Have you seen V for Vendetta?

I won't write a review per se of V for Vendetta, because there are many of those available, but I would like to comment on it. I can't believe that it will be anything more than a cult classic in a year or so, but for right now, it brings the role of science fiction as literature to the forefront.

Joseph Campbell described science fiction as mythology for modern man. Back in graduate school, I wrote a paper or two on themes found in science fiction, and there are a number of classic themes on which virtually all sci-fi must rely, including man vs. machine and utopia/dystopia. V for Vendetta is a modernized Nazi movie, and often looks more like the alternate history theme rather than the dystopia it intends to portray. Yet, the literate script and an unusually complex plot which never loses the viewer seem unusual. I have grown accustomed to most sci-fi on the screen being neither literate nor clear-sighted, and V for Vendetta is both.

Probably, some viewers will be intrigued by the “terrorism” controversy. Others will be enticed to view the film by the voyeuristic glimpses of Natalie Portman being shaved bald which are in the trailer, but this flick is more complex than most screen versions of graphic novels. However, after all the quotes from Shakespeare and emotional epiphanies are done, it is still a story about a dude in a mask who blows stuff up. All during the movie, I simply could not forget that it all began as a comic.

At its best, science fiction offers another way to examine what it means to be human, and in that V for Vendetta doesn’t fail.

Buy your book at Downtown Interiors

There is a gift shop in my hometown called Downtown Interiors, which is featuring books and CD's created by local residents. Both The Gift Horse and Trinity on Tylos are there, so stop at 100 N. Public Square and see all the nice home furnishings and gifts.

Thanks to those who came by to visit and buy books on Saturday. If you need a copy of either book— to read or as a gift, please stop by Downtown Interiors.

Thanks for Your Support

I'm on my way today to my second booksigning for Trinity on Tylos, but I'd like to say thanks to all of the people who came out on Thursday evening to hear my "introduction" to this new novel. It's really wonderful to make a speech to an enthusiastic group, and I appreciate all of the book sales.

I'd also like to thank Amy Carlan, branch manager at the Jefferson Public Library for inviting me to have an "author talk" at the library in my hometown, and to my sister, Barbara, who came down from Virginia to sell books. (Okay, we are visiting a bit this weekend as well.)

Now I'm off to Downtown Interiors.

Being PC

I did a bit of surgery on this blog just now, so if you seem to remember entries that used to be here and do not find them, that is the beauty of the internet. Things in print are read over and over because they are a bit more permanent. Words written with electrons on a screen are ephemeral.

Basically, I cut out items which mentioned my family. My real one, that is. My blog will be politically correct from now on. Lean, trim, and (alas) much more devoid of character.

You can't have everything.