Julie and Scott open their sixth year* with special guest John C. Wright, who joins them to talk about story, myth, and Star Wars.
Download or listen via this link: |Episode #124|
Subscribe to the podcast via this link: Feedburner
Or subscribe via iTunes by clicking: |HERE|
*I counted on my fingers. -- sd
That was a very entertaining discussion. I've also enjoyed Mr. Wright on the Superversive podcast at Superversivesf.com on similar story discussions.
ReplyDeleteAs for Star Wars Rebels, I believe it is headed up by Greg Weisman of "Gargoyles" fame who also made the best adaption of Spider-Man ever in "Spectacular Spider-Man". It is really the only modern version of Star Wars I've enjoyed, though I have yet to see the new movie due to being burnt out and over-saturated with the franchise, but maybe I'll give it a shot when it comes to DVD.
A discussion I would love to hear from the three of you would be on Lewis's Space Trilogy. All three books are so different, but the underlying themes are so strong and that finale is too glorious that I can listen to be anyone go on about them for days. That Hideous Strength, in particular, is one of my favorite books of all time.
I'm also looking forward to your discussion on Gone Baby Gone, one of my favorite movies. Really the movie that made Ben Affleck's whole career, in my opinion.
Someday I do want to discuss the Space Trilogy. But I'd like to do it one book at a time. So much in each one. :-)
DeleteGone Baby Gone — so much violence and swearing, such a deep theological message really. The contradiction of good art.
I'd love to discuss the Space Trilogy. I read the first two books to my children as a bedtime story, and they were so angry at Weston the Un-Man of Perelandra for his lies and half-truths that they had no qualms about Ransom's eventual decision, or should I say verdict, about Weston's fate.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful episode and thanks for introducing me to John C. Wright, I've just bought One bright star to Guide them.
ReplyDeleteAs to the Star Wars discussion, I really enjoyed it and I'm not a Star Wars fan. Even though I've been saying for years Leah, like the Princess but I had it first. So even though I've only seen the movies maybe once, they are so part of our culture that I could follow along. Of course with all the discussion of story and classic story telling, it all makes so much more sense.
I also really like Wright's "The Book of Feasts & Seasons" which is all short stories connected to the liturgical year. Though you really, really have to think to find the connections sometimes.
DeleteI'm just going to quote David Brin on the nature of John C. Wright:
ReplyDelete"John C. Wright is proof that smart and articulate people can be spectacular ingrates, pouring hate and undermining propaganda at a civilisation that's been good to them. His contempt for democracy, for social mobility, indeed anything other than standard, knee-jerk feudalism is legendary."
I would add to that his general contempt for woman, his racism, and his antagonistic position against any and all so-called "social justice warriors" leaves me with an unfavorable view of John C. Wright and, while I have tended to enjoy this podcast, it was rather difficult to listen to Wright pontificate knowing his underlying toxic worldview. His involvement with out white supremacists like asshole extroidinaire Vox Day basically turned the Hugo Awards into a farce (look up the "Rabid Puppies" for more).
Sorry to offer such a negative comment but I thought I would counter-balance some of the positive reception Wright received here by filling in some necessary information.
Your comment is much appreciated, Chris.
DeleteHi Chris, it's always good to hear from all sides! Your comment is definitely appreciated. Keep in mind that we had Brother Guy Consolmagno on last year and his basic approach is probably 180° from John C. Wright's.
DeleteI really enjoyed Wright's short story collection "A Feast for All Seasons" and "One Bright Star." It was on the basis of these that I suggested we invite him as a guest. I did know he is controversial but we were just interested in talking about a book or movie, and that is pretty much what we did.
As our priest remarked to me when someone we knew rejected a book recommendation based on a dislike for the author, "I have not yet gotten to the point where I judge books based on their author." That comment doesn't directly apply to our podcast, but you see the connection. :-)
Just trying to keep our echo chamber big and broad. You get better echoes that way.
Dang - got the names wrong: "One Bright Star to Guide Them" and "The Book of Feasts & Seasons." :-)
DeleteI am sorry Chris, but you did not fill in any information. You just called a man sexist, racist, and declared his worldview toxic. I don't understand why this sort of comment would be appreciated. It is nothing more than a drive-by. Surely you could have gone about this in a different way. Perhaps something more constructive than straight up vilifying?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete