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Of Process and Paper

I was already thinking about the fascinating special I saw on Nova the other week concerning the lost manuscript of the Greek mathematician Archimedes when I started reading this article on Quentin Terantino in which he describes his process of writing the screenplay for Kill Bill.

I know it’s all bullshit, but it’s the way I started doing it, so that becomes the way. My rituals are that I don’t use a typewriter or a computer. I write by hand, and what I’ll do — it’s a ceremony, actually — I go to a stationery store and I buy a notebook. Then, I’ll buy a bunch of red and black felt pens. And I’m like, ‘These are the pens that I’m going to write Kill Bill with!’ When that happens, then it’s just me taking that fuckin’ notebook everywhere.

Despite our techno-digital age, I believe the manifestation of creative brilliance and simple, lo-tech paper (in the form of manuscripts, notebooks, sketchbooks, etc.) have maintained a consistent relationship for thousands of years.

Paper, it seems, is still where it’s at.

Hey Dennis, I haven’t seen it yet but I’m curious to for a couple of reasons — hype accuracy being one of them. I’m a moody bastard when it comes to ulta-violence so if it’s everything I hear it is… well, it may or may not be good. Shakespeare’s still hard to beat in most regards.

PS Thanks

Mike,

I am curious whether or not you have seen the film yet? I have a review up online at http://keycruncher.com/ and am interested in your thoughts as we generally tend to agree to disagree. While I certainly respect Tarantino’s process and attempt to be creative, I truly thought this film was a waste and never would have seen it had I read an honest review prior to getting to the theatre.

-Dennis

PS Happy Belated 30th by the way!