I Blame Dennis Hopper

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

By: Illeana Douglas

Narrated by: Illeana Douglas

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)

I LOVE this book!

Wow...what a surprise! I was not sure what to expect when I listened to I Blame Dennis Hopper by Illeana Douglas. I have followed Illeana's career however...I had not known she had written a book. This book is amazing. It is fun, interesting and very entertaining. I was hooked from the prologue. The author tells us up front this is not a memoir. It is a collection of stories from her time in the business starring in some of the best films of the 1990s /2000s. Illeana explains the title in the first chapter...and it only gets better from there. If you love the movies...do yourself a favor and listen to this book.

Enjoyable fun book

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

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.

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!!!

An easy listen

Illeana Douglas is fun and easy to listen to. She gives her audience a peek inside acting and Hollywood. It felt like having a chat with a friend and getting all the good stories. If she did a follow up, I would love yo hear it,

Love Illeana & the book. Wonderful throughout! !

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

So enjoyable

This book was fun & interesting from beginning to end. For a movie lover it's an entertaining read & you even learn about some movies that you may have missed out on. Illeana is funny and genuine. I wish I had her as a friend! She seems like a riot to be around.