“This compelling second memoir is an interesting mix of show biz stories running in tandem with tales of Cumming’s personal life. The style is frank, easy to read but infused with some unexpected profundities” – Felicity Burke
Alan Cumming is an evolving work of art. Best known as an actor, he also sings, dances, writes for stage and screen, designs wallpaper and is a champion of LGBTQ+ rights.
This compelling second memoir is an interesting mix of show biz stories running in tandem with tales of Cumming’s personal life. The style is frank, easy to read but infused with some unexpected profundities. His first biography, “Not My Father’s Son” dealt with early childhood trauma and this book returns to it at times, reinforcing the idea that Cumming continues to break destructive cycles.
Like any good showbiz memoir this drips with big names and telling anecdotes about legendaries like Gore Vidal, Liza (no surname required) Sean Connery, Judi Dench, Tom Cruise, Hugh Jackman, Anthony Hopkins, Lauren Bacall… the list is endless. All the famous people Cummings has worked with and known is breathtaking. So too is his absolute frankness about his reactions to ‘Hollywood calling’ and his own “fan girling”. He certainly does and can mix it with the best of them. Cumming delights the reader with stories of Chita Rivera teaching him dance moves; a masterclass on acting with Stanley Kubrick; interventions on the set of X-Men; a love affair with a chimp; cue power over an American president; getting Walter Cronkite up to dance in Cabaret; performing at and winning a Tony…
There is a lot of fun to be had in the exploits and Cumming insists he is always about the fun.
One chapter discusses star power or the all elusive “it” that draws people in. The author suggests it is a blend of being intrinsically fascinating and truthful. That might go a little way to explain his own appeal. Past the charisma there is a wisdom extracted from self analysis, leaving the author seemingly poised to take on to all experiences.
Cumming’s breakdown at age 28 and subsequent actions of confronting his abusive father and attempt to rewire the ‘warders of the brain’ made him, in his own lovely phrase, “a walking emotional spirit level”. Under the turmoil and trauma is a mix of humility and a hard fought for knowledge of his own worth and self regard. Authenticity has come at a cost, but one he willing pays as a necessary toll to self discovery and dignity.
Alan Cumming’s tales from a fully packed life bear testament to his affirmation that “Logic is a science and living is an art”.
Felicity Burke, On The Page
Baggage
by Alan Cumming
Publishers Allen & Unwin
Publication date Nov 2, 2021 RRP $29.99
