Jul 14, 2023·edited Jul 14, 2023Liked by Stephanie Danler
I never hear anyone besides old men who love LD talk about McMurtry! Loved this post!! I have never read any of his proper westerns -- only the All My Friends..., Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment, Moving On kind of McMurtry novels, which seem like his second genre of 1970's malaise-comedy that he does so well. It's his female characters that are so indelible to me -- can't even imagine him writing a book like Lonesome Dove about cowboys, honestly, unless they're quite mopey. But you've got me very curious and inspired to tackle it! Maybe with a hot dog.
Having watched the OG Dead Ringers again in preparation for the Rachel Weisz remake I'd urge you to watch that too if you haven't already. Personally I think Irons is absolutely heartbreaking in it. He's so good that I envy his performance. Weisz is also absolutely incredible in the remake; and it's one of few remakes that actually make sense as a remake and doesn't just feel like a lack of imagination and opportunity for a cash grab was behind it. (Also, yes, Damages is better as a book but Irons is so good he makes the film.)
It's so interesting watching the new fascination with the West develop in real time--and to hear about how big "Yellowstone" has gotten in the zeitgeist. I grew up in eastern Montana and now live in Bozeman, which has had such an influx of people from out of state move here due to the surrounding mythology. I've always had little interest in that era, having been steeped in it growing up, but I just ordered Lonesome Dove after reading this. (Also - adored The Lost Wife. Cannot thank you enough for recommending it.)
"In his usual straightforward manner, he reminded me that those clothes aren’t a costume for those men. That’s just what they wear to work." 🤣🤣🤣
I never hear anyone besides old men who love LD talk about McMurtry! Loved this post!! I have never read any of his proper westerns -- only the All My Friends..., Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment, Moving On kind of McMurtry novels, which seem like his second genre of 1970's malaise-comedy that he does so well. It's his female characters that are so indelible to me -- can't even imagine him writing a book like Lonesome Dove about cowboys, honestly, unless they're quite mopey. But you've got me very curious and inspired to tackle it! Maybe with a hot dog.
Having watched the OG Dead Ringers again in preparation for the Rachel Weisz remake I'd urge you to watch that too if you haven't already. Personally I think Irons is absolutely heartbreaking in it. He's so good that I envy his performance. Weisz is also absolutely incredible in the remake; and it's one of few remakes that actually make sense as a remake and doesn't just feel like a lack of imagination and opportunity for a cash grab was behind it. (Also, yes, Damages is better as a book but Irons is so good he makes the film.)
Your live and curious mind is such a treat to enjoy.
It's so interesting watching the new fascination with the West develop in real time--and to hear about how big "Yellowstone" has gotten in the zeitgeist. I grew up in eastern Montana and now live in Bozeman, which has had such an influx of people from out of state move here due to the surrounding mythology. I've always had little interest in that era, having been steeped in it growing up, but I just ordered Lonesome Dove after reading this. (Also - adored The Lost Wife. Cannot thank you enough for recommending it.)