tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post2006981781135939262..comments2023-10-03T11:41:21.191+01:00Comments on The Truth About Lies: Alan Bennett: an introduction (part two)Jim Murdochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-28357840909120855152010-03-28T13:10:00.412+01:002010-03-28T13:10:00.412+01:00It’s always fascinating to watch how people we kno...It’s always fascinating to watch how people we know are around other people isn’t it, <b>Lis</b>? The obsessive part of me believes that they’re being the “real” them with other people and not with me or at least more real. All a part of my ongoing preoccupation with the fluxile nature of truth.<br /><br />And, <b>Kass</b>, the poem was inspired by a blog entry by Art Durkee. Can’t remember exactly what the post was about now but it reflects the kind of perspective Art often expresses towards things. I think I also had in my mind the writing of Gerald Murnane. He talks and writes about travelling in his mind which is what all of us writers do. <br /><br />It’s not a complicated poem: lots of internal rhymes in this piece and short three-syllable lines. It enjoys playing with words and rhythm: the idea of a motionless traveller; ‘still’ as in stopped, ‘still’ as in continuing; physical movement vs emotional movement; literal journey vs spiritual one. The narrator has set out to go somewhere, perhaps home after a long absence, he gets there but the journey doesn’t end with the arrival of his body home because his mind continues the journey.<br /><br>Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-66007996178060211822010-03-28T13:09:03.232+01:002010-03-28T13:09:03.232+01:00It’s always fascinating to watch how people we kno...It’s always fascinating to watch how people we know are around other people isn’t it, <b>Lis</b>? The obsessive part of me believes that they’re being the “real” them with other people and not with me or at least more real. All a part of my ongoing preoccupation with the fluxile nature of truth.<br /><br />And, <b>Kass</b>, the poem was inspired by a blog entry by Art Durkee. Can’t remember exactly what the post was about now but it reflects the kind of perspective Art often expresses towards things. I think I also had in my mind the writing of Gerald Murnane. He talks and writes about travelling in his mind which is what all of us writers do. <br /><br />It’s not a complicated poem: lots of internal rhymes in this piece and short three-syllable lines. It enjoys playing with words and rhythm: the idea of a motionless traveller; ‘still’ as in stopped, ‘still’ as in continuing; physical movement vs emotional movement; literal journey vs spiritual one. The narrator has set out to go somewhere, perhaps home after a long absence, he gets there but the journey doesn’t end with the arrival of his body home because his mind continues the journey.<br /><br>Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-17345787322782330392010-03-28T02:58:37.000+01:002010-03-28T02:58:37.000+01:00'Still Travelling' is eerie. Does the mind...'Still Travelling' is eerie. Does the mind really ever complete anything? The mind has maps we've never traveled. I've read this poem again and again. I'm hesitant to admit I'm not certain of its meaning. I wish my mind would quit traveling (sorry, Americans spell it this way - another thing my mind has trouble with).Kasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05233330248952156754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-32620143651816393252010-03-27T23:27:55.525+00:002010-03-27T23:27:55.525+00:00'Still Travelling' in Gloom Cupboard is a ...'Still Travelling' in Gloom Cupboard is a wonderful poem, Jim, as is the blog site, the one to which you directed our Kass. <br /><br />I figured since I'm so obsessed I might add to my obsession by following your suggestions in other people's comments. <br /><br />It's funny, reading other people's comments is a bit like reading letters directed to someone else. I feel like an eavesdropper, or worse a thief.Elisabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04015624747225433940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-81806832035949009072010-03-27T16:47:34.302+00:002010-03-27T16:47:34.302+00:00The post is written and I’ll post it on Thursday, ...The post is written and I’ll post it on Thursday, <b>Kass</b>. And if you’re that obsessed perhaps you should log onto BlogAddictsAnonymous.com (made up site) for help. Either that or if you’ve read everything I’ve posted you might like to check out my latest poem over at <a href="http://gloomcupboard.com/2010/03/27/poetry-118/" rel="nofollow">Gloom Cupboard</a>.<br /><br>Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-27071266284823474862010-03-27T15:55:55.520+00:002010-03-27T15:55:55.520+00:00Jim - I look forward to hearing your poem. I am st...Jim - I look forward to hearing your poem. I am still amazed at Maggie Smith's ability to master the script in a week. I've done plays before and it took more than a week for me to memorize and perfect my lines, but then, I'm an amateur.<br /><br />..and about <i>not</i> having to read everything you write (as mentioned to Elisabeth) - you don't understand the obsessive nature of some of your readers. We don't have a choice. It must be done. Oh yes. It must be done.Kasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05233330248952156754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-40465754006430479132010-03-26T13:13:51.401+00:002010-03-26T13:13:51.401+00:00Glad you enjoyed it, Dick, and you’re probably rig...Glad you enjoyed it, <b>Dick</b>, and you’re probably right. I do think he’s better known in the UK than elsewhere due to the fact he’s done so much work for TV although not so much of late it has to be said. I wonder how well Pinter’s TV work is known?<br /><br /><b>Kass</b>, I will be posting a short film of one of my poems next week if I can get my act together. It’s the first time I’ve ever read one of my poems for the benefit of the public. It won’t be the last because I have another audio recording planned but only when I actually finish the poem; that one won’t be filmed however. I hated it with a vengeance the first time I watched it, not the film, the commentary but after watching various edits I’m at the stage I can tolerate it – just.