‘Coming events do cast shadows. Writers know that their books are often prophetic.’
—Iris Murdoch
I went to the launch of Dawn O’Porter’s Paper Aeroplanes, published by Hot Key books. Here she is with her handsome husband, Chris O’Dowd. Wotsits, wham bars and rosé are just out of shot.
A video from Ray Winstone to introduce PORT’s new film issue, guest edited by Daniel Day-Lewis. I have an interview with Dai Bradley, of Kes, in it: the issue is out in March.
PW modelling a fine, slightly poorly ironed blue and white check shirt, mismatched cufflinks and Anna Stothard’s new novel, The Art of Leaving, which he will look forward to reading soonest.
All young men are unhappy. That’s why they identify so strongly with Hamlet.
—Thom Gunn (via theparisreview)
Tom Hughes as the Duke of Aumerle in the BBC’s magnificent production of Richard II. Moving, majestic; Ben Whishaw’s usurped king going from fey kingliness to holy sorrow. Those stone corridors; those motes of light. Beautiful and heartbreaking.
Matt Dillon in Francis Ford Coppola’s Rumblefish: a stylish, bold and striking film. I watched it last when I was sixteen and it was part of a Channel 4 Teen Rebels series which included Heathers. It was on at about 1 in the morning, I think - those were the days before iTunes and Sky Plus, but it made staying up for it all the more worth it. The film still has emotional power and heft; its oddities and surreal tropes enhance the vulnerability of Rusty James, Dillon’s character, the teen tough guy who can never be the best. Very much worth watching.
BEST THING ON TUMBLR AS OF RIGHT NOW.
Correction. BEST THING IN LIFE AS OF RIGHT NOW.
(Source: iraffiruse, via newbloomsbury)
St Michael defeating the devil, at UCL.
Homer, from a mural at UCL
