The Rare Sighting of a Hero

 Janine di Giovanni is a great reporter with several books to her credit.  http://bit.ly/SierraLeone2000

Director’s Notes – Episode 2 of the film King Lear

Watch the scene.

            Failing to secure his fortune on the road, Edmund intends to steal his brother's inheritance and his father's authority, killing both if necessary. 

            Shakespeare presents problems in performing this scene.  In general, it needs editing, especially for Gloucester.  The point is made and made and made.  Edmund’s speech is too pat.  Everything in the scene is so convenient, so set-up.  Edmund finishes his speech just before Gloucester’s entrance.  Edgar enters after Edmund’s next long speech.

            The scene rarely works because Edmund is so certain of succeeding.  There is no sense of what is at stake here.  First, of course, is Edmund’s entire future-- either as the heir apparent or a wanderer with no prospects.  Second, we never get the sense that Edmund is putting his very life on the line.  If the scheme fails, if Gloucester doesn’t believe it, or insists on seeking Edgar out, or if Edgar is determined to seek out Gloucester, Edmund’s life is worth nil and he would have to abscond immediately – a pursued criminal.  Events must not unfold miraculously one after another.  Edmund must make things happen, but he assumes nothing.  He can’t possibly be certain how Gloucester, and then Edgar, will react.  Edgar finally flees in terror and disarray, but Edmund must sweat and earn Edgar’s flight.

Anthony Ray Hinton and The Sun Does Shine

This book is very difficult to read.   It is enraging, horrific, deeply depressing.  And yet, without having read it, I would have missed meeting this extraordinary individual.  So read it.  Be infuriated.  And get to know Anthony Ray Hinton.  And support the Equal Justice Initiative.

Driving Finish

A painting by my brother, the equine artist Robert Barnete, currently on display at Redmond Fine Art.

Driving Finish

Literary Rights

I'm pleased to announce that the Aura-Pont agency is handling the European rights for my work.  

Currently available: Still Life with Booze
For other titles visit http://www.alexanderbarnett.com/writingcredits.html

IMDb Update

Please visit to see new information on my film career.  http://bit.ly/AlexanderBarnettIMDb

Dear Southern States: Please secede from the Union.

A Supreme Court Reporter Defines the Threat to Abortion Rights

newyorker.com