Redford, Weinstein, and Sundance

Peter Biskind's "compulsively readable" new book Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film chronicles the fascinating, and often conflicted, relationships betweeen Robert Redford, Harvey Weinstein of Miramax, the Sundance Film Festival, and the entire genre of independent film. Biskind reveals both the the grimy side of Redford and Weinstein's personalities, and "a key truth: the Weinsteins and Redford, whatever their personal imperfections, possess courage and a deep, overwhelming love of film." Movie fans will also enjoy reading about "Quentin Tarantino's lust for stardom, Billy Bob Thornton's 'ornery, stick-to-your-guns' personality and Ben Affleck's frustration about being underpaid."