(published on 02/06/2006, in another blog I had)
Some people watch a film as a result of having read the book on which the story is based, or by affinity with the director. Once seen the film, you might have liked the soundtrack. Often, thanks to the soundtrack of a film you discover new and unknown singers, often very interesting ones. What happened to me with The Virgin Suicides does not respect that order.
In my case, I first discovered the soundtrack of the film by the French group Air, which did a 13-song soundtrack. I think it was my friend Lisandro or maybe Lucho (from Argentina), who lent me the CD, back in 2001. Even when I’ve listen that CD ever since, I never had decided to read the book or see the film. But 3 months ago (March 2006) I bought the book (by Jeffrey Eugenides) and the movie (by Sofia Coppola). The incentive was reading the book while listen Air’s soundtrack. Both things were linked.
I imagined the author as a perverse one, but in a good way. A perversion, for instance, of that one that makes people run-off the cinema while watching Michael Haneke’s The Pianist (this is what some people say). Eugenides tale of perversion is about a story on the suffering of cold-blooded teenagers, which makes you imagine the smell of fresh meat, or the claustrophobia that some familiar links produce. While I was reading the book, I could imagine the willing of suicide as an eternal virgin’s menstrual pain, mixed with tears and grief.
Both the book and the movie helped me to surface a feeling that I like, even if it is not too popular: melancholy (that I place between nostalgia and temperance). It is a state of relaxation, but with both sighs, and a bit of sadness. Maybe it’s just that I’m close to the exam period, or that I want some love. Having seen the film, I have to say that Sofia Coppola represented very well the feeling of the author and the reader. The combination of music, book and film is a delight. But in general, I prefer the soundtrack by Air. It reminds me of other times… more virginal, but not suicidal al all.
2 comentaris:
Dag Joan!
It's great to hear from you again - and thanks for the review of the Virgin Suicides...I saw the movie quite some time ago and now I am intrigued about reading the book. Middlesex was the first of Eugenides books I had read, and I loved it. Interesting how he seems to have an inside track to the adolescent girl psyche, isn't it? I am going to see if I can get it at the Leuven library and will let you know... I also love your idea of reading the book while listening to the soundtrack from the film. I have to tell you, the Michael Nyman soundtrack to The Piano is simply one of my all time favorites, so your idea really appeals to me! My husband will be delighted to hear that you will be in Brugge next year - we both wish you a successful year! I look forward to reading more here - take care.
Part 2 of my comment: I almost forgot that you mentioned you were thinking of taking up some contemporary French literature and asked for some ideas. I graduated a long long time ago in French Literature...but I am by no means up on what's going on right now. Living in Leuven means I hardly ever get a chance to use my French, except for the odd trip to Brussels now and then. Raymond Queneau comes to mind, only because a good friend did his PhD on him (and also spent some time here in Belgium)... but there are so many others!!! I like Samuel Beckett very much, the absurdity of it, but also the lovely idea of learning to master a language by simply sitting down and writing books and plays in it! Now I have a question for you - what do you think of Carlos Ruiz Zafon, have you read the new installment to his The Shadow of the Wind? I have this in English but have not yet read it...
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