Well, I’ve only ever been able to see ‘The Exorcist’ as a comedy, and if you believe Martin Shaw in the BBC’s nutty new exorco-drama ‘Apparitions’, that probably means I’m possessed. Hey ho, we all have our crosses to bear (or rather, pitchforks). In my defense, the scene in ‘The Exorcist’ that first set meContinue reading “Why I’m writing a Spanish Inquisition cop show”
Category Archives: Rants
The butcher’s apprentice
I’m at home, watching trailers for upcoming movies on Five. Guns, fisticuffs – combat as a fundamental dramatic component. It’s so all-pervasive, you don’t notice it any more. And I’m sick of it. Sick of the reduction of the subtle emotional conflicts inherent in drama to meatheaded literal battles; sick of the constant presentation ofContinue reading “The butcher’s apprentice”
Killing the lover
Watching children and their parents on the beach at the weekend, and I was struck by how much care goes into the making of a person. None of just happen; we’re all very carefully supported, built even, over a period of decades. And more generally, there’s a deep sense of nurture in being us. WalkingContinue reading “Killing the lover”
Monk ponder work
The dissolution of the monasteries made monks of us all, taking the monastic organisation of time and labour in pursuit of transcendent ends and releasing it into Northern European society as a whole. ‘Laborare est orare’ (itself all verbs, all doing) is made the founding principle of modern society; now our expectation is that workContinue reading “Monk ponder work”
Zali to rock hard
Zali over at iotacism is playing a solo set at the Klinker in Stoke Newington tomorrow, details (and groovy music downloads) here. Go see him! He will rock unfeasibly hard. Would be there myself, but alas I shall be rowing. A useful skill given current rainfall levels.
Scott of the Rantarctic
Well, despite a bacon, mushroom and brown sauce sandwich, and a rather nice cappuccino, I’m still hungover, so I’m just going to rant a bit, releasing my inner literary Richard Littlejohn (for non-UK readers, a noted right wing ranting journalist / loon) on the world. We’re going to hell in a handcart! If there’s oneContinue reading “Scott of the Rantarctic”