Barry Diller’s memoir, “Who Knew,” offers an intriguing analysis of the entertainment industry through the lens of his personal experiences and professional achievements. Diller, a prominent figure in the field, recounts his journey from working in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency to becoming a powerful mogul at Paramount Pictures. This transformation showcases his knack for innovation, including creating the ABC Movie of the Week, which broke traditional television programming rules at the time.
What sets Diller’s narrative apart is not just the brush with celebrity but the deeper insights into consumer capitalism he provides. He masterfully describes the complexities behind the seemingly whimsical decisions in the industry, like the introduction of new products that may appear random but are, in fact, the result of meticulous planning and strategic thinking. For example, Diller illustrates how the ABC Movie of the Week energized television storytelling and laid the groundwork for the modern limited series format.
Diller’s reflections on his upbringing also paint a vivid picture of his early life, revealing the emotional challenges he faced in a stifled household and how these experiences shaped his ambitions and drive. Despite the pressures of the industry, he highlights his disdain for data-driven decision-making and emphasizes the importance of spirited discussions and creative debates among his team.
While his tenure at Paramount was marked by both disappointments and successes, notably the unexpected triumphs of films like “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease,” Diller candidly acknowledges that the best films are not always the most profitable. His recounting resonates with the age-old Hollywood axiom that “nobody knows anything” when it comes to predicting which films will succeed.
Overall, Diller’s memoir captures a unique blend of personal and professional insights, shedding light on the intricacies of show business while reflecting on his journey as a leader in the rapidly changing entertainment landscape. His story serves as a reminder of the interplay between creativity and commerce in the pursuit of success—a narrative that continues to evolve in today’s ever-shifting media environment.