Natalie Wood

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...