Edward Burns (2) (1968–)

In Independent Ed, Edward Burns relates his experiences working in the film industry as a writer, director, and actor. Burns directed and produced his first film, The Brothers McMullen, on a tiny $25,000 budget — which went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1995. Since that initial success, he has gone on to make ten more films on his own terms and act in several big budget Hollywood movies (such as Saving Private Ryan) and television shows.

This memoir show more highlights Burns’ successes, but perhaps more importantly delves into his mistakes, the poor decisions and bad luck that makes a movie fail to be the success one hoped it would be. These missteps, more than the successes, are where the greatest lessons lie.It’s hard to figure out why something succeeds, much easier to point to the number of reasons why something didn’t. His honesty in looking back on these moments, in which he examines where he went wrong and where the cards were against him, is a part of what makes this memoir work.

A few practical, useful pieces of advice are littered throughout the book (the difference between a master shot and a two shot, for example), providing some help in the nitty gritty of making a movie — but the real value of this book is in his philosophy toward filmmaking in general.

For Burns, the act of independent filmmaking is the ability to make movies according to your own vision and away from influences that might compromise that vision. He describes the twelve best days of his life as the twelve days he spent filming his first movie, The Brothers McMullen — twelve days telling a story true and making a movie for no other reason than the sheer joy of making a movie.

Read the rest of the review on my blog. show less

Engaging from the first paragraph, Independent Ed is a compelling ride through the ups and downs of Edward Burns' notable career. Burns' breezy, conversational tone propels us through to the end, one vivid story at a time. It's a joy to get a close-up perspective of the creation of The Brothers Mc Mullen and to discover the twists and turns that followed, all the way up to the present time. This book is fun, insightful and inspiring. The style is so casual and personal that you feel as if show more you are right the across the table from Edward Burns as he recounts his life and career. It's an easy read; one that gives a great look into the passion and innovation of a talented writer/actor/director. show less

I received a copy of this book through the Early Reviewer Program.

In this clear, well written book, Ed Burns takes readers through his movie-making process starting with film school and The Brothers McMullen through the different experiences he’s had since then up to his new television show. Burns’ explanations of his attitudes about movie making, Hollywood, and his personal life were straightforward and easy-to-follow.

It was an enjoyable read and makes me want to go watch (and show more rewatch) some of his movies. show less

The heartwarming story of how a young artist managed to write, cast and film "The Brothers McMullen" is 'Cinderella' writ large. Scrappy Ed Burns begged, borrowed and charged enough - $25,000 - and filmed largely in his parents living room. The result: blazing success at the Sunsance Film Festival. People have tried to capture the same lightning in a bottle ever since.

From a distance of twenty years, Ed Burns reflects on those halcyon early years, and the challenges and joys of independent show more filmmaking. On the plus side: smaller, more portable cameras provide professional results for a fraction of the cost of decades ago. Digital and computerized programs allow easy editing and sound production. On the negative side: contraction within the film industry and in distribution make it harder to get one's film onto the big screen. Burns emphasizes that an artist with both passion and a good story will find a way to make it happen. He also advises being creative (TV, straight-to-DVD, YouTube) in getting your work out there.

Burns writes in a refreshingly conversational tone. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in film, acting, and the business of moviemaking. show less