There’s a class of hack who comes up – reliably, dependably, predictably - with the same old sludge every time. They never startle or intrigue. Never disturb. Never offer interesting facts, figures or views. Just fill space with a judicious mix of cliché, prejudice and spite. Wrapped in a faux-racy style, with all the tricks: buzz-words, pop psychology, single sentence paras, knowing references, confected interviews, limp humour. Dully conventional, superficially reassuring, deeply conservative.
Of course Matthew Perry could handle Hitchens' weapons grade pomposity and ignorance with assured wit, but it was still excruciating. Amazes me how people like that can still exist in the so-called information age.
I watched a couple of random episodes where his character had the lion share and it was poignant to see his talent again. There were so many ‘Chandlers’ out there when the show was at its height.
His death has shocked me, same age. I’m not an addict but do have a complicated relationship with alcohol.
Anyway, a great dissection of the usual shit takes written by shits. But also with a deeper look into the complexity of this wonderful person. That empty lazy boy. End.
Well, sorry, Sarah Vine, but I shall remember him as a funny and talented actor who made me believe he *was* Chandler Bing, and whose death I regret because he clearly had a lot more to give, both in human terms and in acting.
Excellent piece.
There’s a class of hack who comes up – reliably, dependably, predictably - with the same old sludge every time. They never startle or intrigue. Never disturb. Never offer interesting facts, figures or views. Just fill space with a judicious mix of cliché, prejudice and spite. Wrapped in a faux-racy style, with all the tricks: buzz-words, pop psychology, single sentence paras, knowing references, confected interviews, limp humour. Dully conventional, superficially reassuring, deeply conservative.
Right-wing editors love them.
Thanks, Anthony.
Excellent stuff, Mic. Thanks.
Thank you, Angus.
Apologies not intended as a pop at you 👍
I didn’t think it was but it’s always worth checking.
Of course Matthew Perry could handle Hitchens' weapons grade pomposity and ignorance with assured wit, but it was still excruciating. Amazes me how people like that can still exist in the so-called information age.
I watched a couple of random episodes where his character had the lion share and it was poignant to see his talent again. There were so many ‘Chandlers’ out there when the show was at its height.
His death has shocked me, same age. I’m not an addict but do have a complicated relationship with alcohol.
Anyway, a great dissection of the usual shit takes written by shits. But also with a deeper look into the complexity of this wonderful person. That empty lazy boy. End.
Well, sorry, Sarah Vine, but I shall remember him as a funny and talented actor who made me believe he *was* Chandler Bing, and whose death I regret because he clearly had a lot more to give, both in human terms and in acting.
✅✅
You can’t even die in peace nowadays without raking up the past, leave the man be.
Who are you directing that to?
Not you, aimed at tory msm
Phew!