FICTIONAL SELVES
By Kyle MacLachlan
Publisher: Crown
The Golden Globe-winning actor gives an account of his career in Hollywood and his relationships with his characters.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
In "Fictional Selves," Kyle MacLachlan embarks on a self-indulgent odyssey through his acting career, employing a contrived alter ego, "Other Kyle," to dissect the chasm between his public persona and private self. This literary device, while intended to provide depth, often comes across as a gimmicky crutch that dilutes the authenticity of his narrative.
MacLachlan's recounting of his early days, particularly his collaboration with David Lynch on "Dune," is marred by a tone of self-pity. He laments the film's critical failure and his subsequent struggles, yet fails to offer any profound insights or take responsibility for his role in these setbacks. His portrayal of Lynch, with dialogue rendered in all caps to mimic the director's voice, feels more like a caricature than a tribute, reducing a complex relationship to a series of shallow anecdotes.
The memoir's exploration of MacLachlan's personal life is equally unsatisfying. His admission of infidelity during his relationship with Laura Dern is presented with a disturbing lack of remorse, as he casually attributes his actions to not being "in his best moment." This flippant attitude towards significant personal failings undermines any attempt at genuine self-reflection.
Furthermore, the book's structure is disjointed, with MacLachlan oscillating between professional milestones and personal musings without a coherent thread. The inclusion of "Other Kyle" as a narrative device becomes increasingly tiresome, serving more as a distraction than a meaningful exploration of identity.
In conclusion, "Fictional Selves" is a disappointing memoir that squanders the opportunity to provide a compelling account of a unique acting career. MacLachlan's reliance on gimmicks and his superficial treatment of both his professional and personal life result in a narrative that is neither enlightening nor engaging. Readers seeking a substantive and introspective memoir would be better served looking elsewhere.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 10/8/2026