If I could have a conversation with Schrader I would ask him about the extent to which Brendon was influenced by Dostoevsky- specifically, how “Pickpocket” seems to borrow liberally from the story structure of “Crime and Punishment.” (This would also mean well with his contention in “The Transcendental Style in Film” that Bresson’s films are analogous to Byzantine iconography, whose closest modern parallel would be Eastern Orthodox theology of the type Dostoevsky embraced.).
He might feel less bad about ripping off Bresson if he thought Bresson was ripping off some dead Russian guy.
Sounds like an absolutely fascinating discussion as always with Schrader.
I could almost overlook the sheer pretentiousness on the part of the organizers in calling a series of seminars in New York "Le Conversazioni", and in fact will do so in honour of Schrader's lack of same, his direct wonderful insights like calling Bresson's Pickpocket "passive agressive flimmaking".
Thank you. And, to be fair, the series is actually part of an Italian festival, so that’s where the name comes from. The moderator has a thick accent, too.
If I could have a conversation with Schrader I would ask him about the extent to which Brendon was influenced by Dostoevsky- specifically, how “Pickpocket” seems to borrow liberally from the story structure of “Crime and Punishment.” (This would also mean well with his contention in “The Transcendental Style in Film” that Bresson’s films are analogous to Byzantine iconography, whose closest modern parallel would be Eastern Orthodox theology of the type Dostoevsky embraced.).
He might feel less bad about ripping off Bresson if he thought Bresson was ripping off some dead Russian guy.
Sounds like an absolutely fascinating discussion as always with Schrader.
I could almost overlook the sheer pretentiousness on the part of the organizers in calling a series of seminars in New York "Le Conversazioni", and in fact will do so in honour of Schrader's lack of same, his direct wonderful insights like calling Bresson's Pickpocket "passive agressive flimmaking".
Great article Joseph, really enjoyed it.
Thank you. And, to be fair, the series is actually part of an Italian festival, so that’s where the name comes from. The moderator has a thick accent, too.
In that case they get a pass, and I revoke the dreaded condemnation for Pretentious New Yorkitude!