He is truly the only contemporary writer who can rise up to noir standards set by Hammett or Chandler, his incredible linguistic skills additionally sharpen by traumatic past, frightening black humor, lavish sexual fantasies and generally a persona that makes me want to grab a bottle of whiskey, crash his house and pour the liquor into him until he tells me all his stories.
There's another interview here where Charlie Rose asks James how much of this is a made up character and how much is really James, and Ellroy replies 93% is a made up character. It's in the "60 minutes" interview.
@AnnArckey It was 'My Dark Places' that also got me into Ellroy. And BBC2's 'Feast of Death' consolidated that passion. And I'm also disappointed that he won't be comging to UK. Great to come across people who also feel equally passionate about a much misunderstood writer.
Buzz Meeks. I read LA Confidential BEFORE I read The Big Nowhere, so I kind of shrugged him off as a random thug. But then I read The Big Nowhere and learned how he came to meet his end. His Character in TBN and his relationship with Mal Considine easily the best.
Ellroy is a compelling speaker. And Rebecca has not only picked the right questions to put to him, but has also responed well on the spot. Love that bit when she querries about the fact that all the books she saw in his office were those by Ellroy himself.
James Ellroy is like one of the characters out of his books, and you can see that he really likes it that way. What better way to write a book about the past than by doing it the way it was done in the past. 👍👍👍
... a great interview with even greater answers - I just wish there were 100 questions put forward. I await impatiently, for my bookstore to provide me with my ordered copy of The Hilliker Curse.
@yojimbo81- I would love to hear Ellroy on a tour, but sadly, I doubt he will be coming to Manchester, UK any time soon. I have viewed a few clips on UA-cam of his readings - he is a wonderful reader aswell as writer, but that was no surprise. I came to appreciate Ellroy, by stumbling across an old documentry he did for the BBC, it was an Arena film (Feast of Death) - it was one of the most amazing TV experiences I have ever had - he is so damned fascinating! ... I really loved My Dark Places.
The interaction about choosing between mom or dad and facing the spite of the rejected mother was written into The Cold Six Thousand about the character Wayne Tedrow
I've read all of his major books but I struggled with Blood's a Rover, found parts of it damn near incomprehensible. I think they need to be read twice. I would like to re-read the American Tabloid - Cold 6000 - Blood's a Rover trilogy again as one massive book. Daunting prospect though!
It blows my mind that he writes longhand. Must take forever. He should try a typewriter at least. Might lead to shorter, more powerful books. Like a lot of established writers, he tends to over-write.
"Are people born good writers?" I agree with James but you don't have to read. People that speak well, can talk shit and tell stories can usually write very well. Some people have it and some don't. You can train to be a writer but you won't reach the creative level of people that naturally can tell stories.
He is truly the only contemporary writer who can rise up to noir standards set by Hammett or Chandler, his incredible linguistic skills additionally sharpen by traumatic past, frightening black humor, lavish sexual fantasies and generally a persona that makes me want to grab a bottle of whiskey, crash his house and pour the liquor into him until he tells me all his stories.
Ellroy plays with his interviews. He's probably a nice bloke and you can see it drop sometimes but his persona is one I thoroughly enjoy
Me too
There's another interview here where Charlie Rose asks James how much of this is a made up character and how much is really James, and Ellroy replies 93% is a made up character. It's in the "60 minutes" interview.
Ellroy, master of noir.
one of my favourite authors
I wish all interviews would be like this one.
Love that cat. Not too many people will tell you exactly what they think when posed a question on camera. He'd make a lousy politician.
@AnnArckey It was 'My Dark Places' that also got me into Ellroy. And BBC2's 'Feast of Death' consolidated that passion. And I'm also disappointed that he won't be comging to UK. Great to come across people who also feel equally passionate about a much misunderstood writer.
Amazing interview. Got the impression that James isn't one to hide from the truth.
Buzz Meeks. I read LA Confidential BEFORE I read The Big Nowhere, so I kind of shrugged him off as a random thug. But then I read The Big Nowhere and learned how he came to meet his end. His Character in TBN and his relationship with Mal Considine easily the best.
Ellroy is a compelling speaker. And Rebecca has not only picked the right questions to put to him, but has also responed well on the spot. Love that bit when she querries about the fact that all the books she saw in his office were those by Ellroy himself.
This man is awsm , love that voice and style ;d
I know.I was trying to think of the words and you said it so simply!
James Ellroy is like one of the characters out of his books, and you can see that he really likes it that way. What better way to write a book about the past than by doing it the way it was done in the past. 👍👍👍
@BiNowGayLater That's a great anecdote involving Ellroy! You are a very lucky person to have met Ellroy !
... a great interview with even greater answers - I just wish there were 100 questions put forward. I await impatiently, for my bookstore to provide me with my ordered copy of The Hilliker Curse.
@yojimbo81- I would love to hear Ellroy on a tour, but sadly, I doubt he will be coming to Manchester, UK any time soon. I have viewed a few clips on UA-cam of his readings - he is a wonderful reader aswell as writer, but that was no surprise. I came to appreciate Ellroy, by stumbling across an old documentry he did for the BBC, it was an Arena film (Feast of Death) - it was one of the most amazing TV experiences I have ever had - he is so damned fascinating! ... I really loved My Dark Places.
Terrific interview. Bravo.
Rebecca what's shaking
The interaction about choosing between mom or dad and facing the spite of the rejected mother was written into The Cold Six Thousand about the character Wayne Tedrow
@AnnArckey Agree. For once, Ellroy has been given a good interviewer who is not intimidated by the great man!
I've read all of his major books but I struggled with Blood's a Rover, found parts of it damn near incomprehensible. I think they need to be read twice. I would like to re-read the American Tabloid - Cold 6000 - Blood's a Rover trilogy again as one massive book. Daunting prospect though!
Greatest/favourite Ellroy character?
Mine is Big Pete B.
Same here.
Danny upshaw, and Ward littel
@@spacemanbose Two good ones.
Great interview! Shame it wasn't longer.
Walla Walla Washington. That just sounds like a playground chant.
He's good.
he sounds like he's reading his answers
2 years ago but any word on a new book? even short stories?
@ZachClooney ... indeed!
I wonder if there's a Me Too story behind this interview. Ellroy looks like he's ready to pounce. He's awesome.
Buzz is an interesting character. Definitely more than a simple thug, I agree. Cool answer
Ha! What a freak. I like.
Come on JE (Perfidia release late 2012) You've got one day left, for fuck sake HURRY UUUUUUP!!!!!!!!!!!
Too much Too late. But it sells books.
"i love racial invective" - oh thank god you exist
Dont get carried away ... he means as dialouge.
It blows my mind that he writes longhand. Must take forever. He should try a typewriter at least. Might lead to shorter, more powerful books. Like a lot of established writers, he tends to over-write.
guys a freak
"It was great dog"? WTF is this interviewer?
Ellroy is known as "Demon Dog".
so's yer mom@@audiophileman7047
"Are people born good writers?" I agree with James but you don't have to read. People that speak well, can talk shit and tell stories can usually write very well. Some people have it and some don't. You can train to be a writer but you won't reach the creative level of people that naturally can tell stories.