Throughout her career, Natalie Wood teetered precariously on the edge of
greatness. Trained in the classical Hollywood studio style, but best
mentored by Method directors, Wood was the ideal actress for roles
depicting shifting perceptions of American womanhood. Nonetheless, while
many of her films are considered classics of mid-twentieth century
American cinema, she is less remembered for her acting than she is for
her mysterious and tragic death.
Rebecca Sullivan's lucid and engaging study of Natalie Wood's career
sheds new light on her enormous, albeit uneven, contributions to
American cinema. This persuasive text argues for renewed appreciation of
Natalie Wood by situating her enigmatic performances in the context of a
transforming star industry and revolutionary, post-war sexual politics.