Gore Vidal and Robert Hughes

[Tarantella]

In the last weeks we have seen the deaths of two great public intellectuals, Gore Vidal and Robert Hughes (the latter being Australian).

Vidal was fabulously intelligent and a great writer. I have one of his book of memoirs, "Point to Point Navigation" which was disappointing because of the gossip contained therein, but there's a memorable chapter on the death of his partner, Howard, which moved me ineffably. I loved Vidal's dissenting personality - not that I agreed with a lot of what he said, particularly when he became scathing about America from beyond its shores - and I admired his chutzpah. Like many wits, he was also a muscular hater and there's a famous television interview between himself and Norman Mailer which sees Vidal in full Wildean flight. Vidal also contributed substantively to the screenplay for "Ben Hur" and he speaks on the DVD of that film about the famous scene between Masala and Juda Ben Hur when they first meet after the tribune has been sent back from Rome to rule over Judea. The scene, described by Vidal, had strong a erotic, homosexual subtext (there for all the world to see) and known only by Wyler (director), Boyd (actor) and Vidal (writer). Apparently macho Charlton Heston knew nothing and played the scene for all its 'machismo'. A funny, typically 'Vidalean', anecdote which I always recall when I watch this film.

Robert Hughes - I remember him when I worked in documentary arts television and he was still young, virile and impossibly good looking. Another man who broke the mould with his searing intellect and polemical style. Both will be very much missed.

[Balthazar]

I loved Vidal's erudite fiction, whether the sober histories like Julian or outrageous satires like Live from Golgotha. I think Golgotha is probably the most laugh-out-loud book I've ever read.

I read Fatal Shore and was very impressed with Hughes' talent.

[Tarantella]

I knew you'd like them both!! What will become of the public intellectual space without the likes of Hitchens, Vidal and Hughes?

[Tarantella]

Here's an interview with another deceased intellectual, Christopher Hitchens, who died late last year. I don't agree with a lot of his ideas, but he lived the life he wanted to and wasn't afraid to stand on toes when he felt it was necessary. One cannot help admiring that kind of strength of character. Martin Amis is still here, thankfully!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtZXm...eature=related

[Scott Good]

Originally Posted by Balthazar

I think Golgotha is probably the most laugh-out-loud book I've ever read.

Moi aussi!! That is one crazy funny book. Outrageous is an understatement!

[Scott Good]

Originally Posted by Tarantella

Here's an interview with another deceased intellectual, Christopher Hitchens, who died late last year. I don't agree with a lot of his ideas, but he lived the life he wanted to and wasn't afraid to stand on toes when he felt it was necessary. One cannot help admiring that kind of strength of character. Martin Amis is still here, thankfully!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtZXm...eature=related

I was quite a fan of Hitchens, but like you, found some of his ideas and debates quite repulsive. A tricky man to pin down.

Yes, I also admire him for the same reasons. And again, what a sense of humour! Wicked (both good and bad)

[Balthazar]

I too loved Hitchens, especially for what he had to say about religion. His politics might have been dodgy, but God Is Not Great was a brilliant takedown.

[Scott Good]

Originally Posted by Tarantella

Robert Hughes - I remember him when I worked in documentary arts television and he was still young, virile and impossibly good looking. Another man who broke the mould with his searing intellect and polemical style. Both will be very much missed.

Tarantella,

Thanks for the heads up about Mr. Hughes. I did not know of him. Yes, he is quite the looker, also a kind of voice one can fall into.

I've been watching some of his series on modern art. It is quite well done. I also checked a few videos where he expresses his true feelings about Warhol...he's not a fan!

I can't say that I agree with some of his assertions about art, but I do appreciate his passion for the subject and his honesty.

[Mambo]

I remember Hitchens - analyses were ok, but never put enough
vigor into his verbal deliveries. He looked half asleep usually.

[Balthazar]

Originally Posted by Mambo

I remember Hitchens - analyses were ok, but never put enough
vigor into his verbal deliveries. He looked half asleep usually.

Well, he was usually roaring drunk. But even then, he seemed much more relaxed and witty than Dawkins, whose speaking manner I find unbearably awkward.