David Carradine: The Eye of My Tornado [Englisch] [Gebundene Ausgabe]

It's important to preface this review by establishing that I've been and admirer of David Carradine ever since I was in my young teens. The first film I saw him in was "Boxcar Bertha" when I was only 12 years old. He became a role model to me in later years, inspiring me to begin serious studies in martial arts and eastern mysticism. At the age of 18 I spent a week of intensive training at the Shasta Abbey Buddhist Monastery. As a teenager, I was fortunate to have met David Chow, a guest star in the Kung Fu series, and the technical and Kung Fu advisor for the show. Since then, I've read David's autobiography "Endless Highway", his self-penned book "Spirit of Shaolin." I've learned from his Tai Chi workout tapes and DVDs. I've seen well over 50 of his films, as well as most every episode of his television series and mini-series. For 41 years, from "Boxcar Bertha" through "Son of a Dragon" I've followed his work with admiration.

So naturally, when this book was released, it piqued my interest. It was no mystery to me or anyone else that David was no paragon of virtue, having recalled his much publicized drug induced burglary and malicious mischief incident in 1974, and subsequent similar reports. I wasn't naive enough to be disillusioned then, and am not now. He was a great actor, a wonderful presence, but a flawed, troubled person, as many of us are. Yes, this book brings to light aspects of David's character and practices that may disturb people. I understood that, but it did not ultimately diminish my respect for the man, nor am I one to throw the first stone, as so many people seem willing to do. I do feel I'm qualified to write a constructive review of this book. One would think I would be biased in David's favor, and have harsh words for this book. I was prepared to. That's not the case. After reading it, not only do I have the utmost respect for the author, but my respect for David remains unfaltering, and in fact I recommend the book. The author has been unfairly maligned, and it is undeserved.

Marina Anderson knew David for 10 years and was married to him for many of those years. This is NOT a shameless tell all book full of fabrications written by an uniformed third party. It is written by a woman, a soul mate, of David, who lived and breathed with him as intimately as two people could. It is apparent in reading this book that Marina had a great love for David, an unconditional love, and she still does. To suggest she is attempting to exploit and profit from his death and malign his character is a totally unfounded and unjust accusation. It took much courage on her part to write this book and it involved much painful soul baring. She poured every ounce of her strength into their life together, constantly hoping that David would rise to his full potential and overcome his personal demons. Unfortunately, this effort proved to be futile after much blood, sweat and tears. Like it or not, she was primarily responsible for the resurgence in David's career which I for one really appreciate, but for which she was never really credited for. She may have even kept him alive longer than he would have lived lest she had met him. She's a decent, forgiving, strong, compassionate person, an animal advocate, a woman's advocate.

Regardless of whether you have any interest in David Carradine, this book is a valuable resource and reference for those who personally suffer from, or know someone who suffers from, addictions of any kind, and/or sexual abuse, the latter of which the author courageously brings to light in regards to her own childhood, and possibly David's. These addictions and obsessions all created a destructive dynamic in which a healthy relationship could not maintain. This was not written about in a way to cater to the morbid fascination of some, but to suggest paths, and tools to reconciliation and healing. It is ultimately a very life affirming book. She had every right to write this book. She had a very good reason to write this book. Indeed, perhaps she even had an obligation to write this book. People are so ready to put courageous messengers in their sights and anonymously discredit and insult them. Wherever David is, he would be the first one to come to her defense if he were here, probably in a spirit of reconciliation for what she had to persevere through because of him. If you can put your pre-conceived notions away, put your mistrust away, not rush to judgment, and in the spirit of acceptance read this book, then it is a rewarding experience. I am still, and always will be, an admirer of David Carradine, and a supporter of Marina Anderson.

This is an honest and direct story of a gifted but struggling actress who was, yes, attracted to the flame and fury of a remarkable last of the Bohemians. (I hope not!). Cultures clashed, and then were assimilated. This woman gave all. And still does, in this book. A fascinating insight into the real Hollywood. From the perspective of probably 98% of screen actors guild members. Doesn't anyone share her suspicions of his last fateful trip? Were there two visitors? Her analysis shows this case should be reopened.

I bought the book expecting to get some interesting Hollywood type inside tidbits, and also because of the extensive interview with Dr. Drew Pinsky. Well, wowie zowie I got plenty of what I was expecting - worth the price of the book alone. However, I was very surprised at the extensive detail about the other facets of David's and his wife Marina's life together, including aspects of the business end of the entertainment arena, how his wife struggled to help his health and career and how she dealt with the difficult aspects of the marriage in addition to the happy aspects.

I was really surprised to see so much about the positive aspects of David and their marriage. Their marriage was quite a struggle with wonderful highs and some really strange lows. I have since bought another couple of copies to send to close female friends who are struggling with their marriages - this book may give them some insight to human nature and how to survive tough times.

Most people are aware of David's history and his dark side and struggles, since his early days. This book will give a further insight to his life and character. For those fans of David that aren't familiar with that history and are mainly interested in worshiping his every appearance, movie, etc., then I do not recommend this book - Kung Fu yes, but Saint ? No.

In summary, I wish other Hollywood books were more like this one - give me the good and the bad, the real deal.