You know what's a tough book to write? A spoof autobiography. It's true. Have you ever read the Ron Burgundy one? While Anchorman is a truly great comedy movie (I suppose the second one is alright) the Ron Burgundy biography is, well, garbage. Everything feels incredibly forced. It just doesn't work.
That's not to say that every spoof autobiography is generally rubbish.
There's a few good examples of it being done well, and number one with a bullet is the Alan Partridge.
I have been a fan of the Alan Partridge character for an awfully long time.
I can't remember exactly when I first came across him, but I remember how. Mine and my little brother Tom's grandparents gave him (rather in-advisably) a collection of free DVD's from the newspaper, among which were two series of I'm Alan Partridge.
After watching Steve Coogan portraying this socially inept fallen TV chat show host my sides were aching from laughter. It was Tom though who really got bitten by The Partridge Bug. He introduced me to On The Hour, the very first series to feature the Partridge character and its TV successor The Day Today, before guiding me to Knowing Me, Knowing You, the chat show that leads to Alan's fall from grace.
Biographies from Overdrive
It was not only the intricacy of the world of Partridge that pulled me
in, or even just the cringe worthy brilliance of the humour, but just
the fact that there's something compelling about Alan as a character.
It's car crash TV.
Anyway when Partridge decided to release an autobiography I knew I would have to grab it.
For the record it's absolutely worth it.
Firstly it has that cringe worthy element that Alan has on screen. You read it laughing maniacally, half at his ability to consistently put his foot in it, half at the sheer ludicrousness of the events in his life.
It's a shameless spoof of celebrity culture and a pastiche on those who can't let the limelight go with dignity.
Secondly it gives us a glimpse of Partridge's past. How accurate is it? Well that's up for debate, but it certainly leads to some quite entertaining situations. From his childhood, through University, into the world of radio and his first steps on his path to fame.
It's a mixture of Alan at his tactless best combined with a sense that we're not quite getting the truth as it actually happened.
However the true brilliance of this book is when Alan discusses the *ahem* highlights of his media career, particularly the well documented ones from radio and TV. This is where you get the true extent of how exceptional Coogan's creation is. The fact that we know Alan's version of events isn't entirely accurate merely adds to the hilarity of what plays out.
It's a book that gives you a laugh a minute, and will make you look a little bit crazy on public transport with how much it makes you giggle. There's also an element of satirical commentary on celebrity culture which is simultaneously cutting and hilarious.
Fancy checking it out?
You can call us on 020 8314 8430 to see if you can get it through our Click & Collect service or find it on our
E-Library here I Partridge
E-Library here I Partridge
Comments