David Foster Wallace on humor and Infinite Jest

Edited version of the ZDFmediatek interview with David Foster Wallace. This version offers David Foster Wallace's ideas, without repetitions, long pauses, interviewer's comments. Although some cuts may appear rough, there is no attempt at editorial bias or content manipulation. Mr. Wallace's archives (books in his library, notes, and writings) have been recently acquired by the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas Austin.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• David
• Foster
• Wallace

[kappacappello]

does anyone know when did this interview take place?

[Artzineonline]

@kappacappello 2003

[NoHayMasMate]

Remember all, this is the edited interview. Only his quick, digestible and almost commercial thoughts he voiced during this interview are given to us. Most of it has probably been cut away and so we only get quick snap shots of what he said. Irony at its best here when dealing with David Foster Wallace

[Artzineonline]

@NoHayMasMate Thank you for your comment. "This version offers David Foster Wallace's ideas, without repetitions, long pauses, interviewer's comments." I think you'd benefit from watching the unedited version which is also available on Youtube. It may ( or not) justify this edited version. Cheers!

[Artzineonline]

@NoHayMasMate

Look for 'WasglotztDuso" this channel has all the full interview. Cheers!



[thisisgrey]

"In the US there's a tradition called black humor"? Black humor is not american, it is universal

[Artzineonline]

@thisisgrey I think the reference is perhaps to Black Humor as a literary genre in the US which came to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Technically, though, it has been around for a long, long time.

[phenylphree]

I miss him so much.... and I'm only just discovering him now.

[eprimeprice]

@NoHayMasMate The full video is linked on the David Foster Wallace Audio Project

[gofishdino]

Imagine a world in which DFW was a figure as recognizable as Kim Kardashian or Tom Cruise. Now imagine a mediocre comedian doing a mediocre impression of him on SNL. How easy would that be?

[travisnealtodd70]

I'm glad that I made it through Infinite Jest the second time around, although I must say I will never see footnotes in a completely innocent light for the rest of my life. I wonder how much the character of Incandenza Sr. was inspired by Stan Brakhage, whether an NFL punter will ever receive as much literary attention, if there will ever be a more accurate description of what deep depression FEELS like. Our society and culture are the poorer without Mr. Wallace. Two words, John J. Sullivan.

[alohagirl808]

People my age...lost (Death), a man in pain...:'(

[roycesboy]

@Artzineonline perhaps

[dwendt66]

@bryher2 Explain how Ayn Rand's philosophy has triumphed 100%. There's plenty of Collectivism enforced on us.

[hwAbdiel]

@TaZiey17 Ludwig Wittgenstein.

[bigshleigh]

@bryher2 I disagree strongly.

[bryher2]

Yes, it seems so, that in today's culture the alleged 'philosophy of Ayn Rand' has triumphed, 100%. Yet was this ever not the case?