The Millions : The Arcades Project: Martin Amis’ Guide to Classic Video Games

Journalist finds an early work of Martin Amis, long out of print and disavowed by the author, which is all about video games:

Invasion of the Space Invaders, then, is the madwoman in the attic of Amis’ house of nonfiction; many have heard rumors of its shameful presence, but few have seen it with their own eyes. I recently discovered a copy in the library of the university where I work, and I don’t think the librarian knew quite what to make of my obvious excitement at this coup. (“Wow,” I said, giving a low, respectful whistle as she handed it across the counter. “Would you look at that?”) It’s a deeply strange artifact: an A4-sized, full color glossy affair, abundantly illustrated with captioned photographs, screen shots, and lavish illustrations of exploding space ships and lunar landscapes. It boasts a perfunctory introduction by Steven Spielberg (“read this book and learn from young Martin’s horrific odyssey round the world’s arcades before you too become a video-junkie”), complete with full-page portrait of the Hollywood Boy Wonder leaning awkwardly against an arcade machine like some sort of geeky, high-waisted Fonz. We’re not even into the text proper, and already its cup runneth over with 100-proof WTF.

Just imagine, if Mart’s literary career hadn’t worked out, he’d have been a slam dunk for a games journalist. Then again, perhaps the ranks of game journalism are already overstuffed with failed Martin Amises.

Attack the Block – review | Film | The Guardian

Finally got round to seeing this. Think I avoided it because, despite having a great concept, I was worried it’d be a disappointment. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case:

As well as excitement and laughs, [Director Joe] Cornish provides some sharp social comment on the subject of aliens and alienation. Now, there are many who will feel they have consumed enough hand-wringing analysis from the concerned commentariat about aggressive youths in Broken Britain controlling their turf, and yet as scared as babies of moving anywhere beyond these “ends”. Cornish tackles the same idea but with a light touch and a cheerful, unfashionably optimistic belief in a happy outcome somewhere along the line. His sci-fi urban pastoral is also a satirical fantasy. What if enemies or opposing groups were suddenly confronted by a common foe? Might they not discover common ground that should have been cultivated anyway?

Some random observations:

1. The film was a financial flop, that much we already know. Did it fail because it dared to present social undesirables as heroic? Or was it because audiences couldn’t understand the street slang spoken by the cast?
2. Even though I didn’t quite catch everything they were saying (subtitles will be switched on for repeat viewings), the young cast were excellent, by turns fearsome and vulnerable. Funny, too.
3. Given that it’s set on Bonfire Night (4th November), why was it given a summer release in the cinemas? It’s just as well, because the social commentary (such as it is), uncannily prefigures the London Riots that took place shortly after.
4. Surprised to see that the Daily Mail gave it such a thoughtful and positive review. Again, this view might have changed post-riots.
5. The design of the monsters were clearly inspired by the creatures that adorned the sides of the Space Invaders arcade cabinets, way back in the eighties.
6. The soundtrack by Basement Jaxx is brilliant.
7. Finally, if this isn’t a tribute to the films of John Carpenter, I’m going to shred my blogger’s union card and sprinkle it over my cornflakes for breakfast.