Movie spotlight
As Smart As They Are: The Author Project
A documentary film tracing the collaboration between One Ring Zero, the Brooklyn house-band for McSweeney's Publishing, and an ensemble cast of award-winning authors, each of whom contributed original lyrics. Author Myla Goldberg torments guest singer Syd Straw with tongue twisting, five star vocabulary words. Paul Auster riffs on the ills of Cincinatti and the Iraq war. The film's title, in fact, comes from the inspired dialogue of a talking cockroach.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the creative processes and personal philosophies of several contemporary speculative fiction authors. It explores their influences, writing habits, and the challenges of navigating the literary world. The film aims to provide an intimate look at the minds behind imaginative storytelling.
Critical Reception
The film received modest attention within documentary circles and among fans of speculative fiction. It was praised for its insightful interviews and its focus on lesser-known but highly respected authors in the genre. However, its distribution was limited, preventing widespread critical engagement.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its unique focus on authorial process.
Praised for its in-depth, intellectual discussions.
Seen as a valuable, albeit niche, contribution to literary documentaries.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to limited distribution, but those available generally highlight the film's intelligent and thought-provoking content, appealing to readers interested in the craft of writing.
Fun Fact
The film features interviews with authors who were at the forefront of the 'New Weird' literary movement, exploring its origins and impact.
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