22 May Book Review of Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from…
Book Review: Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories
When I first picked up Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories, I found myself brimming with anticipation. As a longtime fan of classic sitcoms like Cheers, Friends, and Frasier, I was eager to dive into the mind of the man behind the lens, an icon of television directing whose work has shaped countless unforgettable moments. At 81, James Burrows is a living legend, and I couldn’t help but hope that this book would offer the deep insights into his career that I craved.
Burrows doesn’t disappoint in crafting a narrative that’s a delightful blend of personal anecdotes and professional history. The book is structured around his experiences with various beloved shows, beginning with his journey in 1974 on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and culminating with insights from his later works. While I appreciated the playful storytelling and heartfelt reflections he shared—like the behind-the-scenes tales of casting choices—I often felt that it skimmed the surface, leaving me yearning for a deeper connection with the man himself.
The writing style is approachable and conversational, which makes it feel like Burrows is sitting across from you, regaling you with stories from his storied career. Yet, at times, the pacing falters. With nearly 400 pages, I found certain chapters stretched, especially when he included lengthy snippets of episode dialogue. While some of these lines sparked flashes of nostalgia, others seemed to clutter the narrative rather than enhance it. This led me to wonder if the book could have benefited from a more focused exploration of his personal philosophies and relationships in television.
One highlight for me was the way Burrows reflects on the chemistry between cast members and how it can dictate a show’s success. His experience with Cheers, for instance, exemplifies this, revealing the magic that happens when the right people come together. I especially enjoyed a quote where he mentioned, “Comedy is all about timing—and creating a safe space for laughter.” This encapsulates the essence not just of sitcoms, but of his approach to directing, making the reader smile and reflect on our own favorite comedy moments.
Despite its flaws, Directed by James Burrows is ultimately a satisfying read for fans and newcomers alike. Those less familiar with his work might find a treasure trove of insights and tidbits that could ignite a newfound love for classic sitcoms. My own relationship with the book was slightly bittersweet; it often felt like a nostalgic romp through my television memories but left me with a longing for more than just an overview of episodes.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an enjoyable, if somewhat surface-level, dive into the workplace of television’s most prolific director, this book will certainly intrigue you. It may not dig as deeply as I hoped, but it does offer a charming snapshot of a man who changed the landscape of television comedy forever. For fans like me, it’s a lovely companion piece, even if it doesn’t quite live up to the larger-than-life personality that is James Burrows. So, while I give it a solid 3.5 stars, I’ll treasure the moments I shared within its pages, all the while wishing for a bit more of Burrows himself.
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