Picks for March 2009

Book:  "Dancer" by Colum McCann.  I was fortunate enough to share a bill with Mr. McCann on John Wesley Harding’s ‘Cabinet of Wonders’, an ersatz, surreal vaudeville type show which we did in early March.  Colum gave me this book, which he read from, that night.  I was instantly mesmerized by this fictionalized life of Rudolf Nureyev.  Colum McCann is such a brilliant, fluid, original writer.  A literary progeny of Joyce, maybe.  Or a new prototype entirely.  I haven’t enjoyed a novel this much in quite some time. 

Music:  Neko Case.  Just in general.  I love her, love her voice, love her quirky writing, love her story and her barn full of pianos in Vermont. Love her spirit.  Haven’t even heard the new record yet but it’s on my list. 

Film:  "In Bruges".  Equal parts pain, beauty and humor, just like everything else in life.  Two hit guys screw up a job and go into hiding in Bruges, one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.  Self-recrimination, duplicity, romance, lies and brotherhood, all framed by medieval winding streets and swans on the canals.  A deeply satisfying film.  And Ralph Fiennes is brilliant in a small part as the criminal boss. 

Television:  I’m back with my man Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment.  Great new story lines and patients.