I think the overall effect of Ellroy's is the combination
of
forces/factors -- not just individual characters, but
EVERYBODY is
either a borderline, psychotic, or a scumbag operating within
a
base/corrupt society. In other words, nobody really
identifies with
Dudley Smith, he's a heavy, anyway.
Ellroy's novels are truly Romantic. Gothic, even. His heros
usually have
one mitigating character trait that makes them "likeable."
Lee Blanchard
is haunted by the death of his little sister. Bud White is
similarly
driven by the ritualized beating of his mother by his father.
I guess we
can appreciate them as "heros" for this reason, eh?
Doubtful.
The cumulative effect of his novels is more interesting --
and
compelling, like Mr. Lau says. Ellroy allows us to "glimpse
the
darkness" without being consumed by it. (Ellroy's words.) But
there's
also a weird macho catharsis going on when you read him --
and the
catharsis is for us, his loyal male readers. It's almost like
Ellroy's
stuff is all "id," existing in a place where us regular folks
would
never venture. But we can still get into it, and appreciate
his total
commitment to this vision.
Bottom line? "Femmie" woman have "Wuthering Heights." Macho
wannabes
have Ellroy ... and Iceberg Slim?
Dave
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