John’s Comments (group member since Mar 27, 2013)

John’s comments from the Thomas Pynchon group.

I'm happy every time an author I like mentions my hometown of Indianapolis, as Pynchon does in BE. (And not just in reference to the Indy 500...)

Got my copy from the library yesterday. Two chapters enjoyed. Going to take my time with each page...

GR was my intro to Pynchon, though on first attempt I couldn't finish. This was around 1979 and I just felt lost. I was used to more linear, cause & effect works. I bought the paperback of V. and found it a easier intro to him and his style. This was followed by Lot 49. Then, over the years, I finally finished GR and have reread several times, the last with a "companion" to assist with some of the nomenclature. (I always wanted to use the word nomenclature!) Fast forward to 2013 and I wait with crackhead-like anticipation for Bleeding Edge...

Maya Rudolph has joined the cast and the first two pictures from filming underway in L.A.:

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/2733...

I vividly remember my excitement upon acquiring a copy of Vineland in 1990. I had by then become a reader of Pynchon and feared I had already enjoyed his entire oeuvre. Salinger-like non-prolificacy seemed my lot to descry. Now, 23 years later, I again possess an excitement for a new work, the fourth novel since that time aforementioned. Needless to say, but I will, my reading of Bleeding Edge will be ravenous. Be cool but care...

http://youtu.be/2daNrsfwDgY

If only he had followed up the narration of the promo video with reading the audio book. If only...

I never argue another's opinion when it comes to matters of "art." All I can offer is my own experiences. Firstly, I cannot say anything bad about Vice. I was actually happy Pynchon wrote something like it for a change, not that I find it vastly different in that it is still Pynchon. I'm reminded of the shaggy dog story and just went along for the ride. Unlike other Pynchon, I felt he did not just give us the quest, but an actual denouement. I really enjoyed it and have read it twice. I probably will again once I know who is playing whom and create a movie in my mind as I do so. Secondly, I am a fan of PTAnderson, though I have not thoroughly enjoyed everything. But, considering his ability to handle a large cast in a satisfactory manner, at least to me, I find him the best choice since Altman is no longer with us. (I cannot comment on the directors mentioned above as I have yet to see their work. I know!) And thirdly, the fact that Pynchon himself as been somewhat involved in this production amazes and thrills me. After his having done the narration for the small promo film for Vice, and his "appearance" in "The Simpsons," maybe the celebrity bug has bit. Naaahhh!!!

I think this book is the most accessible for filming. Maybe Vineland or Lot 49, but the others, nope. And I enjoyed the novel.

It's not enough that I thought there would never be a film adaptation of a Pynchon novel, but now I'm actually looking forward to one. Pynchon & Anderson may work well together (or not), but I will definitely see this one...

Martin Short!

It was about 1979 when Gravity's Rainbow found me. I was 19 at the time. Something about it intrigued me enough to purchase it and begin my first attempt at reading it. I was unsuccessful. I decided to try V., back when a paperback copy was a couple of bucks. I read it and was impressed by the writing, realized that there was no "proper" denouement and wasn't sure how I felt about that. As Pynchon said, "You will want cause and effect." He was right. At the time, I did. Anyway, cut to 2013. I've read all of his work, some several times. I think for a reader unaccustomed to his style & content, they would be better served to start with his novel's that are closest to "traditional." They also seem to be the shortest. Slow Learner, The Crying of Lot 49, Vineland, Inherent Vice would be great places to start. His entire oeuvre is a great place to finish...

Have to admit that as I read Inherent Vice I had Jeff Bridges/The Dude in mind just as a visual, but knew that it would be somewhat redundant for him to actually play the part when I first heard that PTA was possibly doing a film version. I've read it twice and probably will again before the film's release. As for Bleeding Edge, words are unnecessary...