The Chilean writer Roberto Bolano returned to Chile after an absence of 25 years, he had to leave after being arrested in Pinochet's coup, and he was at a party where, he says he was talking to another writer, of the minor variety, who, much to his astonishment told him that she was in psychoanalysis and her analyst was no other than the daughter of Norman Mailer. Why she should have been in Santiago at that time he had no idea, but he was even more astonished to learn that two of the others at the party were also undergoing analysis with her. |
" If we were in Mexico, it would make more sense: there's a tradition of outrageousness there that encompasses a sub-genre of bizarre visitors." says Bolano.
I rather like that sentence, and can just imagine Mexico being like that. If you've read The Savage Detectives you will know what he is on about. Think I must visit there some day soon.
But the idea of Mailer's daughter being there and doing therapy or whatever for these people is unreal. At the same time as Bolano was visiting Chile Pinochet himself was under arrest in London. But that's another story.
Tomorrow I'm escaping the jubilee festivities here in Edinburgh, with a wee trip north to the land of my birth: Isle of Lewis for those of you who don't know. So looking forward to that, and who knows I might even write a post from there. Or even post a nostalgic pic or two.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Another joke
I was writing a story for this week's class, but ran out of time, so had to brutally kill off one of the two main characters in order to be able to hand in a completed piece to the good professor, later that night. Which was a bit of a shame as I was getting quite fond of her. But the sun was shining in Edinburgh as I wrote and just had to go out to sample it. Sunshine is such an unusual phenomenon, one feels the need to make the most of it while it lasts. Having said that the hot weather persists so maybe there was no need to kill her off after all.
My pal John, who gets first sight of my efforts, told me it was a case of sudden death, which is true in lots of ways. He didn't see it coming, which is understandable; as I didn't either. Maybe I will go back to the story and finish it off as per my original idea. But I'll see what Colin, our esteemed teacher/professor, has to say about it first.
He read out another of my efforts last week, and the class spent a good forty five minutes discussing it, constructively I thought. It's a very strange feeling listening to folk talk about you like that. I kept wondering if these people had nothing better to do with their time. But apparently not.
Recently saw The Dictator, the new Sacha Baron Cohen movie. Very funny, lots of bits in very poor taste, not to everyone's liking I would imagine, but I think he's a very funny man. Simon Hoggart liked it in "hilarious film" he says.
And finally a funny one, also courtesy of Simon Hoggart. Sign seen outside a ladies toilet at Bristol Airport: "During a terminal evacuation, red lights will flash...."
My pal John, who gets first sight of my efforts, told me it was a case of sudden death, which is true in lots of ways. He didn't see it coming, which is understandable; as I didn't either. Maybe I will go back to the story and finish it off as per my original idea. But I'll see what Colin, our esteemed teacher/professor, has to say about it first.
He read out another of my efforts last week, and the class spent a good forty five minutes discussing it, constructively I thought. It's a very strange feeling listening to folk talk about you like that. I kept wondering if these people had nothing better to do with their time. But apparently not.
Recently saw The Dictator, the new Sacha Baron Cohen movie. Very funny, lots of bits in very poor taste, not to everyone's liking I would imagine, but I think he's a very funny man. Simon Hoggart liked it in "hilarious film" he says.
And finally a funny one, also courtesy of Simon Hoggart. Sign seen outside a ladies toilet at Bristol Airport: "During a terminal evacuation, red lights will flash...."
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tambien la LLuvia
I went to see this film on Saturday, Tambien la Lluvia (Even the Rain) and have to say its one of the best films I've seen in a long time. So thought I should tell you all about it as it's only on at the Filmhouse until Saturday 27th May. But if you're reading this in South America you should buy the DVD, unless you get lucky and see it in a cinema. The film is exciting, truly inspirational and deeply moving.
It was scripted by Paul Laverty, who usually works with Ken Loach, and tells the story of the making of a film about the Spanish conquest and the first native rebellion against them in South America in Bolivia in 1512. But unknown to the producer and director the local actor they choose to star as the leader of the rebellion against the Spaniards is also involved in a real life rebellion against the privatisation and takeover of their water supply by foreign capital, including a British company.
This modern day rebellion happened in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2000 and the people won in the end. The film brilliantly manages to show how the exploitation continues 500 years after Columbus by other means.
