By Matty Simmons
St. Martin’s Press, $25.99, 228 pages
“Animal House” is the movie that refuses to die. Fat, Drunk, And Stupid is the condensed history of one of the best comedies ever, one that has possibly become ingrained in our DNA. This book looks at the phenomenon, both its genesis and execution, as well as what happened to those associated with it, with sixteen pages of photos detailing the crime scene. Strangely for a literary work, even though it should be expected, there is a section of out takes, deleted scenes, and scenes from proposed sequels. There is a lot in this little book.
You know it’s about “Animal House” as Deltas flipping the bird greet you. Although there could have been more photos, this is an enjoyable read from cover-to-cover, showing just how close this film came to never being completed. All of the camaraderie from the set is here, as well as the origins and fates of some Hollywood’s funniest stars, writers, and producers. This book captures some of cinema’s finest (and not-so-finest) moments ever filmed, making for a book truly for the fans. You will laugh, you will cry, you will laugh from crying, and all is good.
Reviewed by Jamais Jochim
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