RARA-AVIS: Hollywood Nocturnes

Frank D (bearlodge@email.msn.com)
Wed, 6 May 1998 22:03:04 -0700 Hi, Gang,

I've finished James Ellroy's HOLLYWOOD NOCTURNES and it's time for me to
input my two cents worth. It's apparent from the little discussion we've
had that there are two opinions of Ellroy's writing, those who like and
those who don't.

I'm afraid that I'm leaning more toward the don't like. I enjoyed Ellroy's
introduction to the Dick Contino story. Interesting that he would go to Las
Vegas to meet with Contino. But I didn't care much for what he did with the
material. I'd describe the writing as sketchy. I guess I enjoy fuller
stories, better description. Parts of this story seem to be shorthand.

The two stories I enjoyed most were "High Darktown" and "Since I Don't Have
You." Some people have said recently that they saw the movie, FALLEN
ANGELS, of which the latter story is the third segment and that they didn't
care for it. I'm of the opposite opinion. I enjoyed it and Gary Busey's
role as Meek. Since I saw the movie first, perhaps that is why I enjoyed
the story.

I'm afraid that I didn't much care for "Torah Number" and "Gravy Train." I
couldn't come near to believing either one of them.

Ellroy knows how to pack a lot of action in a few words, but I guess I'm
happier when actions are described a bit more fully. I'm not unhappy to
have read this collection but I think it will be a while before I visit
Ellroy again. The stack of hard-boiled groweth, thanks to discussions here
and I have a heap more writers to sample.

Cheers --- Frank D.

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