Luis Tosar was superb as the producer and Gael Garcia Bernal was excellent too as his director. But the stand out performance was from Juan carlos Aduviri as the native rebel leader. Here's a link to the trailer and more info
http://eventherain.com/
It was scripted by Paul Laverty, who usually works with Ken Loach, and tells the story of the making of a film about the Spanish conquest and the first native rebellion against them in South America in Bolivia in 1512. But unknown to the producer and director the local actor they choose to star as the leader of the rebellion against the Spaniards is also involved in a real life rebellion against the privatisation and takeover of their water supply by foreign capital, including a British company.
This modern day rebellion happened in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2000 and the people won in the end. The film brilliantly manages to show how the exploitation continues 500 years after Columbus by other means.
Luis Tosar was superb as the producer and Gael Garcia Bernal was excellent too as his director. But the stand out performance was from Juan carlos Aduviri as the native rebel leader. Here's a link to the trailer and more info
http://eventherain.com/
Sunday, May 20, 2012
W.G.Sebald
There are some books you read which are so brilliant the experience is almost physical, indeed orgasmic if I may say. It doesn't happen a lot but when it does it's a rare feeling; a tingling sensation. Is that what an orgasm feels like? There are a handful of authors who can do it for me, and I'm sure you will all have one or two who do it for you. Some we save for special occasions; when a good book is life's only cure. I think I'm going to rescue the semi-colon from obscurity. It's not been used much by me recently; so just to show there are no hard feelings will use it in this post. I'm sure there are rules for it's use but if so I don't remember them.
I've been reading W.G. Sebald's book Austerlitz which is as good as or maybe even better than Rings of Saturn, which I think I've mentioned before. He's one of the best authors I've ever read; his death so young was a sad loss to the world of literature. I'm sure he would have gone on to the Nobel prize had he lived. He was killed in a car crash at the age of 57 in 2001.
Austerlitz is not about the famous 19th century battle of that name, but the name of one of the two main characters in the book, the other being Sebald himself in fictional form. Austerlitz came to the UK from Prague in the Kinder transport in 1939 and ended up living with a family in Wales. The book is the story of the various meetings between the storyteller and Austerlitz and how Austerlitz recovers his story and his family story under the Nazis. It's deeply moving and a work of genius.
As a writer Sebald is unique. There is no-one else writes quite like him. There are no paragraphs or chapters in the book; the text is interspersed with grainy black and white photos which act like breaks and are incredibly effective. The book reads like a true story, which it might as well be.
I recently went to the Filmhouse to see a film called Patience (After Sebald) which is based on his book The Rings of Saturn and was made by a Grant Gee. Superb film making. I can only repeat what Mark Kermode said about it in the Guardian "great triumph.... manages to bewitch, bother and ultimately bedazzle"; "quietly extraordinary movie".
It's now available on Amazon, but I would read the book(s) first, though Kermode says he still hasn't read any Sebald; his loss obviously. I'm very happy to have got to know this writer; it's thanks to Will Self, whom I heard talking about him some time ago, and he was full of praise.
I've been reading W.G. Sebald's book Austerlitz which is as good as or maybe even better than Rings of Saturn, which I think I've mentioned before. He's one of the best authors I've ever read; his death so young was a sad loss to the world of literature. I'm sure he would have gone on to the Nobel prize had he lived. He was killed in a car crash at the age of 57 in 2001.
Austerlitz is not about the famous 19th century battle of that name, but the name of one of the two main characters in the book, the other being Sebald himself in fictional form. Austerlitz came to the UK from Prague in the Kinder transport in 1939 and ended up living with a family in Wales. The book is the story of the various meetings between the storyteller and Austerlitz and how Austerlitz recovers his story and his family story under the Nazis. It's deeply moving and a work of genius.
As a writer Sebald is unique. There is no-one else writes quite like him. There are no paragraphs or chapters in the book; the text is interspersed with grainy black and white photos which act like breaks and are incredibly effective. The book reads like a true story, which it might as well be.
I recently went to the Filmhouse to see a film called Patience (After Sebald) which is based on his book The Rings of Saturn and was made by a Grant Gee. Superb film making. I can only repeat what Mark Kermode said about it in the Guardian "great triumph.... manages to bewitch, bother and ultimately bedazzle"; "quietly extraordinary movie".
It's now available on Amazon, but I would read the book(s) first, though Kermode says he still hasn't read any Sebald; his loss obviously. I'm very happy to have got to know this writer; it's thanks to Will Self, whom I heard talking about him some time ago, and he was full of praise.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
And finally a joke.
Went to see a very good play at Lyceum Theatre on Friday, "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" by a guy called Martin McDonagh, born in London, parents Irish immigrants. The play is essentially a full frontal attack on Irish republican groups such as INLA and the Provos. It amazes me that he still lives.
