The Robert Altman tribute program “A Special Evening with Altman Biographer, Mitch Zuckoff and Mrs. Kathryn Altman,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library Gallery, Room 100.
Zuckoff, author of the new book “Robert Altman: The Oral Biography,” will be joined by Kathryn Altman, the film director’s widow, at a question-and-answer session during the program. It coincides with the Hatcher Library’s recent acquisition of the Altman archives. The library looks forward to making them available for use by scholars and other interested parties.
In his new book, Zuckoff showcases more than 145 interviews, with subjects including Altman’s children, widow, collaborators and critics. Interview subjects included Meryl Streep, Warren Beatty, Tim Robbins, Julianne Moore, Paul Newman, Julie Christie, Elliott Gould, Martin Scorsese, Robin Williams, Cher and Sally Kellerman.
Zuckoff, who was working with Altman on his memoirs before he died, weaves Altman’s final interviews and a cast of voices into the tale. The book is comprehensive, but presents no complete understanding of Altman.
Zuckoff is a professor of journalism at Boston University College of Communication. He also is a writer for the Boston Globe and has appeared in The New Yorker and Fortune magazine. He has written three books and received awards including the Livingston Award for International Reporting and the Heywood Broun Award.
Book sales and signings will follow the free program, which is open to the public.
