Some philosopher -- I forget which one -- said that one of the main purposes of the arts is to give the idle rich something to talk about. That's what I'm doing here. Not that I'm rich, but I'm well qualified with respect to the other aspect of the job description.

 

What you'll find here are personal responses to stuff that I've been seeing and reading lately. These aren't reviews in the traditional sense; I don't include all the bumpf about directors, actors and so on.  Nor do I mark a score card for everybody involved. I mention some aspect of a work only if I think it's worth commenting on.

 

In most cases, I haven't read any reviews of the work in question. I prefer to form my own impressions before hearing what others have to say. What you're getting here is pure, unadulterated PJD. So how do I decide what movies to attend, what books to read? From the buzz, I guess. From knowing which directors, writers, actors are involved. From what friends tell me. From noticing how much press the work is receiving.

 

I promise to reveal only the bare minimum of plot elements. To me, one of the most important aspects of any novel, movie or play is  the way the author hooks me on the narrative by gradually doling out details of the plot. So I wouldn't want to spoil that pleasure for anybody. God spare us from those reviewers who have nothing better to offer than elaborate plot summaries!

 

If you want to know something about me, check the "Who Do I Think I Am?" page (just after "Home" page in the navigation bar on the left). If you think you can figure out who I am, please let me know. My psychiatrist would find the information very helpful.