BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books | Videos
| Periodical Articles
Despite his reputation as one of the great film actors, surprisingly
little has been published about Gene Hackman in the way of full-length books.
Perhaps his natural reticence and unglamorous lifestyle are reasons. The two
biographies below are apparently the only English-language profiles ever published, and
both were written by Britons. Gene has co-written two novels with friend
Dan Lenihan.
Hackman, Gene, and Daniel Lenihan. Justice
for None. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2004. 320 pgs. Amazon.com summary: "In their second novel, Gene Hackman and Daniel Lenihan bring to life the harsh plains and smouldering courtrooms of the Midwest: the small town of Vermilion, Illinois, on the brink of the Great Depression. Boyd Calvin is a troubled World War I veteran on the run from the law, suspected of murdering his estranged wife and her lover. Only a female reporter for the Chicago Tribune and the head of a sanitarium for veterans are not convinced of Boyd's guilt. Boyd joins forces with another wrongly accused man, an African-American, and the two begin to face their shadowed pasts while fighting against the odds of justice."
Hackman, Gene, and Daniel
Lenihan. Wake of the Perdido Star.
New York: Newmarket Press, 1999. 384 pgs. Hackman's first published work is an
action novel "of shipwrecks, pirates, and the sea" set in the early nineteenth
century. Lenihan, Hackman's co-writer and friend, is a noted underwater
archaeologist.
Hunter, Alan. Gene Hackman. New York: St, Martin's Press, 1987.
248 pgs. An unauthorized, straightforward account of Hackman's life and work.
There's little analysis of Hackman himself, neglecting especially his early years and what
may have drawn him to acting. Some good behind-the-scenes accounts, though,
especially about the making of French Connection.
Michael, Munn. Gene Hackman. London: Robert Hale, 1997. 192
pgs. Also quite cut-and-dried, though a bit more analytical of Hackman's personality
and working methods. Munn has spoken with Hackman numerous times throughout the
years and uses these interviews well.
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Bravo Profiles: Gene Hackman (2000). The actor
gives a rare TV interview in this one-hour profile, which includes
family photos and comments by collaborators. Not available on video, but check Bravo's monthly
schedule for repeat airdates.
Gene Hackman: Portrait of the Artist. Produced by Van Ness
Films in association with Foxstar Productions and A&E Network. New York: A&E Home
Video, 1996. Originally airing on A&E's Biography, this is a solid introduction
to the actor, and in some respects contains more insight than the print biographies listed above.
Inside the Actor's Studio: Gene Hackman.
(Originally aired 10/14/01 on the Bravo cable channel). Gene is the
guest for the celebrated program's 100th episode. As always, host
James Lipton uncovers little-known information about his subject and
convinces the normally shy actor to open up. This fascinating
60-minute interview is not available on video but will air
again. The Bravo
website has excerpts from the interview and other information about
Hackman (the site's design prevents me from including a direct
link, so you'll have to do some searching).
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While few books have been published about Hackman, scores of newspaper and
magazines stories have appeared. The list below includes just a few pieces.
If
you live in the Danville, Illinois area, a good source is a clippings file maintained by
the Public Library's Reference Department.
Blinn, John. "Gene Hackman: Foodstyles of a Danville Celebrity Who
Likes to Cook." Danville Commercial-News, November 28, 1971, pg. 14.
Profiles Gene on the verge of stardom (just before the release of French Connection)
talking about his love of food, and even includes his recipe for shrimp tempura.
- Chatfield-Taylor, Joan and Mary E. Nichols. "Gene Hackman: Santa Fe Spaces for The
French Connection's Best Actor." Architectural Digest 47 (April 1990):
250-257+. Photographic tour of Hackman's Southwestern-style home.
Culhane, John. "Gene Hackman's Winning
Wave." Reader's Digest 143 (Sep 1993): 88-92. One of the few times
Hackman has openly discussed his father's abrupt departure from the family (when Gene was
13), something he surely drew on when filming I
Never Sang for My Father.
Dreifus, Claudia. "Hackman Talks: A Rare Interview." Connoisseur
218 (Aug 1988): 50-57.
Edelstein, David. "Gene Hackman, Hollywood's Every
Angry Man." New York Times, December 16, 2001, Section II, pgs.
21, 29. Profiles the actor, including his work on The Royal
Tenenbaums.
Hawkes, Ellen. "The Day His Father Drove Away." Parade
Magazine (February 26, 1989): pgs. 10-12. Another account of Hackman's father's
departure.
Norman, Michael. "Hollywood's Uncommon Everyman." New York
Times Magazine 121 (Mar 19, 1989): 28-31.
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