The Castle on Sunset (by Shawn Levy)
I purchased the audiobook, “The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont,” by Shawn Levy, during an Audible sale. This book has been on my radar for some time now, as I’m fascinated by learning about the places and people that inhabit them.
The Chateau Marmont, a historic landmark nestled on Sunset Boulevard, a trendy area of Los Angeles that has been a haven for Hollywood’s elite for almost a century, is the subject of this captivating book. While the book delves into the lives of celebrities who have graced its halls, it also offers a deeper exploration of the building’s structural development and décor. Fred Horowitz built the apartment building turned hotel in 1929, and each owner who followed left their mark on the hotel, striving to enhance the guest experience. Levy skillfully weaves in significant societal events and their impact on Chateau Marmont, such as the 1966 hippie riots that shook the Sunset Strip.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book’s chronological structure, which segments the narrative into different time periods to highlight prominent celebrities, owners, and significant societal changes. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive that it might devolve into a mere celebrity gossip book, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s far from that. Instead, it’s a meticulously researched book that chronicles the history of Chateau Marmont from 1929 until its publication in 2019.
Throughout the book, an extensive list of celebrities is discussed, with a few names that particularly stood out to me, such as James Dean, Natalie Wood, John Wayne, Sharon Tate, Dominic Dunne, and John Belushi.
Many creative artists have resided at Chateau Marmont, inspiring them to create remarkable works of art, including movies. Notably, Sofia Coppola’s film “Somewhere” was shot at the hotel. I grew up a fan of Madonna and was surprised to discover that one of her earlier movies, “Dangerous Game,” was filmed at the chateau. For those interested in seeing images of the hotel, movie trailers are included.
The Chateau Marmont itself is a captivating place, and I’m grateful to Levy’s literary prowess for shedding light on its fascinating history. Mike Chamberlain’s narration of “The Castle on Sunset” transformed the audiobook into a delightful listening experience.
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