"She got around and said so. I remember asking her—this was in 2016, at the beginning of the #MeToo movement—if she ever felt she’d been taken advantage of by men. She looked at me, widening her eyes behind her glasses à la Marilyn in How to Marry a Millionaire, and said, 'What man could take advantage of me? I usually slept with him before he got the chance.'"
When Meghan says "the relationship [with Dunne] was about her career" it reminded me of another Joan: Joan Rivers, who was around Didion's age and faced similar challenges. The documentary about Rivers explains that "the career" was like a member of the family, and everyone knew it had to be considered in any decision or family drama. They even referred to it that way - "how will this affect The Career?"
As someone completely unfamiliar with these fascinating figures or the historical L.A. writing scene, the enthusiasm, passion and ability you two have to discuss context in a concise way made this discussing incredibly engaging. This is a pretty dense topic for newbies and I followed it the whole way. I gotta add "Didian and Babitz" to the reading stack!
Loved the interview; love that she invoked Joe Esterhaus—I too read a memoir of his and because of that, when I sell my screenplay (lol) I will demand of the director/producers that it is imperative for my creativity that they put me up in the Chateau Marmont
I loved Lili's book, particularly the letter Babitz wrote to Joseph Heller in 1964.
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Dear Joseph Heller:
A very terrible thing happened to me. I was born a girl. It would be O.K. if I were ugly or something or even startlingly unattractive, but as luck would have it, I’m gorgeous, occasionally. Here’s the thing. I wrote this fabulous book and I’m trying to get it published. So, I show it to people, and they say, “Gee, this is a fabulous book! Let’s hop into bed. I can get it published for you.” And that wouldn’t be so bad either only everyone is so old and ugly and untalented. It always winds up with me running out of an apartment, clutching my manuscript to my over-developed chest, screaming obscenities all the way home on the bus, usually in a wet bathing suit.
Oh, Joseph Heller, what do you think I should do? I’m only 20 years old and this has happened 8 times already and pretty soon I’m going to run out of people and agents. I’m poor besides.
Another great excerpt:
"She got around and said so. I remember asking her—this was in 2016, at the beginning of the #MeToo movement—if she ever felt she’d been taken advantage of by men. She looked at me, widening her eyes behind her glasses à la Marilyn in How to Marry a Millionaire, and said, 'What man could take advantage of me? I usually slept with him before he got the chance.'"
When Meghan says "the relationship [with Dunne] was about her career" it reminded me of another Joan: Joan Rivers, who was around Didion's age and faced similar challenges. The documentary about Rivers explains that "the career" was like a member of the family, and everyone knew it had to be considered in any decision or family drama. They even referred to it that way - "how will this affect The Career?"
Great observation. I loved that doc! I always think about how Rivers would see an open spot in her analog schedule book and had to fill it in.
Bombshell of a conversation for Didionites.
Excellent wide ranging interview. Meghan you are outstanding in interviews!
As someone completely unfamiliar with these fascinating figures or the historical L.A. writing scene, the enthusiasm, passion and ability you two have to discuss context in a concise way made this discussing incredibly engaging. This is a pretty dense topic for newbies and I followed it the whole way. I gotta add "Didian and Babitz" to the reading stack!
"Sexume" I believe is the correct term for "sex resume."
Really enjoyed this, thanks!
Loved the interview; love that she invoked Joe Esterhaus—I too read a memoir of his and because of that, when I sell my screenplay (lol) I will demand of the director/producers that it is imperative for my creativity that they put me up in the Chateau Marmont
I loved Lili's book, particularly the letter Babitz wrote to Joseph Heller in 1964.
---
Dear Joseph Heller:
A very terrible thing happened to me. I was born a girl. It would be O.K. if I were ugly or something or even startlingly unattractive, but as luck would have it, I’m gorgeous, occasionally. Here’s the thing. I wrote this fabulous book and I’m trying to get it published. So, I show it to people, and they say, “Gee, this is a fabulous book! Let’s hop into bed. I can get it published for you.” And that wouldn’t be so bad either only everyone is so old and ugly and untalented. It always winds up with me running out of an apartment, clutching my manuscript to my over-developed chest, screaming obscenities all the way home on the bus, usually in a wet bathing suit.
Oh, Joseph Heller, what do you think I should do? I’m only 20 years old and this has happened 8 times already and pretty soon I’m going to run out of people and agents. I’m poor besides.
Sincerely yours,
Eve Babitz