Cartoon Noir
I have a confession. When I try to read mystery novels, or go to detective movies, or watch TV shows where legal puzzles are being solved, I can't follow the story. Chinatown had me scratching my head, as did The French Connection. Hitchcock's films keep me in the dark, figuratively as well as literally. Everyone else I know claims they've figured out the ending before they've finished their bucket of popcorn. At some point around the halfway point in the film they're going "aha." while I'm going, "huh?" I wouldn't know a red herring from a green flounder. I know I'm a fairly smart guy, but for years I thought it was a sign of ignorance, or early senility, but then I realized I just couldn't care less. I tune out on all the "he saids" and "she saids." Plot does squat for me.
posted by John M Crowther @ 7:38 AM
7 Comments:
Great cartoon, John C.
I love a nice polite British mystery where you do not see the blood and gory or people getting beaten senseless. Agatha Christie series, Midsommer Murders, etc. etc. Went to a horror film as a child of 6, "Bride of Frankenstein" which would be tame by today's standards but it gave me
nightmares for many a year. Lost all taste for films after that. Still can remember it vividly.
Thought the cartoon yesterday was good.
Clever cartoon John... so often true! LOL
I have a good one for you... "Irresistible" starring Susan Sarandon Sam Neill (NZ) and Emily Blunt (UK) Set in Melbourne... it's a grip your seat psychological drama with a totally unpredictable twist right at the end. I defy anyone to put this one together before the final scene!
Good cartoon john. I like a number of mystery-thriller writers. JohnMalcolm of the UK does a fine series all art-related. I have all of Ross Thomas books a wonderful wirter.roger
I'm horrible with mysteries. I read them backwards so I don't get scared.
I don't even try to watch thrillers, and scary movies are out of the question. Even parts of shows most people wouldn't even think twice about, I have to leave the room. I have an over-active startle reflex, and an over-active imagination. Not a good combination.
Which leads to my question: What happened in Irresistible?
I read the synopsis on the back of the DVD when I was at the movie rental place last summer, and it looked really interesting, but I knew I'd never be able to watch it. So what was the secret the lead finds out?
Oooo... that would be telling Kate! LOL
The plot is not so much scarey as complex and clever... I'm sure you could handle it Kate. Keep the remote on hand to fast forward through anything you're not okay with. It's definitely worth a look! :-)
I must confess a similiar aversion to the plotting of mystery stories, perhaps because I couldn't care less whodunit. What really interests me is whydunit.
Bertrand Russell was a great fan of mysteries. When he went on a long train trip he'd buy a dozen books in the station. No sooner had the train departed than he would pick up the first mystery novel read the first page, immediately turn to the last page,read it, nod his head, and then pick up the next book. Always seemed to be a very intelligent way to read them.
Maybe it's a personality thing. There are those who believe it's the journey not the destination... and those who just can't wait to get there. Both have merit! LOL
Great to see you again Il Prof! :-)
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