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Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen

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( 301 ratings, 39 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen by Erik Jensen delves into the tumultuous life of the controversial Australian artist Adam Cullen. It explores his fierce creativity, battles with addiction, and complex personality, providing a raw and insightful look into both the artistic and personal challenges he faced throughout his life. Through intimate observations, the book paints a vivid portrait of an artist deeply entwined with his own chaotic existence.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by the complex dynamics between artists and their biographers. It offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of an enigmatic and controversial Australian artist, narrated with intimate detail and honesty. Ideal for those captivated by the interplay of creativity, self-destruction, and personal relationships.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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 horrifyingβ€”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.

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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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