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WRITER
PROFILE Theo Dorgan interviews JG Ballard, one of the best-loved and most controversial writers of the modern age. Though he has been responsible for some of the most audacious and imaginative science fiction of the 20th Century including 'The Drowned World', his work spans a much wider frame and subject matter; an amazingly prolific writer, he is considered by many to be one of the essential chroniclers of the 20th Century. The work has veered from science fiction to realistic portrayals of a world in disarray and spiralling out of control. He has consistently received positive reviews for his work, which includes 'Empire of the Sun', a fascinating account of his time as a child during the occupation of Shanghai in the Second World War and 'The Kindness of Women', which has been read as a semi-autobiographical journey through his turbulent life. Some of his novels have been turned into films, with extremely controversial results in the case of 'Crash' (David Cronenberg). Some of his most recent work includes 'Cocaine Nights' and 'Super Cannes'. A witty and colourful interviewee he retains the wide-eyed enthusiasm and clarity of vision that have made him such a compelling novelist. Commenting on what he tries to achieve in his work, he tells Theo "What I am trying to say is face your obsessions clearly and you'll be richer for it. Throw a little light on the dark corners of your own mind and you may make discoveries about yourself. It's like this dark room in the basement full of strange lumber, old dust-covered musical instruments, perhaps they'll play a tune for you that you haven't heard before! I am urging people to explore themselves!" Biographical Details Novelist JG Ballard (Crash, Empire of the Sun, Cocaine Nights) has long been a controversial figure in the world of literature. Ballard is an imaginative and audacious writer, considered by his peers to be one of the most eminent chroniclers. In his works Ballard conveys a myriad of social trends set in juxtaposed backdrops of science fiction or bizarre realities. His expansive career includes 15 novels, 17 collections of stories and essays and a period as an esteemed critic for The Independent, London Times and The Guardian. Notable works include 'The Kindness of Women', 'High Rise', 'The Drowned World', 'Rushing to Paradise' and 'Empire of the Sun'. The latter details a fascinating account of his turbulent childhood experiences in wartime China, where his formative years were spent in World War II camps. It was the epic 'Crash' (David Cronenberg's film adaptation) that earned him both infamy and controversy. As with 'Crash', themes of violence, sexuality, isolation and social chaos permeates most of his work. However, his strength lies not in mere sensationalism, but in the ability to play with the psychologies of the voyeur - a desire to portray Western culture's fascination with violence as entertainment. His more contemporary pieces including 'Cocaine Nights' and 'Super Cannes' have embraced overtones of humour and hope - his characters rooted in neurotic humanity and realistic foibles. BUY VHS DIRECT FROM LOOPLINE Running Time: 30mins Year Made: 2001 Price: €20 - PAL (European), €30 - NTSC (US) plus P&P |
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Interview
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