On TCM right now, Melville's story Billy Budd is on. This is one of my favorite stories in American Literature. Claggart is a son of a bitch and malicious and callous about human life, and he gets off on meting out punishments. He's also stricken with jealousy because of Billy. Billy is young and brash and inexperienced (according to Claggart), but he's also BEAUTIFUL.Current criticisms say that Claggart was attracted to Budd, fascinated by his youth and beauty - even though he was a man. And his fascination disgusted him. Claggart is one of the most repulsive characers I've ever encountered.
I don't know who is playing Claggart, but he's doing well portraying this character. Billy Budd is being played by Terrance Stamp, whom I've always loved, OMG, but damn. He's really VERY VERY pretty.
No comments:
Post a Comment