25.07.2002 | 12:22 p.m.
Anyone know where I can get a life?

I finally watched Deconstructing Harry this morning at 9. I liked it a lot. Certain ideas, the styling, the direction, the script - they were all trademark Allen. Neurotic characters that talk too fast, witty dialogues, Allen mocking his Jewish roots, strings of fucked up relationships, deranged ex-wives, literary allusions - it's all there. But God, it's not a patch , not a blemish on a patch on "Annie Hall" or "Manhattan." Nothing beats his earlier work, no matter what anyone says. I read that DH was supposedly his saving grace after a string of mediocre movies. It was indisputably good, but Daisy is SO wrong about it being better than "Annie Hall". After reading "Without Feathers" and "Side Effects", I noticed that most of his work - writing and films - has metaphysical qualities which makes me think of "Wild Strawberries." I'm not sure if I'm over-analysing or whether it's intentional on his part, but they also (with the possible exception of Manhattan) seem to have a sort of Brechtian aesthetic. Next on my "Must Watch Allen List" is Crimes and Misdemeanors. Is he going to be the cinematic equivalent of J.D Salinger in my life,you ask? I really don't think so. Although I must admit his fascination with dwarves and herrings and polo mallets is rather endearing.

I have nothing planned for the rest of the day yet. I've been meaning to start "Slaughterhouse 5" for a few days now but I haven't really been in the mood to read. Rilke was wonderful and I think I want to read that again and highlight all my favourite parts. I always say that of course,but I'm far too neurotic to actually go ahead with it. Every time I pick up Catch-22 or Siddhartha or A Clockwork Orange or The Bluest Eye, I promise myself I'll do that, but I hate tarnishing books. Even if the pages are yellowed and fall off every time you turn them. Especially if the pages are yellowed and fall off every time you turn them!

Ho hum. My life is boring.

deja vu? | jamais vu?