night I finished your wonderful new book and I enjoyed it so much! Alexander Payne is such a terrific director and I loved reading about his films in detail. Congratulations." --Joan Micklin Silver, filmmaker
"Leo Biga brings us a fascinating, comprehensive, insightful portrait of the work and artistry of Alexander Payne. Mr. Biga's collection of essays document the evolution and growth of this significant American filmmaker and he includes relevant historical context of the old Hollywood and the new. His keen reporter's eye gives the reader an exciting journey into the art of telling stories on film." --Ron Hull, Nebraska Educational Television legend, University of Nebraska emeritus professor of broadcasting
"I ve long admired Leo Biga s journalism and prose portraiture for its honesty, thoughtfulness, and accuracy. On a personal note, throughout many years of being interviewed, I find Mr. Biga s articles about me to be the most complete and perceptive of any journalist s anywhere. They ring true to me even in critique in a way that reveals the depth of his talent in observation, understanding, and expression." Alexander Payne"
I ve long admired Leo Biga s journalism and prose portraiture for its honesty, thoughtfulness, and accuracy. On a personal note, throughout many years of being interviewed, I find Mr. Biga s articles about me to be the most complete and perceptive of any journalist s anywhere. They ring true to me even in critique in a way that reveals the depth of his talent in observation, understanding, and expression. Alexander Payne "Alexander Payne is one of American cinema's leading lights. How fortunate we are that Leo Biga has chronicled his rise to success so thoroughly Leonard Maltin, film critic and best-selling author Alex Payne is one of the few remaining auteurs in the Conglomerate Hollywood era. Leo Biga, a Nebraska native like his subject, deftly looks at how the home place of Nebraska has shaped and nurtured Payne s singular artistic vision. James Marshall Crotty, Columnist (Forbes, Huffington Post), Director/Producer (Crotty s Kids) "I'd be an Alexander Payne fan even if we didn't share a Nebraska upbringing: he is a masterly, menschy, singular storyteller whose movies are both serious and unpretentious, delightfully funny and deeply moving. And he's fortunate indeed to have such a thoughtful and insightful chronicler as Leo Biga." Kurt Andersen, Host of Studio 360 Last night I finished your wonderful new book and I enjoyed it so much! Alexander Payne is such a terrific director and I loved reading about his films in detail. Congratulations. Joan Micklin Silver, filmmaker "Alexander is a master. Many say the art of filmmaking comes from experience and grows with age and wisdom but, in truth, he was a master on day one of his first feature. Leo Biga has beautifully captured Alexander's incredible journey in film for us all to savor." Laura Dern, actress, star of Citizen Ruth Alexander Payne richly deserves this astute book about his work by Leo Biga. I say this as a fan of both of theirs; and would be one even if I weren t from Nebraska. Dick Cavett, TV legend Leo Biga brings us a fascinating, comprehensive, insightful portrait of the work and artistry of Alexander Payne. Mr. Biga s collection of essays document the evolution and growth of this significant American filmmaker and he includes relevant historical context of the old Hollywood and the new. His keen reporter s eye gives the reader an exciting journey into the art of telling stories on film. Ron Hull, Nebraska Educational Television legend, University of Nebraska emeritus professor of broadcasting"
"Alexander is a master. Many say the art of filmmaking comes from experience and grows with age and wisdom but, in truth, he was a master on day one of his first feature. Leo Biga has beautifully captured Alexander's incredible journey in film for us all to savor." --Laura Dern, actress, Citizen Ruth
"I'd be an Alexander Payne fan even if we didn't share a Nebraska upbringing: he is a masterly, menschy, singular storyteller whose movies are both serious and unpretentious, delightfully funny and deeply moving. And he's fortunate indeed to have such a thoughtful and insightful chronicler as Leo Biga." --Kurt Andersen, host, Studio 360
