Andy
It's gets three stars because the reading was good. The story is engaging in parts. But Charlie, Kate killed any interest in her pretty early.
I think this book is essential if you want to know about actors and and how you can go about dealing with them. Though, a director evolves his own way of directing actors, which may vary project to project, this book has many ‘do nots' that a new director might find useful. Having directed many commercials and short films, I find Judith very wise.
The thing I like about this book is it sounds honest. There is admission of defeat as there is of victory. This master lays down what he knows; as much that can be done in a book this size and there is much to munch about hence. What I liked most and why I enjoyed this book so much is because I like Sidney Lumet's idea of film making. It's intelligent, its dramatic and everything is humanised through little concepts. I would recommend you read this book, especially if you make films.