Bad that I wasted an hour trying to fall asleep last night while my stomach boiled and gurgled. On the other hand I did read a section from Do you speak an American? waiting for my stomach to stop its convulsions. And this morning instead of doing one of the many difficult things I probably ought to do, I read again from Do you Speak... and I'm now watching Factotum. Maybe you've seen it; if not it's about a writer/bum/womanizer/socialist (Matt Dillon). Kind of a Leaving Las Vegas, with some philosophical voiceover, but not as dark.
In one of the early scenes he has an interview for a job at a pickle factory. Henry tells him he's a writer:
"What's your novel about?" the manager asks.
"Everything," Henry answers.
"So it's about cancer?"
"Yes."
"What about…my wife?"
"She's in there, too."
Dillon's dry delivery is hilarious. Many funny understated moments like early on, but as it meanders along the pain, alcohol, and depressing "fucks" suck the humor away.
5 comments:
Isn't Factotum based on a Bukowski novel? or on Bukowski himself?
Sorry you're feeling so bad. I used regularly to get a raging bout of strep throat after my finals as an undergraduate, and a similar beatdown of illness when I became a teacher. What is that about, anyway?
I used to get a raging case of bronchitis at the end of every fall quarter, but have not experienced that since moving to Utah (knock on wood). I also used to get sinus infections, but have remained relatively healthy (except for a small cold), I don't know why, but I recommend Emergen-C. I take it every day!!
Feel better, and have a good holiday.
Yes, it's based on a 1975 autobiographical Bukowski novel. I was hoping you had seen it...anyone??
Thought about it, looked so very depressing . . . so no.
Just watch the first half then skip to the end where he finally gets a story published. Serious, it would be worth it.
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