Date: Wed, 02 Jan 2002 07:38:02 -0600 From: Mary Murphy&Salstrand <ericandmary-AT-earthlink.net> Subject: tons of fun in 2001 All Related to Steve's recounting some of his personal highlights in this newly past dismal year (and perhaps in the fond hope that others will do the same), here of some of mine, recognizing that we live contra temps and what I experienced in not necessarily new. For me, the big accomplishment with regard to novels was finishing Proust's seven volume "In Search of Lost Time". It was basically a two-year project and this is how it was done. A small group (four) of us agreed to read 50 pages every two weeks, then we would meet at out place for dinner followed by discussion. Very Civilized and it certainly beat watching television. Even though Proust has written the last great Victorian novel, one that is not nearly as experimental as Joyce, I was struck by unheroic it was (to echo Steve's own Spiderman reflections). Every foible, whim, jealousy, suspicion, snobbery, fear and anxiety is freely presented on these pages. There is little that is held back. At the same time, by testifying to these banal things within his life great art is created and the recognition of this fact takes Proust somewhat by surprise. A true achievement and because of this Proust is still contemporary. The other book that struck me was "Out of Sheer Rage" by Geoff Dyer. This is a book about someone who wants to write a book of serious criticism about DH Lawrence and who instead finds ways to procrastinate and do everything but write. It is remarkably funny and very insightful about the process of becoming a writer. It has also got me interested in reading Lawrence again, especially his poems, letters and essays. The movies I liked best were Moulin Rouge and Muholland Drive. I also had a chance to see the new print of Godard's "Band of Outsiders" (1964?) when it came to the local theatre and loved it. It is amazing what he could do with a "girl and a gun" creating a whole new situationalist cinematic universe where Revolution in Everyday Life was still possible, inspiring us ghosts watching from the other side of the screen to Live. I have often felt that Godard spells God, so I am not too troubled that Steve finds the idle ramblings and musings of Diane and myself often fall short of genius. In music, I have belatedly come to appreciate OK Computer by Radiohead. It seems to capture the mood of the times perfectly, like a genetically altered fly encased in a wired amber jar receiving electric shock theraphy and still finding ways to feel good about it. Anyway, this list isn't meant to be comprehensive, it just reflects a few things that inspired me. With regard to Lyotard, reading Badiou's ethics, made me appreciate Lyotard psychoanalytical side much more. I feel there is much more that might be done using this approach to Lyotard. As Lyotard himself acknowledges, Freud was a major influence on his work. Here's hoping this theme might be discussed more in upcoming year as the Empire hoists its banners upon a more violent uncertain world. eric
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