Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Three things I will almost definitely love and one thing I hate

Love:


The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, based on an F Scott Fitzgerald short story, directed by David Fincher, starring Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Brad Pitt


Burn After Reading, written and directed by the Coen brothers, starring Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, George Clooney, Brad Pitt


Synechdoche, New York, written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michelle Williams, Catherine Keener, Emily Watson, Samantha Morton

Hate:

Chuck Klosterman. I read part of one of his books, and I can't believe how boring, immature, and desperate Klosterman's writing is. He comes across as an annoying little boy who wants badly to be liked. He has nothing to offer.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those movies all have me mega-pumped, but I'm going to stick up for Klosterman!

I thought that "Fargo Rock City" was a great expression of what it's like to be a kid who loves rock music. It's an often witty, consistently enjoyable read that articulated his fandom without getting too self-indulgent or impersonal. I also enjoy his music essays and reviews, which are a breath of fresh air in the world of cynical, self-aggrandizing music journalism.

In fairness, I probably haven't read whichever Klosterman book you found offensive, and considering that I've agreed with everything else posted here so far, I'm sure you've got some valid points. But I do think he has something to offer!

Take care,
Ben

Stephanie said...

You have good taste, so I won't write him off yet - just the book that I read, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. "Fargo Rock City" sounds much more promising.

Meghan Ritchie said...

Wow, watch out Klosterman.

Anonymous said...

I've flipped through "Sex, Drugs..." but never felt compelled to pick it up. "Fargo Rock City" seemed less guarded and more focused.

In any case, I'd like to hear what you guys think of it. I have some reservations about him, but I do think he's a good writer, and I genuinely think you'd enjoy "Fargo Rock City."