books review

Gore Vidal In Conversation With Andrew Marr

Brighton Festival

Gore Vidal is, physically, a fairly diminutive man who sits, slightly hunched, his fingers resting on the top of his cane; while Andrew Marr's long limbs sprawl elegantly and his hands gesture precisely. Yet both possess a gravitas and charisma of voice, a conviction in their own witticisms and perceptions. Vidal talks largely of his 'barbed' relationship with contemporary American Culture that takes the form of essays, plays, and novels. Yet his reiteration of the condemning content of these is homogenizing to the point of becoming didactic oration, for he embarks upon an unrelenting critique of the culture of commerce exactly as it now is, and yet avoids the proffering of means of change, thus creating a frustrating sense of hopeless stasis and perhaps, complacent self-congratulation.

Brighton Dome Concert Hall, 22 May, 7:30pm, £10, fpp 31

tw rating: 3/5

published: Aug-2008

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