The former United Artists exec wrote what I consider to be the best books about the lunacy of the entertainment business — Final Cut, about how Michael Cimino’s disastrous 1980 Heaven’s Gate brought down the studio. Bach also wrote biographies of Marlene Dietrich, Moss Hart and Leni Riefenstahl. He died of cancer at his home in Vermont.
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A great, great book. If you have not read it, go find it.
Library, used book store, what ever it takes. Worth re-reading every couple of years.
steven bach’s Leni Riefenstahl biography was wonderfully researched,
beautifully written and critically insightful. How rare to have a second
and third act as a top executive in Hollywood. Intelligence, compassion
and creativity are not adjectives normally ascribed to studio chieftains …. how sad that the good die younger …..
Love the book! Essential what not to do.
Steven taught at Columbia Film School as well. A great, insightful mind. He will be missed.
No doubt. Final Cut is without question one of the best books about Hollywood behind the scenes ever written. A lot of people in Hollywood today don’t know their history, or shit from shinola for that matter, and it’s a book today’s execs should read, because those who forget the past are forever condemned to repeat it. A great writer who hit the nail right on the head, may Steven Bach rest in peace.
Steven was my mentor when I was at Bennington. He convinced me, a naive 18 year old that I was a writer, not a director. He treated me as an adult in a way no one else did, and I became one. He helped me find my taste and philosophy in movies, life and even the way I dress. He even convinced me I need to come back from LA and spend more time finding myself in New York or Europe before I went out there to start my career.
He was one of the most extraordinary men I’ve ever known and I absolutely credit him with all of my success in both film and television and also in life. I was only lucky enough to know him for a few years, but I can say honestly that he changed and influenced my life more than anyone save for my parents.
I miss him a lot. It’s been a very sad week. The world feels a lot scarier not having Steven to answer my questions.
Sweet Dreams Babie, my condolences to his family.
Thanks for the warnings and goals. While I never knew you, your words have gotten me to page 160. Save some room in the writers room for us little typists.
Ciao.
His book Final Cut defined the movie business for me. It is without equal. Bach will surely be missed.
If you read only one book about Hollywood’s workings — and I to this date have read only one — let it be Final Cut. It’s one of my favorite books of all time. Thank You, Steven!
Steven was my friend and neighbor in West Hollywood, circa late 1970s. I remember his cooking, his kindness, his special affinity for Joe Allen’s.
this was mandatory reading in film classes in the 80s
rip… i read this before i hit hollywood in 84
sad to hear of his passing.