Friday Forgotten Book, Film, & Song: 4th of July Edition

In honor of the upcoming 4th of July holiday, I decided that a forgotten post was warranted (plus giving credit to blogger pattinase's excellent Friday Forgotten Books series). Because we're into the second half of the year, and have a three-day weekend, I thought this one should be a triple-header, as well:

Book: During my earlier Stephen King-reading years, if it had his name on it, even in reference, it got my attention. Whatever it was. In the early 80's I came across a recommendation by Mr. King about a certain book he thought was pretty ferocious. It was titled Red Dragon. Later, the publisher would begin advertising it with this quote by the famed writer of horror:

"The Best Popular Novel to be Published in America Since The Godfather"

As Vincent Vega would put it, "That's a bold statement." Its author, Thomas Harris, I recognized as the one who wrote the thriller Black Sunday (I'd seen the 1977 film and subsequently read the book it was based upon). Hmm... If it piqued the horror-meister's awareness, perhaps that 1981 book was worth reading... I innocently thought. Boy howdy! I'm sure someone else wrote about serial killers in fiction prior to this, and perhaps an odd story or two about criminal profiling surfaced somewhere in print earlier, too. But, no one had ever put them together into a novel with a captivating, character-driven plot, and made it so horrifyingly believable, before this work by Mr. Harris. Of this I'm pretty damn sure. The novelist skillfully wove behavioral science, homicide, and technological craft into a story of chasing down (and interacting with) human monsters. It was uncommon fiction that was realistically frightening, and it gathered admirers from both the crime thriller and horror realms. This was the one that set the new mark. IMO, there was what came before Red Dragon, and those that copied or ran with Harris' idea/work afterward.

Almost 30 years later, this field has been plowed many times over. Yet, I listed the book here as a forgotten precisely for that very fact. Of sorts, it created its own sub-genre. Hannibal Lecter, a minor but fascinating character (creation?) in this novel, later became the main anti-hero/protagonist in subsequent novels. His chronicles intrigued so many, including imitators. Lecter has almost become a target for parody these days because he has been re-done and re-imagined (even in female form) so often over the years. Many authors (and TV/movie writers) since have attempted to out-eviscerate Mr. Harris' signature rogue in gore and depravity. It's nearly a cliche to come up with a scenario about a charismatic or sinister serial killer in publishing these days. That is why this novel deserves its due. It was the forerunner. At one time, this story and villain were intensely original.

In addition, the book's influence expanded beyond the literary. What was the novel's best film adaptation, you ask (since it was done twice for the screen)? Easy... Michael Mann's 1986 Manhunter. Though its 80's pedigree shows in its art direction and depiction, this film clearly did not waste its fine cast as it told its potent story using director Mann's well established and creative approach -- unlike what hack lesser director Brett Ratner did with his 2002 remake. But if you'd really want to go deeper into the topic that is Hannibal Lecter, and explore his legacy and impact upon popular culture, I refer you to author John Kenneth Muir's recent and insightful retrospective post on the subject. If you enjoy or are drawn by this character, it's a recommended read. Still, as good a film as Manhunter is, I'm afraid no adaptation was ever as gripping or harrowing as the source novel. To be certain, no film ever dared put Red Dragon's shattering book climax onto any of the two screen adaptations. And that's why I'm listing it here, and why it's worth reading and remembering.

Film: During the mid-70's, in my condensed stint as a movie theater projectionist, I had the pleasure to show The Great Waldo Pepper for a one-week period in '76. I've never forgotten it. Since someone in their right mind over at Universal is finally releasing this underrated film in a widescreen version come August (fans have had to live with the crappily cropped Goodtimes Home Video disc for years), I'm spotlighting it here. This is director George Roy Hill's homage to the aerial barnstormers of yesteryear, as told through another remarkable William Goldman screenplay. The film's wonderful story also contains some of the best aerial photography around, and more than a few of its stunt flying sequences have got to be seen to be believed. Plus, it's great to watch the results of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid collaborators Hill, Goldman, and Redford again. For me, director Hill really knew how best to deploy Robert Redford on film (perhaps, even better than Sidney Pollack did). It's well worth catching.

Song: You're a Friend of Mine remains one of my favorite One Hit Wonders. Written by Narada Michael Walden/Jeffrey Cohen and released in 1985, I appreciate this unlikely duet (Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne) for its sheer joy and exuberance with regard to friendship (one of the good qualities of the blogosphere, too). Not to mention, it has that telltale and unashamedly 80's vibe to it that makes it one infectious tune to listen to. Having Jackson Browne's then girlfriend singing in the music video is not a bad thing, either. If you're interested, the song's lyrics can be found here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.

Powered by ScribeFire.