<br /><br />Maggie Smith didn’t just jump into this play. She took a week to rehearse and learn her lines. He’s a writer that actor’s trust. Thora Hird, for example, has only ever sworn once on stage and that was in an Alan Bennett play. What I found most striking about the <i>Talking Heads</i> as a group is the fact that the camera was so close to their faces – no zoom lens here – a close-up was exactly that, a dirty big camera six inches from your nose.<br /><br />And, <b>Elisabeth</b>, <i>this</i> is exactly why I wrote this post so that people like yourself who I know would appreciate Bennett’s work get to know about him. <i>The Lady and the Van</i> appears in several forms, as diary entries, as a short story and as a play. Why no one has suggested adapting it for TV I have no idea.<br /><br />The final edit of ‘Lonely City’ has been sent off to Edinburgh now. I’ll do a wee write-up and post it next week for the benefit of Kass and others.<br /><br />And, seriously, don’t feel you have to read everything I write. People have lives. I hope the wedding goes smoothly.<br /><br>Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-29952776776866655502010-03-26T11:37:10.052+00:002010-03-26T11:37:10.052+00:00I'm with Kass on this one, Jim, another fantas...I'm with Kass on this one, Jim, another fantastic review of a writer and it verily rollicks along. Thanks for introducing us to the wonderful Talking Heads series. I'd heard of them but never had the pleasure of watching any of it. I love Maggie Smith's characterization of Mrs Vicar. I couldn't stop watching in between all my daily jobs. <br /><br />I'm so busy at the moment, Jim I fear I'm not doing justice to your blog or to any others of my beloved bloggers, but my daughter gets married tomorrow and you can imagine how preoccupying not to say practically engaging is this event. We have visitors staying with us as well and so I'm lucky to catch fifteen minutes a day at blogging but I'll get back to it in the next few days. <br /><br />I've missed your previous post but I'll get onto it soon. In the meantime I have so enjoyed this one on Alan Bennett that once again words fail me. <br /><br />Jim, you have such a way of introducing other people's writing. You are so thoughtful and even handed and you give us so many riches and associations. All I can say again and again is thankyou. <br /><br />And Kass, ask Jim to let you listen to his Edinburgh series. You can hear his wonderful voice then. <br /><br />I've listened to a couple of audiotapes of Alan Bennett, including The Lady and the Van (is this the title?) and otherwise what I've seen today. <br /><br />I like the sound of this man,Bennett, his wit, his humility and his preparedness to bear shame and embarrassment. He's positively endearing. Perhaps he's a bit like you, Jim.Elisabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04015624747225433940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-18424106923577491392010-03-25T21:51:59.239+00:002010-03-25T21:51:59.239+00:00Now I want to hear your voice more than ever if yo...Now I want to hear your voice more than ever if you sound like Alan Bennett. I rather fancy that Maggie Smith's delivery of <i>A Bed Among the Lentils</i> is her attempt to channel Bennett. How else could she have memorized that bit so closely on the heals of completing her last job? And speaking of channeling...Bennett reminds me of those children who apparently channel dead painting masters. It's inconceivable that he could come up with so much detail in his mono and dialogues. This is a form of madness that George III would envy.<br /><br />I wasn't able to view the first video. The printed message said it was blocked to Americans. I wonder why this one and not the others?<br /><br />I love this introduction, parts 1 & 2. And I love the understatement and drollness of Bennett. This was a most enjoyable read (and viewing). It might have been long, but it really hummed along.<br /><br />Your attention to details is as admirable as Bennett's (even if the devil is in them). He may have been uncomfortable in his skin, but he's starting to get under mine.Kasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05233330248952156754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-78679235283341566382010-03-25T16:59:21.584+00:002010-03-25T16:59:21.584+00:00A fine primer plus deeper appreciation of a playwr...A fine primer plus deeper appreciation of a playwright whose real stature is unlikely to be acknowledged until he's dead. (How heavy lie the laurels awarded to those we deem National Treasures'.)Dickhttp://patteran.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-2755263147132420782010-03-25T14:20:43.547+00:002010-03-25T14:20:43.547+00:00Yes, Willow, reminds one a bit of the John Lennon ...Yes, <b>Willow</b>, reminds one a bit of the John Lennon quote: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."<br /><br />And, <b>Ann</b>, sorry about the length but you have no idea how much stuff I didn't include. He is eminently quotable right up there with Shakespeare, Shaw and Wilde.<br /><br />My American in-laws love <i>Keeping Up Appearances</i>. It's far more caricatured than Bennett's stuff but the similarities are easy to see too.<br /><br>Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-33555172895110449542010-03-25T13:41:11.597+00:002010-03-25T13:41:11.597+00:00I am sadly unacquainted with Alan Bennett but from...I am sadly unacquainted with Alan Bennett but from what you tell me, he's a very interesting person. I've only seen the show Keeping Up Appearances. <br /><br />I also love the exchange from Afternoon Off. Which wife wouldn't relate to that. <br /><br />Another long, but really great post.<br /><br />annAnn Elle Altmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02192162600274764681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-76075237560676491392010-03-25T12:52:07.479+00:002010-03-25T12:52:07.479+00:00Interesting opening quote. Oh, don't get me st...Interesting opening quote. Oh, don't get me started on snobbish mothers.Tess Kincaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04889725786678984293noreply@blogger.com