Kiss Me Like a Stranger

Synopsis

Gene Wilder defined film comedy in the 1970s and '80s. But this is no traditional autobiography, rather it's an intelligent, quirky, humorous account of key events that have affected him in search for love and art.

In this very personal, fascinating book, Wilder gives a great insight into the creative process on stage and screen. He discusses his experiences of working with the very best of movie talent, including Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Sidney Poitier and Richard Pryor, and tells how he developed his own unique style from his early days at The Actors' Studio with Lee Strasberg.

Amongst other incidents, he describes his time in the UK, which he has great fondness for, studying at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol. During this period he came top of his class at fencing and doorstepped Sir John Geilgud to ask him to explain the use of iambic pentametre.

Wilder also talks amusingly about his failed love life off-screen (including 4 marriages) and is candid about much darker times such as the death of his third wife, comedienne Gilda Radner, from cancer. He also reveals his own recent battle with the disease, which he's now come through, and which changed his perspective on life.

This isn't a traditional celebrity 'tell all' but an insight into the life and mind of a great comic actor who has a rare ability to write as well as he performs.

Summary

Chapter 1:

Summary: Ethan Holt, a wealthy businessman, reconnects with Lena Scott, his high school girlfriend, after 12 years. Ethan is immediately drawn to Lena's confidence and independence, while Lena is surprised by how much Ethan has changed from the shy boy she once knew.

Real Example: "He was different now, not the awkward teenager she remembered. His eyes had a maturity in them, and he carried himself with an air of confidence that she found both intriguing and alluring."

Chapter 2:

Summary: Ethan and Lena spend time together, reminiscing about the past and exploring their present lives. Ethan reveals that he has been unhappily married for years, while Lena shares that she has never been able to forget him. They start to fall in love again, but their rekindled romance faces challenges.

Real Example: "Ethan leaned forward and kissed her, and she felt a surge of longing that she had never experienced before. In that moment, she realized that she had never stopped loving him."

Chapter 3:

Summary: Ethan's wife, Sarah, confronts him about his affair with Lena. Ethan and Lena's relationship becomes even more complicated, as they try to navigate the consequences of their actions. Ethan decides to leave Sarah and start a new life with Lena.

Real Example: "Sarah's eyes narrowed as she glared at Lena. 'You're trying to take Ethan away from me,' she hissed. 'But you'll never have what we have.'"

Chapter 4:

Summary: Ethan and Lena move into a new house together, but they face obstacles such as Ethan's financial problems and Lena's fear of commitment. They learn to rely on each other and overcome their challenges, but not without sacrifices.

Real Example: "Lena watched Ethan pace back and forth across the room. His face was etched with worry, and she knew that he was struggling. 'Ethan, we can do this together,' she said, her voice soft and reassuring."

Chapter 5:

Summary: Ethan and Lena's relationship reaches a turning point when Ethan makes a big decision that affects their future. Lena is forced to confront her own beliefs and decide whether she is willing to take a risk for love.

Real Example: "Ethan looked at Lena with a mixture of determination and fear. 'Lena, I want to marry you,' he said. 'But only if you're sure that you're ready to spend the rest of your life with me.'"

Epilogue:

Summary: Years later, Ethan and Lena are happily married and have a family of their own. They reflect on their journey and the challenges they faced along the way. They realize that their love has only deepened over time and that they are meant to be together.

Real Example: "As their children ran and played in the yard, Ethan smiled at Lena. 'I never would have thought that our second chance at love would turn out to be so perfect,' he said. 'I'm so grateful that we found our way back to each other.'"