Apparently he couldn't find any theatres prepared to put it on when he wrote it back in the mid nineties. It was eventually put on in 2001 in a protected performance, whatever that means. The main character is a mad psychopathic ex INLA member who has to form his own splinter group as he's too extreme in his methods for the other madmen of the time.
He loves cats though, which proves his downfall. It's a darkly comic work, very funny and superbly acted by all the cast. Emer thoroughly enjoyed it too. The only woman in the cast was a fine singer who gave us a few old republican songs, e.g. Patriot Game. The provos must have hated it. Not the song, the play. A great night out. If it comes your way go see it.
Recently saw the Marley movie, which I might have mentioned before but no harm in mentioning it again. Needless to say it was a fine movie, lots of concert film, well worth seeing and a must if you're a Marley fan. Went with my pal Leighton, who is more of a classical type, but he enjoyed it a lot, or so he told me.
Also went to see "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" which was quite an ok movie, funny in bits, and of course with our own Ewan Mcgregor in the lead role, whom I'm very fond of the boy. Love his accent, needless to say. But there's more to him than the voice. He's not the world's greatest but he's done some fine stuff over the years. Kristin Scott Thomas is terrific as government PR woman, straight out of "In the Thick of it".
I had lunch with my old friend George the other day. He reminded me of an old joke, which he says he first heard from me about 20 years ago.
Did you hear about the dyslexic, insomniac, agnostic? He lay awake all night wondering if there was a dog.
Apparently he couldn't find any theatres prepared to put it on when he wrote it back in the mid nineties. It was eventually put on in 2001 in a protected performance, whatever that means. The main character is a mad psychopathic ex INLA member who has to form his own splinter group as he's too extreme in his methods for the other madmen of the time.
He loves cats though, which proves his downfall. It's a darkly comic work, very funny and superbly acted by all the cast. Emer thoroughly enjoyed it too. The only woman in the cast was a fine singer who gave us a few old republican songs, e.g. Patriot Game. The provos must have hated it. Not the song, the play. A great night out. If it comes your way go see it.
Recently saw the Marley movie, which I might have mentioned before but no harm in mentioning it again. Needless to say it was a fine movie, lots of concert film, well worth seeing and a must if you're a Marley fan. Went with my pal Leighton, who is more of a classical type, but he enjoyed it a lot, or so he told me.
Also went to see "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" which was quite an ok movie, funny in bits, and of course with our own Ewan Mcgregor in the lead role, whom I'm very fond of the boy. Love his accent, needless to say. But there's more to him than the voice. He's not the world's greatest but he's done some fine stuff over the years. Kristin Scott Thomas is terrific as government PR woman, straight out of "In the Thick of it".
I had lunch with my old friend George the other day. He reminded me of an old joke, which he says he first heard from me about 20 years ago.
Did you hear about the dyslexic, insomniac, agnostic? He lay awake all night wondering if there was a dog.
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Sunshine on Leith
I'm writing this on a Apple pc in the Virgin Lounge in Edinburgh centre. Just wanted to try out an Apple pc and what better way than to post on my blog. The Virgin Lounge is provided free of charge by our old friend Richard Branson and an excellent facility it is too. But only for Virgin customers which I suppose is fair enough. Free coffee, newspapers, pcs and iPads for all to use. Nice views of Edinburgh and very comfy chairs. I will definitely be coming back here. Thank you Richard. But Virgin is still a funny name for a business. I remember when you first started using the name, way back in the mists of time and thinking it woud never catch on. How wrong can one be? I do think we could do without your portrait though, fine painting that it is, it does seem a bit vain don't you think.
There would appear to be some cup final taking place in London today. Don't really mind who wins today as Hibs are playing in the Scottish cup final soon against Hearts, and that's the important one, obviously. Hibs haven't won the cup for over 100 years so we will all be getting right behind them. Is it not briliant that Celtic and Rangers are not involved? Yes of course it is.
I was just thinking that Hibs fans have the best song, "Sunshine on Leith". Written by our own boys from that Scottish institution The Proclaimers. Great boys and great songs. I once sold a Socialist Worker to one of them. He used to live in my street, many years ago.
If you don't believe me about thier songs, have a wee look in youtube and I'm sure you will be convinced. There is just no other football song to compare to it. Celtic have that dirge of a hymn from Liverpool that they have purloined, and Rangers sing about some Queen they need to save, and as for Hearts, who knows what they sing.
