The news magazine ofthe British Science Fiction Association £2.25 Matrix Issue 145 Sept/Oct 2000
Olaf Stapledon remembered
American Movie &; Alphaville
Book &; Media News PULPitations letters 2 -Matrix Issue 145
Matrix BSFA Officers BSFA Publications Issue 145· ScptlOct 2000 President: Matrix 11Jebi-mOl1thlynewsmagazineoflhc Sir Arthur C. Clarke, CBE British Science Fiction Vice President: Editor: Andrew Seaman Association Stephen Baxter- 128 Pickhurst Rise, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 OAW Rqislenld in Engl:llld. Lirniled by Sccrelary: Vikld Lee [email protected] GU:lr1llllee. Company Nurrber: 921 jOO 44 While Way, Kkllington, RegiSlered Address: I Long Row Ck:ls.e. Oxon.OX52XA Contributing editors: Evt:rdon. Davenlry. NNll 3BE peverel@aoLcom Books: Janel Barron TheBSFAw;asfOtlndedinI9nandisalKlll Treasurer: Eliubtth Billingtr 3 Ullswater Road, Bames, London. profil making orpnisalion, staffed I Long Row C'ose, Everdort. SW139PL enhrdybyunp.aidvolunleeB. Davcntry. NorthantS, NNll 3BE [email protected] [email protected] ISSN:OI4J7909 o BSFA 2000 Membership Services: Paul Billingtr Fan news: Creg Pickersgill I Long Row Oose. EvtnIon, 3 Bethany Row, Narbenh Road, copyrighls Individual 3fCtheproper1yoflhe D~venlly, Nonll3llls. NNll 38E herein Haverfordwesl, Pembrokeshire. SA61 2XG conlribulors and edilon. VteWS expressed [email protected] :m': not necessarily those ofthe BSFA or BSFA [email protected] • UK membenlUp: £21 paor £14 pa (unwagcd). Commilloemembers life membership £190. Europe: £26 pa. Rest of Enonandornissionsan:lheresponsibililyofthe Film/media news: Cary Wilkinson World: £26 p
insults (along with claims to have drunk mobile phone, computer and television 14 pints of beer a day in their youth). technology in ways that even a few years ago would have appeared science Still. if yoo want to look for them, there fictional to mosl people. are clear signs that we are moving into the kind of future that we've all been All meat and drink to sf readers. of reading about for so long. 1be recent course, but in the everyday world life completion of the initial stage of the goes on and BSFA mailings continue 10 Human Genome Project and, as I write, roll off the production line. The world is Editorial the licensing of limited therapeutic undergoing potentially seismic social. cloning of human stem cells, point to the political and technological changes, but, Goodness. How time flies. August kind of biotech-driven future imagined as I have been since lasl January, I'm already (September by the time you read by writers like Paul McAulcy and Greg counting out my life in issues of Matrix this!) and my fourth issue of Matrix. Bear. and moving into the future at a steady Earlier this year, as the calendar rolled six issues a year! over to that magic figure of 2000 few of Elsewhere, the number of planets known us could, 1 suspect, suppress a slight to orbit nearby stars continues to Now, when was the next deadline frisson of excitement. The future had increase. Within the next decade NASA again...? arrived! Well, as Gary Wilkinson points plans to launch the Terrestrial Planet out in his piece on the rise of the occult Finder - a space-based telescope able to in TV programming later in this issue, dctect earth-sized planets up to 50 light Finally, just a reminder that the BSFA is the world didn't end and, over half a years away and study their spectra for looking for a new treasurer and a year later, it's becoming difficult to signs of life. that greatest dream of sf advenising sales person; please sce the imagine exactly what all the fuss was writers (and readers). ads on the back page and page 19 about, as the Dome flounders in the mud respeclively. Do get in touch if you can of the Greenwich peninsula and our And back here on earth the IT revolution help! politicians gear up for another general continues apace with the convergence of election with the same: dreary trading of
Maureen Kincaid Speller, European The final number of votes for each TAfF Adminsitrator. has announced the candidate was therefore: TAFF 2000 results of the TAFF 2000 Ballot. Tommy Fergsuson 44 votes Ballot The voting figures, broken down by candidate and region, are shown in the Results table below Sue Mason 140vOlcs
Tabes Valois 34 votes Europe North America Holdover Funds 3 votes
Tommy Ferguson 22 22 No PreJerence 8 VOles
Sue Mason 88 52 1berefore. after the first round of counting. Sue Mason has more than 50% of votes cast on both sides of the Atlantic, so there is no need 10 proceed Tobes Valois 30 10 a second round of counting.
