Jonathan Franzen, the acclaimed author of The Corrections, recently opened up about his long-standing anger and his complicated relationship with television. In a candid interview, Franzen revealed that it's still mysterious to him why he was angry for so long, shedding light on his personal and professional journey.
Jonathan Franzen's Anger: A Long-Standing Mystery
Franzen admitted that his anger was a significant part of his life for many years. "It's still mysterious to me that I was angry for so long," he said. This anger often manifested in his critiques of modern culture, particularly television, which he once considered the "enemy" of serious literature.
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The Failed TV Adaptation of The Corrections
In 2012, HBO dropped its plan to adapt Franzen's bestselling novel The Corrections. Franzen was so relieved that he performed his first and last cartwheel on his lawn in Santa Cruz, California. He had signed up as co-writer with filmmaker Noah Baumbach, but the project was fraught with challenges.
Challenges in Development
Franzen admitted that HBO was "excluded from the development process" and that they didn't know how to do TV. He hadn't even owned a television until a few years earlier, so he began renting box sets to understand the medium. Around three episodes into one drama series, he realized they were doing it all wrong. The result, he says, was "one of the worst pilots anyone has ever made".
From TV Critic to TV Fan
Franzen used to think TV was the "enemy" of the serious novelist. In a well-known 1996 essay for Harper's Magazine, he complained bitterly about the "banal ascendancy of television". However, after the HBO series failed, he watched Breaking Bad, Nurse Jackie, and Silicon Valley and loved them. This shift marked a significant change in his perspective.
Key Takeaways from Franzen's Journey
- Franzen's anger was a long-standing mystery to him.
- The failed TV adaptation of The Corrections was a relief to him.
- He initially viewed television as the enemy of literature.
- He later became a fan of several TV series.
- His perspective on TV evolved over time.
Comparison: Franzen's Views on TV Before and After
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| View on TV | Enemy of serious literature | Enjoyed Breaking Bad, Nurse Jackie, Silicon Valley |
| Involvement with TV | Criticized in Harper's essay | Co-wrote failed HBO pilot |
| Emotional Response | Anger | Relief, appreciation |
FAQ
Why was Jonathan Franzen angry for so long?
Franzen himself finds it mysterious, but his anger was likely tied to his critiques of modern culture and television's impact on literature.
What happened with the HBO adaptation of The Corrections?
HBO dropped the plan in 2012, and Franzen was relieved. He co-wrote the pilot with Noah Baumbach, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.
How did Franzen's view on television change?
He initially saw TV as the enemy of serious literature but later became a fan of shows like Breaking Bad and Silicon Valley.
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