So lets hope "Sunshine on Leith" is heard worldwide later this month. If only for my pal Emer and all the other Hibs supporters who have been kept waiting way too long for some glory. The Proclaimers have a new cd out too.
Sun is shining on Edinburgh/Leith so better go and enjoy it while it lasts. Apple pc is rather cool. Maybe need to buy one? What as well as an iPad? Madness!
There would appear to be some cup final taking place in London today. Don't really mind who wins today as Hibs are playing in the Scottish cup final soon against Hearts, and that's the important one, obviously. Hibs haven't won the cup for over 100 years so we will all be getting right behind them. Is it not briliant that Celtic and Rangers are not involved? Yes of course it is.
I was just thinking that Hibs fans have the best song, "Sunshine on Leith". Written by our own boys from that Scottish institution The Proclaimers. Great boys and great songs. I once sold a Socialist Worker to one of them. He used to live in my street, many years ago.
If you don't believe me about thier songs, have a wee look in youtube and I'm sure you will be convinced. There is just no other football song to compare to it. Celtic have that dirge of a hymn from Liverpool that they have purloined, and Rangers sing about some Queen they need to save, and as for Hearts, who knows what they sing.
So lets hope "Sunshine on Leith" is heard worldwide later this month. If only for my pal Emer and all the other Hibs supporters who have been kept waiting way too long for some glory. The Proclaimers have a new cd out too.
Sun is shining on Edinburgh/Leith so better go and enjoy it while it lasts. Apple pc is rather cool. Maybe need to buy one? What as well as an iPad? Madness!
Friday, May 04, 2012
"Strangely Moving"
Days are nice and long here now in Edinburgh, but why is it still so bloody cold? Should be a law against cold weather after May begins.
My creative writing class is back in full swing now, and there are a few newcomers, though already some drop outs. We started term with fifteen but only nine turned up last night. It is different to other classes I've done as you just can't hide, and if you don't do the work there is no point turning up. So I guess folk just find it too much. I think it would probably be the same for me if I was working full time. Now should that be "was working" or "were working"? Or do both suffice?
My latest effort seemed to go down well with teacher. It's called Rivals, and he described it as "strangely moving" "very well observed and realised portrait" and "dialogue was believable and effect". So am pleased with that, especially as I set out to write a story using mostly dialogue between the main characters to tell the story. But it's hard work. Very hard work, but satisfying. The hardest bit is getting the idea for the story, but once I know where it's going I'm off with it.
It's not often that Scotland produces a world champion, and in Stephen Hendry we had one of the greatest snooker players of all time, seven times champion of the world. He's announced his retirement this week, so thank you Stephen, a fine champion indeed. Though obviously not as good as Alex Hurricane Higgins, who was the best of them all, but shame about all the fags and the drink. I remember watching him win the world championship in 1982 when he beat Reardon, who had beaten him in the final a few years previously. I saw the final on a big screen in a hotel bar which belonged to Chic Murray, and whose name now fails me. I was with my pal Paul, and we were the only two in the bar supporting Alex. We very nearly got lynched. Memories indeed.
That's all for now. Must go for a coffee in Cafe Nero, and finish my book.
My creative writing class is back in full swing now, and there are a few newcomers, though already some drop outs. We started term with fifteen but only nine turned up last night. It is different to other classes I've done as you just can't hide, and if you don't do the work there is no point turning up. So I guess folk just find it too much. I think it would probably be the same for me if I was working full time. Now should that be "was working" or "were working"? Or do both suffice?
My latest effort seemed to go down well with teacher. It's called Rivals, and he described it as "strangely moving" "very well observed and realised portrait" and "dialogue was believable and effect". So am pleased with that, especially as I set out to write a story using mostly dialogue between the main characters to tell the story. But it's hard work. Very hard work, but satisfying. The hardest bit is getting the idea for the story, but once I know where it's going I'm off with it.
It's not often that Scotland produces a world champion, and in Stephen Hendry we had one of the greatest snooker players of all time, seven times champion of the world. He's announced his retirement this week, so thank you Stephen, a fine champion indeed. Though obviously not as good as Alex Hurricane Higgins, who was the best of them all, but shame about all the fags and the drink. I remember watching him win the world championship in 1982 when he beat Reardon, who had beaten him in the final a few years previously. I saw the final on a big screen in a hotel bar which belonged to Chic Murray, and whose name now fails me. I was with my pal Paul, and we were the only two in the bar supporting Alex. We very nearly got lynched. Memories indeed.
That's all for now. Must go for a coffee in Cafe Nero, and finish my book.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
