“She is a rapturously beautiful young woman, but there is no self-consciousness or vanity in her acting…Under the enchantment, a keen mind is at work.” With these words, film critic Brooks Atkinson illustrated the grace and talent that made Audrey Hepburn a celebrated
Hollywood
icon.
Described as both sophisticated and innocent, elfin and elegant, Audrey Hepburn has embodied many qualities on and off-screen. Donald Spoto captures her passion, dedication and classic style in Enchantment, his biography of the beloved movie star. With meticulous detail and analysis, this account takes the reader inside Audrey’s glamorous yet complicated world.
Born in 1929, Audrey endured a difficult childhood that included abandonment by her father and the deprivations of World War II. Although she barely survived starvation in occupied
Holland
, she kept her dream of becoming a ballerina alive long enough to move to
London
to pursue her goal. Her ballet career fizzled out, but Audrey quickly found success first dancing in musicals and then playing the title role in the play, Gigi.
Her performances as Gigi and Princess Ann in the movie Roman Holiday skyrocketed her to stardom in 1952. She began a succession of films, from Sabrina to Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Charade, which landed her in the pantheon of
Hollywood
legends. Recognized as a gifted actress and fashion queen, Audrey became one of the most popular movie stars of the twentieth century.
The world,
Hollywood
and Audrey’s life were altered by events of the late 1960s. She undertook darker roles to evolve with American movie tastes, and her private life became increasingly convoluted: A divorce, remarriage, motherhood and another divorce left her emotionally exhausted, and by 1968 she withdrew from public life to concentrate on raising her two sons.
Spoto depicts Audrey during these years as a dignified diva secure in her professional accomplishments but despondent over her many failed romances. She made occasional forays back into entertainment, but by the late 1980s she found true fulfillment with UNICEF, a United Nations charity. Working tirelessly and traveling extensively, she raised funds and promoted awareness for destitute children. After a brief battle with cancer, Audrey passed away in 1993 as a legend in film, fashion and humanitarianism.
With thorough detail, Spoto examines every facet of Audrey’s life and with his vivid prose takes the reader through the dramatic highs and crushing lows of stardom. This behind-the-scenes look at her work and relationships is an immersion in
Hollywood
glamour and celebrity drama at a depth previously unexplored.
His concentration on The Nun’s Story is particularly revealing. He discusses the lifelong friendships, both personal and professional, and the spiritual fulfillment she gained from this movie at length, revealing the intensity of Audrey’s personality. His account of the film’s profound impact on her separates this biography from others that focus on her notoriety for lighthearted roles. Drawing upon her reactions to and emotions about The Nun’s Story, Spoto moves beyond her sprightly image to explore her motivations and dreams, providing fresh insight about her true self.
Interviews and published reviews illustrate each step of her career, and Spoto characterizes Audrey as a woman whose longing for the affection she never received from her parents drove her to please others through diligence and sacrifice. Although his unabashed admiration for her occasionally detracts from his credibility as an objective observer, Spoto provides an impressive amount of information and thoughtful analysis, and his critiques of her films display a remarkable understanding of cinematography and film history.
An engaging and enlightening biography of a fascinating star, Enchantment reveals the talented, humble, complex and passionate individual who was Audrey Hepburn.
