I Blame Dennis Hopper

And Other Stories from a Life Lived in and out of the Movies

By: Illeana Douglas

Narrated by: Illeana Douglas

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1969, Illeana Douglas' parents saw the film Easy Rider and were transformed. Taking Dennis Hopper's words - "That's what it's all about, man" - to heart, they abandoned their comfortable upper-middle-class life and gave Illeana a childhood filled with hippies, goats, free spirits, and free love. Illeana writes, "Since it was all out of my control, I began to think of my life as a movie, with a Dennis Hopper-like father at the center of it."

I Blame Dennis Hopper is a rollicking, funny, at times tender exploration of the way movies can change our lives. With crackling humor and a full heart, Douglas describes how a good Liza Minnelli impression helped her land her first gig and how Rudy Vallee taught her the meaning of being a show biz trouper. From her first experience being on set with her grandfather and mentor - two-time Academy Award-winning actor Melvyn Douglas - to the moment she was discovered by Martin Scorsese to starring in movies alongside Robert DeNiro, Nicole Kidman, and Ethan Hawke to becoming an award-winning writer, director, and producer in her own right, I Blame Dennis Hopper is an irresistible love letter to movies and filmmaking.

©2015 Illeana Douglas (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The author's warm portraits and disarming honesty infuse the memoir with an endearing sweetness and charm." ( Kirkus)

Enjoyable fun book

Interesting entertaining and fun listen. I highly recommend this if you love movies and history.

More pls

Oh, i didnt want the book to end. Illeanna has wonderful stories and amazing insight. the book was inspiring. i anxiously await more from her. <3

A True Raconteur!!

What made the experience of listening to I Blame Dennis Hopper the most enjoyable?

Illeana's enthusiasm and passion. Her stories are incredible and she never looses sight of who helped her or how to pay it forward. She is a gem, a true doll and a total through back to a classic American Star.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Blame Dennis Hopper?

That she canceled on Marlon Brando.

What does Illeana Douglas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her narration and love. You can hear her genuine sincerity. I made a list of all the films and shorts she talked about and cannot wait to see each of them. She is a real human being but also a super star. She bring class and elegance back to the theater like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I should have banged Marlon Brando! Just kidding - My autograph book and Me.

Any additional comments?

I would buy watch and short of stalking see everything she does now. I loved her in picture perfect and to die for. Now, I have so many more reasons to say that Illeana Douglas is my favorite actress!!!

Fun Read!

Have learned many things about movies, actors and directors from listening to this delightful book. This woman is much more complex that I would have imagined from watching her movies.

Thoroughly loved this book. A rare gem.

Great stories from an underrated actor

Not a linear memoir, it is a great collection of stories from a viewpoint no one else has. The best parts are when she makes herself laugh during her reading.

Terrific Memoir by a Plucky Character Actress

Great listen. It's interesting to hear a memoir by an actor whose not quite at the very top of her profession. Stories are told with humor and warmth. Movie Buffs will love it. She's a huge film buff. I hope she writes additional memoirs which she hinted at.

I loved this book. A funny, funny read in Illeana’

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you're a fan of movies… real movies…and an appreciator of actors, this book is for you.

Which character – as performed by Illeana Douglas – was your favorite?

Illeana Douglas playing Dreyfuss playing Tracy

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me forget myself and literally laugh out loud on a crowded bus.

I want this lady to be my new BFF! Brilliant read!

Where does I Blame Dennis Hopper rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's up there. I laughed out loud with Billy Crystal and this is a close second...

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Blame Dennis Hopper?

IIleana does have a gift for recounting stories. She narrates them as if you're sitting next to her on the sofa sharing a bowl of kettle popcorn. The best chapter was when she met her childhood idol (yes, she recounts many of them) Marlon Brando. Her description almost sent me veering off the freeway... I am also a huge Matt Dillon fan and have watched everyone of his movies from the obscure to the commercial ones. It was great to hear her collaborations with him on To Die For (don't get me started on the visionary genius of Gus Van Sant) and Grace of My Heart.

Which character – as performed by Illeana Douglas – was your favorite?

Why, herself of course?!! Illeana is very relatable. I'm a film buff (I'm an avid junket journalist of 20 years) and so I just loved her stories and obscure movie references. I wish I had read her book before I had interviewed her, as for sure, this knowledge would have vastly improved my questions!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Illena of course. I wish she would write another book - or indeed make a fly on the wall doco style indie of herself through the years....

Any additional comments?

If she is reading this..... I would like her to know that if I'm a fan (and secretly want to be her new BFF)..... too much?

a joyous celebration of a fascinating life...

... lived in and about movies. instantly became one of my lifelong favorite audiobooks!

Love Illeana & the book. Wonderful throughout! !

I enjoyed this immensely with Illeana as narrator to her fun movie memories and insight!