Wildwomble
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
Just finished 'Annihilation' and loved it! It was so beautiful and eerie. It reminded me a little bit of Tarkovsky's film 'Stalker'. Have you seen that film or are a fan of Tarkovsky? I just started on 'Authority' so I'm reluctant to ask you anything about the books that might reveal a spoiler :)
Jeff VanderMeer
Thanks! I have to admit that even though I like a fair number of films that move slowly or in which not a lot happens that I've yet to become indoctrinated in Tarkovsky. I haven't found his work that compelling, but I'm sure this is a defect in me not in the filmmaker. It's also a difficult question because I was so focused on the personal aspects of the setting, based on areas of North Florida I know, that I wasn't aware of any real literary or movie influences on Annihilation. Authority's a different matter, in that the documentary about The Shining was very influential on it.
More Answered Questions
Christopher Walborn
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
Authority has two sections that seem to be a nod to Roadside Picnic: the "Maybe they called it a holiday retreat" passage on pg 37 recalls the passage from which the novella gets its name, and the image of military vehicles on pg 189 echoes an image from Stalker. Were these conscious nods? There were also echoes Lem's Solaris. Are these Eastern European writers touchstones for you? I'm looking forward to September!
Irus
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
Hello Jeff - I have been enjoying the Southern Reach books very much, but I am utterly confused about exactly what rotten honey would smell like given it doesn't rot. Why choose an odor that is impossible to imagine? Thank you for taking the time to satiate my curiosity. Best, Michelle
Heather
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
I really love your stories. The Southern Reach Trilogy and Ambergris Trilogy are amazing. Can't wait for Acceptance! Just out of curiosity is there any hope for more from the fascinating life of Dr. Lambshead? The first two anthologies are so much fun, and I love that you bring so many talented authors ( and artists) together not only into a solid collection but a cohesive new world. Thank you.
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