Bill Murray’s movie career is explored along with various artists’ interpretations of him in numerous media in the Art of Being Bill.

Bill’s life (in movies at least) is broken up chronologically into eight chapters: the Jester, Thinker, Intense, Charming, Exasperated, Melancholy, Complex, and finally Legend. Each of Bill’s movies are described in a one-page movie synopsis accompanied by the movie poster and a short behind-the-scenes’ blurb. Then two to four artists offer their interpretation of Bill at that point in his life and career. Using seeds, pastels, pencils, paints and software, each picture is engaging. At the beginning, Bill was portrayed as a clown, a suave player and even a punk rocker. By the end, the representations became increasing melancholy and regretful—just as Bill appeared in his later works.

The art varies widely in media, style and quality but each are valid interpretations of their subject. The text does a excellent job exploring the experiences of an aging comic actor’s early attempts to be taken seriously (i.e., The Razor’s Edge) to actually being taken seriously later in his career (i.e., Lost in Translation). It is easy to see the same trajectory in other comedians’ lives that did not end as well (i.e., Jerry Lewis and Robin Williams). Overall, the Art of Being Bill is more than just the sum of its wide-ranging artwork and provides a thoughtful reflection on life itself. 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Race Point Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I wasn't expecting the content to be so thin, but the artwork more than made up for the lack of text. There was a short synopsis for each of the movies Bill Murray was in and the authors included an with interesting fact for each.

Call him eccentric, a nice guy, an oddball, a mystery or just misunderstood, Bill Murray is a lovable curmudgeon. This book is a quirky homage filled with artwork portraying Bill in various roles. The authors added a bit of background relating to each film he has appeared in as well as trivia regarding production.
From Meatballs to Ghostbusters to Groundhog Day to Hamlet - Hamlet!!! -you get the lowdown on just how versatile Bill Murray truly is as an actor. (Personally, St. Vincent is one of his finest films in my opinion but Stripes is an enjoyable but of fluff and humor as well. That one and Ghostbusters are the epitome of Bill Murray.)
All told, this is a fun diversion and an amazing display of talent. Perfect for film buffs and artists, this one is a short read that leaves you just feeling happy - which would probably please good ole Bill.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Tons of artwork of Bill Murray, interspersed with movie posters and synopses/history of his films. You’d definitely have to be a huge Bill Murray fan, but if you are, this is a must read!

This is a beautiful book. The art work is inspired and the editorials throughout show the depth of understanding and love from a true Bill Murray connoisseur.

THE ART OF BEING BILL is not only full of Bill Murray artwork, but it also includes behind the scenes tips information about every movie he has starred in.

Living with a huge Bill Murray fan has convinced me that he really shines no matter the role he takes on; Ezra Croft’s introduction reinforces that idea with personal anecdotes that will connect the reader to the information and art within the book.

The stories and the art all show Bill’s lovable, multifaceted personality. The chapter titles even use fabulous adjectives to describe him (the jester, the thinker, the intense, the charming, etc.)

My favorite depiction of Bill is a painting entitled “Dropkick Murray” in which he is wearing all black, leather, and metal, as well as sporting a funky spiky hairdo.

Fun facts:
- Ed Murray, his brother, was an extra in Caddyshack and they started a golf apparel company in 2017
- There is even a Steve Zissou cake by Avalon Cakes!
- His favorite car is a vintage Maserati
and much, much more.

Overall, I really enjoyed browsing the fabulous artwork by all of the various and extremely talented artists. THE ART OF BEING BILL is a great gift idea for the Bill Murray lover in your life!

What a Happy, fun and colourful book The Art of Being Bill by Ezra Croft, Jennifer Raiser......Warning.......it will make you smile. I loved this book and would look great on my coffee table so others can browse and it will make for a good conversation.
This book gave you a good insight to a lot of his roles he played on the big screen, I didn't realise Bill Murray was in so many good films and I just loved all the artwork, photos etc of him. Each portrait picture of him is so different to the next and shows what a lovely man he is.

Well Done Ezra Croft, Jennifer Raiser and Quarto Publishing Group for a fantastic book.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Race Point Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy.

What a great book! Not only do you get insight into some of the roles Bill Murray played but the many artist renderings of the man just blew me away. Each portrait was vastly different from the next, much like the roles he has portrayed. I believe this does an excellent job of showing off the many facets of Bill Murray.

😎😎😎😎😎

I feel too cool for school for having receiving an ARC for “The Art of Being Bill: Bill Murray and the Many Faces of Awesome” by Ezra Croft, Jennifer Raiser. Because EVERYONE knows Murray is the coolest 😺 ever! And this fab book? It’s the first illustrated art collection showcasing Bill as you’ve never seen him before: Indian God, Last Supper attendee, and in nearly 150 other fitting tributes.

Just like The Bill Himself, artwork in The Bill Murray Experience is both poignant and funny, with an array of pieces and details about each, inspired quotes, and his incredible film history. This is the ultimate gift book for the Murray addict — and for anyone who just wants to be cool by association. Like me! 5/5

Pub Date 28 Aug 2018

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Race Point Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine!

#TheArtOfBeingBill #NetGalley

This is such an amazing compilation of art works centred on one of my favourite actors. From character profiles, to the man himself you’ll be hard pushed to decide which one is your favourite.