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Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen
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Description
An unflinching portrait of talent and addiction, now an award-winning feature film.
In 2008, the artist Adam Cullen invited journalist Erik Jensen to stay in his spare room and write his biography.
What followed were four years of intense honesty and a relationship that became increasingly claustrophobic. At one point Cullen shot Jensen, in part to see how committed he was to the book. At another, he threw Jensen from a speeding motorbike. The book contract Cullen used to convince Jensen to stay with him never existed.
Acute Misfortune is a riveting account of the life and death of one of Australia's most celebrated artists, the man behind the Archibald Prize-winning portrait of David Wenham. Jensen follows Cullen through drug deals and periods of deep self-reflection, onwards into his court appearance for weapons possession and finally his death in 2012 at the age of forty-six.
After much critical acclaim, Acute Misfortune was developed into a feature film, winning The Age Critics Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2018.
The story is by turns tender and horrifying—a spare tale of art, sex, drugs and childhood, told at close quarters and without judgement.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen by Erik Jensen is praised for its intimate and unflinching portrayal of the controversial artist Adam Cullen. Reviewers appreciate the raw and honest writing style that provides insights into Cullen's complex and often turbulent life. The biography's depth and detail are noted as compelling, offering a nuanced view of the challenges in the art world and Cullen's personal struggles.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781760640873
Publisher: Black Inc.
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 29 April 2019
Country: Australia
Imprint: Black Inc.
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 16.0mm
Width: 136.0mm
Height: 209.0mm
Weight: 220g
Pages: 208
About the Author
Erik Jensen is an award-winning journalist, biographer, screenwriter and poet. He is the founding editor of The Saturday Paper and editor-in-chief of Schwartz Media. His first book, Acute Misfortune- The Life and Death of Adam Cullen, was made into an acclaimed feature film. He is also the author of On Kate Jennings, Quarterly Essay 74- The Prosperity Gospel and the poetry collection I Said the Sea Was Folded. His latest book is Angry at Breakfast.
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