Swimming to Cambodia (1987)

Diving into Spalding Gray

Swimming to Cambodia is fundamentally an autobiographical monologue, and one only peripherally connected to the (excellent) film that inspired it, The Killing Fields. Those unfamiliar with Spalding Gray's works may be perplexed to read his self-centered, occasionally manic or depressive, and deeply personal ramblings. This book is, in a way, misleading; even more so than Shakespeare's plays, Gray's monologues are meant to be watched, not read. It's difficult to imagine his drawling New England accent, the ironic and self-deprecating humor, and the incredible honesty with which Gray would sit at a table with a glass of water and share, fundamentally, himself.

Swimming to Cambodia is not the first of what became his signature internal dialogs, but as it is the earliest work available on film, it's a good place to start. Those who may recognize him from his work in small film roles (Beaches, King of the Hill), or theater (including a much-loved role as the Stage Manager in Our Town) may be surprised to learn of his collection of solo stage work. Some are available only as a manuscript (Sex & Death to the Age 14), others as a sound recording (Slippery Slope), and three have been filmed (Monster in a Box, Gray's Anatomy), including this piece. Gray's work should be explored as a whole; the narrative of his life informed and expanded on continuing themes of anxiety, his mother's battle with mental illness and early-middle-aged suicide, his relationships with women, his eventual fatherhood. His final, unfinished monologue, is accompanied by the epitaphs of those who knew and loved him, and who were saddened by but understood his final succumbing to depression in 2004. Start at the beginning, and get as close to the live versions of his works as you can.

If you're looking for insight into the political history of Cambodia, or deeper meaning in the Oscar-winning film based on a true story about the friendship between an American journalist and his Cambodian counterpart, you've come to the wrong place. Gray does address topics like the sex trade in Cambodia (often graphically), and his experience filming The Killing Fields in Thailand, but he weaves these in with his thoughts on his adopted home town, New York, or a train ride from Philly to Chicago. But if you're interested in the opportunity for an honest (and often humorous) glimpse into the mind of a brilliant, insightful, and emotionally complicated performer, this is the beginning. Spalding Gray blurred the lines between life and performance, and so I urge you to experience his work as a living process, the way he shared it. August 12, 2007

Swimming To Cambodia

This is a readable enough book, but those seeking new and interesting inforamtion about Cambodia in the time period with which this book is concerned will not be particularly fullfilled. July 27, 2007

Sinking to Cambodia

I thought this would be a great insight into someone who had been involved in the film "The Killing Fields" the academy award winning film about the fall of Phnom Penh and the associated attrocities heaped upon the Cambodian people in 1975. But I was quite disappointed. Although I expected profanity and the like. I was put off with how much was communicated through its pages. Fair enough not everyone believes the same way or has the same value system. However this book was not a consuming read as I thought it would be. Yes, it spoke about the day to day trials of filmmaking. And in particular the activities of Spalding. Because Mr Gray had a relatively small role in the film, it could not enlighten the me with much insight other than Mr Gray's personal experiences and observations of other crew members.It may be a great work for some but it did not work for me. April 30, 2007

Enthralling and captivating

First of all this is a monologue and I usually hate monologues. The first time I watched this was starting at midnight and I was quite tired. I was expecting to fall asleep to it but found myself wide awake and engrossed. I was absolutely mesmerized by this performance. Spalding Gray just captivates you from the very beginning and holds your attention all the way through. He mixes it with bits of wry comedy and anecdotes, and mixes in a bit of history and politics for good measure. He actually brings you to the places he is talking about, its like you can see Thailand and experience the production of the Killing Fields.

Mr. Gray talks not as someone talking from note cars or a pre planned speech but from someone telling you about a great adventure. He has a natural and easy going style that makes you very comfortable. His energy and passion is contagious. The may is a born storyteller and narrator.

It is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen and I am usually an action movie kind of guy. I had never even heard of Spalding Gray before this nor had I seen the Killing Fields. But after watching I rented the killing fields and researched Mr. Gray.

There is great lighting and film style to go along with it. Even though he's just sitting at a desk they add an exciting mood to it.

Its ashamed that Spalding Gray is no longer with us as I found the man intensely interesting. I would highly recommend the VHS/DVD to anyone. I don't know how well it would be in a book as much of the attraction is Spalding himself. The man was simply amazing in this.
February 14, 2005

Spalding, where are you??

The recent disappearance of Spalding Gray has made me realize what I don't like about this film: its narcissism. It's Gray's defining characteristic. After a while, despite Jonathan Demme's fabulous direction (he makes the best of a limited repertoire) it just gets boring. February 2, 2004

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