New Statesman, May 5, 2003, pp. 47-48

[jbor]

on 3/6/03 4:52 PM, Heikki Raudaskoski wrote:

> Among other things, Dugdale sez that the film "convey[s] a
> sense that Pynchon is the preserve of a backward-looking geeky
> cult, wholly absent from the cultural present.
> In fact, Pynchon is everywhere in today's pop culture: in
> The Simpsons ("You're reading Gravity's Rainbow?" Lisa asks
> in awe of a student) and a slew of movies; shaping new-wave
> sci-fi in Gibson's work; lending the X-Files its distinctively
> Pynchonesque mix of state conspiracy, black humour and the
> paranormal; name-checked by musicians as diverse as Laurie
> Anderson, Warren Zevon, Yo La Tengo and, erm, Pat Benatar.
> Radiohead lyrics echo him and the band's merchandising
> website (w.a.s.t.e.) is a reference to Lot 49." Etc.

I'm wondering whether Dugdale's comment is actually a criticism of the film,
aimed (somehwat uncharitably) at some or all of the Pynchonistas interviewed
by the Dubini, rather than meaning to suggest that Pynchon really is
irrelevant to "the cultural present"?

best