Two words: David Strathairn.

Oh, how could I have let this one go without an entry? I watched this on the night before Halloween and of course movie pseudoscience was in full force! Including some spirited discussions about nature vs. nurture! Even though the filmmakers seem to decide that you can’t escape genetics, in the end credits we see poor, putupon Mrs. Penmark give little Rhonda the nice, solid spanking the girl was so (excuse the pun) sorely in need of. Bizuh?! And hee!

This is more of a note than an entry on a book I expect to enjoy: I bought this from the trusty Abelard Books on Queen St., which is right across the street from Tortilla Flat, the restaurant. Other than that, I’ve always heard much made of Steinbeck’s (semi-?)humorous writings, so let’s see if this one impresses.

Allconsuming informs me that I began reading this book a whopping 37 weeks ago. I know nobody puts much stock in the words of a girl who takes 37 weeks to read a mere 335 pages of a trade paperback, but this is indeed an excellent book.

The best new fiction I’ve read this year.

My initial thought is that it’s nowhere as good as Kill the Moonlight, or even Girls Can Tell. Perhaps I’ll change my mind as I listen to it more …

I watched this in the theatre during the time Andrew Jarecki was initially promoting his film, way back in 03-04. Rewatching it with the extra footage? It’s still as powerful and ambiguous as ever. Was Jesse wrongfully accused? Perhaps we will never know.