Loving, well researched book about Stanton, beloved character actor and occasional lead who like many character actors was bitter about not being a lead. Managed to be cool, adored by Brat Packers, scored Rebecca de Morney - I think because he was a musician. Kind of like Billy Bob Thornton if Thornton didn't write and direct. Main problem is Stanton's film appearances were so many and brief Atkins out of necessity can't dive that deep - when he does, eg Repo Man , Paris Texas - the book is great. Also the actor was a bit of a floss. It's hard to get a grip on him. But this is a fine book.