Turn Every Page

Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb

Lizzie Gottlieb's Turn Every Page is an endearing documentary on the relationship between the noted biographer Robert Caro and his editor, the late Robert Gottlieb. Caro is famous for his book about Robert Moses, The Power Broker, and his still not yet completed five volume biography of Lyndon Johnson. Even if he had not collaborated with Caro, Gottlieb would still be renowned for the revival of The New Yorker under his editorship and his work with such notable writers as Toni Morrison, Charles Portis, and Joseph Heller. The film examines Cano's exhaustive and tortuous research and writing process and the wrangles he has had with Gottlieb over the years. 

A film which features arguments about the use of semicolons is going to have a limited audience, but count me very much in that audience. I have eagerly awaited to devour each new volume by Caro pretty much my whole adult life. He combines meticulous research, a broadness of vision, and a literary stylishness that is rare in a historical writer. The boundless affection expressed by the various talking heads in Turn Every Page captures the admiration inspired by his work. That affection is shared by Lizzie Gottlieb, one of the subject's daughter. Normally, I would be hesitant to recommend such a starry eyed valentine to a subject, but I share the reverence and love expressed for these storied collaborators and cannot remain objective about this terrific film.