Immensely interesting from a writer who used to regulary appear in major media outlets, including major networks with some regularity. Grateful to access this interview in this format
Chris Lydon at his best, and Mailer in surprisingly good form. Perhaps the most interesting part of this interview consists of Mailer's reflections on Kerry's personality. His description of Kerry as the consummate wind surfer and how this relates to his political career is intriguing.
Norman Mailer has long been one of my favorite writers - and it's great to hear his voice. It's a little weird to hear him contrasted with a very intellegent interviewer - their approaches to speaking are different, and I'd almost prefer to have a Mailer monologue. But still, a very valuable historical lesson on what we're up against, what we're daeling with today, from one of the most powerful voices in American history.
"My Dinner with Andre" meets "The McNeil-Lehrer Hour." You could listen to these two talk all day, all night. From hegemony to hipdom to homogenization --Mailer and Lydon explore it all. Lydon has Mailer compare the cultural climate in which Kenedy was nominated to today's presedential election--and the conclusions that Mailer draws are fascinating and horrifying. Mailer 's prophecy: Bush will win this election, is unfortunate and what's worse is that Mailer is so convincing. But you almost have to forgive a country that reelects Bush if it is the same country that allows these two to be heard on the radio. Play this leading up to the election--play it after the election--or both.
At first I thought that perhaps the interviewer was directing Mailer too much, particularly with his first question, but it turns out that it was a really astute move in that Mailer took that question/observation and ran with it, as he did with all the questions. Setting him up with observations about his past work and tying it to the present is a great skill. I think I enjoyed the questions about as much as Mailer's answers. Mailer loves to talk and has never been shy about sharing his views. He's certainly true to form here. Excellent work. I'm sure this interview will be heard in a number of markets.
Lydon and Mailer, what a fabulous pairing. A shared love of language, and interest in cultural investigation make for a fast-paced, intelligent and fascinating twenty minutes. The conversation is filled with pithy insights into the essential makeup of the presidential candidates, the country, and the perishable nature of democracy, among other matters. Snappy quotes abound. Production notes offer a few of the many highlights. The length is long for morning or afternoon NPR, but it’s so worth airing, in two parts if need be. Lydon ends by saying it’s been “a pleasure and a privilege to talk…” as it is to listen. This is a must air.
Comments for Norman Mailer Interview
Produced by Christopher Lydon & Mary McGrath
Other pieces by Lydon McGrath Productions
Rating Summary
6 comments
Joseph Murray
Posted on November 05, 2004 at 01:22 PM | Permalink
Review of Norman Mailer Interview
Immensely interesting from a writer who used to regulary appear in major media outlets, including major networks with some regularity. Grateful to access this interview in this format
Christopher Edwards
Posted on September 03, 2004 at 12:44 PM | Permalink
Review of Norman Mailer Interview
Chris Lydon at his best, and Mailer in surprisingly good form. Perhaps the most interesting part of this interview consists of Mailer's reflections on Kerry's personality. His description of Kerry as the consummate wind surfer and how this relates to his political career is intriguing.
Trent Wolbe
Posted on August 30, 2004 at 08:26 PM | Permalink
Review of Norman Mailer Interview
Norman Mailer has long been one of my favorite writers - and it's great to hear his voice. It's a little weird to hear him contrasted with a very intellegent interviewer - their approaches to speaking are different, and I'd almost prefer to have a Mailer monologue. But still, a very valuable historical lesson on what we're up against, what we're daeling with today, from one of the most powerful voices in American history.
Chelsea Merz
Posted on August 27, 2004 at 10:03 AM | Permalink
Review of Norman Mailer Interview
"My Dinner with Andre" meets "The McNeil-Lehrer Hour." You could listen to these two talk all day, all night. From hegemony to hipdom to homogenization --Mailer and Lydon explore it all. Lydon has Mailer compare the cultural climate in which Kenedy was nominated to today's presedential election--and the conclusions that Mailer draws are fascinating and horrifying. Mailer 's prophecy: Bush will win this election, is unfortunate and what's worse is that Mailer is so convincing. But you almost have to forgive a country that reelects Bush if it is the same country that allows these two to be heard on the radio. Play this leading up to the election--play it after the election--or both.
Paul McDonald
Posted on August 23, 2004 at 07:31 PM | Permalink
Review of Norman Mailer Interview
At first I thought that perhaps the interviewer was directing Mailer too much, particularly with his first question, but it turns out that it was a really astute move in that Mailer took that question/observation and ran with it, as he did with all the questions. Setting him up with observations about his past work and tying it to the present is a great skill. I think I enjoyed the questions about as much as Mailer's answers. Mailer loves to talk and has never been shy about sharing his views. He's certainly true to form here. Excellent work. I'm sure this interview will be heard in a number of markets.
Sydney Lewis
Posted on August 23, 2004 at 02:09 PM | Permalink
Review of Norman Mailer Interview
Lydon and Mailer, what a fabulous pairing. A shared love of language, and interest in cultural investigation make for a fast-paced, intelligent and fascinating twenty minutes. The conversation is filled with pithy insights into the essential makeup of the presidential candidates, the country, and the perishable nature of democracy, among other matters. Snappy quotes abound. Production notes offer a few of the many highlights. The length is long for morning or afternoon NPR, but it’s so worth airing, in two parts if need be. Lydon ends by saying it’s been “a pleasure and a privilege to talk…” as it is to listen. This is a must air.