Maureen writes: "On behalf of myself Holdover Funds and Ulrika O'Brien, 1 hereby declare thal Sue Mason has won TAFF and will be attending Chicon in August. No Preference Congratulations to Sue, commiserations to Tommy and Tobes, and thank you to all three candidates for a lively and Total 14' 87 entenainingrace". 4 -Matrix Issue 145
News Hooks. p(·npl... and (" ('Hts HUlking th... h...adlin('s
Phoney gets Goodkind's goat "We have a chance to become Big ...And More Slow An impostor posing as S....ord of Truth Publishing's worst nightmare", said King. Ben BoYa hll$ recently launched a new novelist Terry Goodkind on Amazon.com bdore the launch. section displaying both classic and new caused the incensed author to demand that science-fiction stories in Galaxy Online. bogus messages be deleted. The post Publishing giants have, however, been 'The Wriler'S Corner" features works of announced that Goodkind planned to change sceptical about the venlure. Greg Voynow, fiction, essays and discussions of the craft of a major character in his fantasy series. The senior VP of Time Warner Trade writing penned by well-known science fake message said: "Feedback is a welcome PUblishing's e-book division, iPublish, fictionaulhors. thing, because it gives me an idea of what commented: "It gets people used to the pUblic expects and wants of me. I was downloading something..,But I don't think "In the months ahead, we plan to publish surprised by the amount of negative it's going to open a noodgate of authors new stories and classic reprints from many comments. I figure some of )"Ou have gOllen leaving their publishers and going online". of the most respected authors in science a lillle tired of the same old Richard". fiction", says Rick Wilbur, editor of The Writer's Corner. "But we're also very 'These people have set up a system which List Chosen AtRandom interested in new writers, and plan to have invites fraud", fumed Goodkind. "It Random House have joined the Publishing onlinc areas where they can learn from the embraces deception, and there's no interest On Demand (POD) bandwagon. They pros, sharpen their skills and perhaps gel in integrity, The Internet is like the Old announced AtRCUldom a new electronic their stories published". West, and Amazon's the lynch mob", publishing imprint that will offer a complete editorial list of original electronic books. During its first few weeks, 1be Writer's British science fiction author John commissioned expressly for the electronic Corner was to offer classic short story Christopher was similarly embarrassed when publishing fonnat.. AIRcmdom's first list of reprints from Robert Heinlein, Robcrt he found fake hype in his name flaunting his books will comprise twenty titles to be Silverberg, Harlan Ellison, Brian Aldiss. young adult novel Th~ Tripods as a "world published beginning in January 2001 and lack McDevin and Mic.hael Bishop, as well famous book". Amazon have now removed will cover a variety ofgenres and categories: as brand-new works from award-winning the offending items. business, Iilerary ficlion, humour, authors like Orson Soolt Card, Spider psyt:hology, technology, popular culture. Robinson and Bruce Holland Rogers. sports, current events, biography and Diseussions of the writing craft from Jee memoirs. Each of the books will be offered Haldeman, Bishop, Ellison and publisher Wheely Good in digital fonnats and also as print-on Ben Bova are also scheduled. The only John Jarrold at Simon & Schuster has demand trade paperback editions. Random major drawback so far is that the glitzy sile, acquired the rights to Whulus, a House also separately announced the while nO( quite vaster than empires is collaborative sf novel from lan Stewart and establishment of Modem Library e-books, certainly slow. It takes an age to download Jack Cohen. The pair, well-known scientists which will publish one hundred works of with a 28.8k connection, so patience on the in their own right. had previously co classic literature from their bound book galactic-empire scale or a high speed authored The Science of Disc....'Orld with backlist