Critics will be Critics
Zadie Smith’s “Two Directions of the Novel”
I read neither of these books but Smith uses them as examples of the contrasting nature in which the novel is taking: lyrical realism vs avant-garde constructive deconstruction. Lyrical realism is language used as “the smallest units of which still convey meaning, and so they will always carry the trace of the Real…this is another rule of lyrical realism: that the random detail confers the authenticity of the Real” (80-81). Smith claims that while it may sound nice, may possibly be reaching for something meaningful, it contains no depth at all – something like empty prose (83). In contrast, avant-garde concentrates on voice to challenge realism (85), more specifically, to become the criminal, “the freaks and the lost and the rejected,” the Other. However, both acknowledge their own limitations (93). Realism is temporal where as constructive deconstruction is spatial.
Anthony Lane’s Speed
This sounds like a pitch for a blockbuster film. Then it became a summary of sorts with commentary of one who is keen on the industry personnel – as if relating the movie to one who has never watched it. Unfortunately I am not in the know about many of these people and the action is too disparate to try to imagine the scenes in my mind, but I appreciate the effort. I appreciate the pun at the end more.
Lindy West “I Rewatched Love, Actually and I am here to Ruin it for You”
I never watched this movie. I don’t believe I want to. I ponder on how much this bias may be due to this article, whether it be from acknowledging the types of people who watch it and not wanting to participate in the flay or the content itself, I am unsure. Full of chatspeak (“2 tempting 2 believe” right?), hashtags (#competence), obscure acronyms (NBD – found out it meant “no big deal”), overuse of punctuation for emphasis!!! and ALL CAPS FOR DELIRIOUS OUTRAGE, this unwinding monologue speaks wholly on why the movie was so bad. Feminist, the writer appears to be staunchly.
Yet, such blatant criticism cultivates backlash, commentary, and digression prompted by random thoughts:
It appears rather popular nowadays to use animated gifs to express more than words can describe.
I remember I once perused blogs for summaries of shows I watch and wanting to know what others thought. The whole commenting system becomes like a chatroom broadcasted and ones thoughts are lost in the foray of competing minds who want to “authenticate” themselves.
I wonder if, in accordance with Smith, West’s piece would be considered the type of avant-garde writing proliferating with the advent of the internet, facilitated by the ease to post publically and freely in one’s own voice.
Well, at the very least, there always appears to be something to talk about.
2 responses so far
Connie,
I totally agree with you that “Gifs” are the new way of expressing feeling over the internet, they are the new emojis. Furthermore I believe that all emojis and gifs can be consider to portraying a sort of lyrical realism. Since they are beautifying our every day emotions through funny pictures. Even in situations when the feelings of anger and sadness are being shown, it is still being shown in a less harsher light then what they really are.
Also I did watch Love, Actually and I did not like it one bit. I think the author of the critique did a great job of pointing out all the silly and over stereotyped moments. Granted this movie was not meant to show reality in any way but it also does give people the wrong idea of love. Love that does not exist in the everyday world.
I agree with the way Zadie Smith talks about Lyrical Realism as opposed to Avant Garde. Avant Garde is a hallmark of the modernist movement. Modernists radically rejected things that were, up until that point, considered norms and it was a mode of thinking that promoted individuals to re-inspect almost every aspect of existence. The modernists did not reject the idea of realness rather they made the claim that what was real was the self and those who could not find purpose within themselves were “absurd.” Lyrical Realism does not stand to challenge anything it is just a way of making what is real acceptable.