Thinking minds..... (Talking Heads - Alan Bennett)

Member Name: cheesemonster

Product:	Talking Heads - Alan Bennett
Date:	17/01/01 (282 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lose yourself in someone else's life

Disadvantages: None!

I was really unaware of Alan Bennett until I saw one of his Talking Heads monologues on the television, and I was intrigued. It was very strange that something without visual action, and only one character should be so absorbing and compelling. I'm not a fan of Thora Hird, but his casting of her in 'A Cream Cracker under the Settee was superb.
I then received the complete book of Talking Heads as a present. I think the thing I admire and like most about these monologues is that all the characters are very tragic in their own way. They are truly human - you find yourself able to relate to them on some levels, and find them bizarre. You are always, of course, only getting one side of each story told, which makes you think about the other people involved, who you would be able to see in an ordinary play. The narrators seem blissfully unaware of the 'full story' as well, and fail to see the true meaning of what they are talking about. The subtlety and inferences of the monologues are amazing too - there is a hint of commoness all through the characters. They are all (and I'm not being offensive to anyone!) very middle class, - two tone cardigans, net curtains and holidays in Morecambe type people. I think that's why they are easy to relate to. I find them intriguing also because there is an element of voyeurism when reading them. I felt I was being given a very private insight into a person's mind/life, and that in itself is exciting.
Bennett wrote the monologues with specific performers in mind, and if you see the BBC productions of them, they are perfectly cast. I got the first series on video for my birthday this month, and now I'm well and truly hooked. These monologues are, in my opinion, a perfect introduction to Bennett's work, and I for one am going to explore his other literary offerings.

Summary: