I started a new project. It has consumed me... Eaten me whole. It has taken on a life of its own, and now I have this living thing in my grasp, and I am trying like hell to not squeeze too tightly. It twists and turns and dives of its own volition. It's a helluva ride. I have been going back to Bukowski quite a bit for inspiration. This poem in particular has been resonating:

Today, the zero of you that read this are going to humor me while I ramble on about one of my heroes. The one and only Thomas Ruggles Pynchon.  (Seriously... I have no idea where this is going. Initiate ramble... NOW.)

What I do for a living, I do with words. I'm a hack, but I'm a hack that loves his tools. I have an affection for them. I appreciate it when language is used effectively. It doesn't matter to me if the words are spoken, written, sung or read... I love 'em. 

Thomas Pynchon is a kung-fu grand master word slinger. He is as good as it gets. His name belongs alongside the greats. Hemingway, Murakami, Gibson, Le Guin, Neruda... In his own way, he is every bit as powerful as anyone who has ever picked up a pen. 

So, now there is this... 

It is based on what is far and away Pynchon's most accessible novel, Inherent Vice. It's a great read. Seriously, if you haven't read it yet, do so. Not only is Pynchon a savant level wordsmith, but he is also funny as hell. His sense of humor isn't for everyone. It is sharp. Razor sharp. Think Bill Hicks... Or Richard Pryor. Seriously.

Imagine your favorite funny man on stage. Now imagine said funny man walking off stage and out into the audience. One hand holds the mic, and the other...

A three foot machete.

He's killing it.

Joke after joke, punctuated with wild and unpredictable swings of that fucking machete. The audience is terrified... But they can't leave because they are laughing too hard.

That's Pynchon. He's dangerous. He sucks you in with his pretty words, and guts you before you know what's happening. 

The movie? I haven't seen it. I'm sure it will be great. Paul Thomas Anderson is more than suited to the task. As an aside, in my brain? When I first read the book? I had Jeff Bridges pictured as Doc, and Benicio Del Toro as Sauncho. One out of two ain't bad. 
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I wonder if Pynchon, the most infamous recluse since Salinger, will go see it? Honestly? How could he not? Given... I am thinking like me... the hack... not like a future Nobel Prize winner.  I would be there opening day. Hiding in the back row. Hoping the movie rocked. Hoping people loved it. 

Pynchon? Who knows. The closest thing to a public appearance that the guy has done was a spot on the Simpson's...