in electronic fonn. The A/Random modem will certainly come in useful! Terry Pratchelt "If you want Big Science and Modem Library e-books will be sold Fiction, look no further", said Jarrold. "As through onlineretailers, as willtheprint-on Up in the Gallery you might expect. .. the concepts are demand A/Random trade paperbacks, which Paper Tiger Online Gallery of Fantasy Art is fabulous, but the characters are also will also be available through bricks-and at last available for viewing, with a wealth terrifIC ...J'd expect this to be the first of mortar booksellers. of covers already up and conlent continuing many novels from this team". Whufers will 10 expand, from names such as Jim Bums be published by Eanhlight in summer 2001. and lulie Bell. Put together by designers at Season of DiscontentviUe lIlustratedLibrary.oom, it loads impressively In July. authors were alerted to check for fast and )'OU can admire il al: http://www. King's 'Plant' no Beanstalk yet content that was being reprinted without papertiger.co.uklezinelfantasy...,ga1lerylindex. their consent by Cootentville.com 1be site hlml Stephen King's latest e-venture failed to lists nearly 1,000 magazine titles including scale immediate heights as sales of '"The Fantasy aIId Scunct Ficrion and S/arfog. Plant" found a paltry 41,000 customers, at and offers online reprints of magazine $1 a download, in the first day. Unlike the anicles for $2.95 each. 1be National Writers heavily promO(ed and highly lucrative Union (NWU) executive board and Sleven "Riding the Bullet", 'The Planl" is a Brill have now reached an agreement over Awards recycled early manuscript, available the: sale of freelance work on Contentville. exclusively through King's website, with corn. NWU and Contentville are drafting the Amazon serving as a collection agency, and Clarke Award prize increase final contract language, which is expected to the Web hosting service, Conxion, providing The cash prize which accompanies Ihe be completed soon. The agreement now the server space. King allows readers to pay Arthur C. Clarke Award is to be increased provides for writers to receive 30 percent of by cheque after downloading the first next year 10 an appropriately science the download fee. The agreement is non chapter, but warns that 75% of readers will fictional amoun!. Award Administrator Paul exclusive and retroactive. Grumblings of have to honour that promise if he's to Kincaid said: "I am delighted to announce authorial discontent are now beginning to continue posting subsequent chapters. So far that the prize... (for the) Award 10 be subside. 78% of customers have paid on the nail. presented in May 2001 has been more than Issue 145 doubkdto£200I". ScsI Short-Form Wort: in English: "Stream Best First Non~1 of Consciousness", Roberr J. Sawyer nu Silk Code, PaullA:vinson (Tor) This means tha! the prize now rellects Sir (Pocking FroctUm, Trifolium Books) Arthur's most famous novel, 200/. A S/HIce Best Short-Form Work in French: Best Novella Odyssey. M announced in a previous issue "Souvenirs du Saudllde ElIPlCSs",EnC "Orphans of the Helill", Dan Simmons (Far the judges for next year are: Paul Billinger Gauthier(Solaris 131) Hari'zons) and Gary Dalldn for the BSFA: Doug Besl Work in English
Prism 2000 " Sky Eycs", Laurel Winter (F&.SF 3199) The 2000 Prism award winners for science fiction and fantasy romance novels Best Short Fie:tion published in 1999 were annoonced prior to 'The Grammarian's Five Daughters", Media News the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Ek:anor Amason (Rt!oJm.r Of Fanuuy 6.'99) Gar.\ \\ ilkinsfln &. otlll'rs national conference in Washington. D.C. on 'Jbe Chop Girl", lan R. MacLeod 2'-' luly2000. (AJimov's 12199) round tip thl' latl'st 011 him "Naming the Dead". Paul J. McAuk:y TimeTravd (lntt!I4QM 11199) & 1\ First Place: &lovt!d Warrior by lUdy "Amerikanski Dead in the Moscow DiCanio Morgue", Kim Newman (999) "Human Bay". Robert Reed (A.rimov·s S~9) Dinosaur TV FuturisticlFaDta5y 'The Parwat Ruby", Delia Sherman (F&SF ABC are planning to produce: a TV series First Place: TM Vt!iJt!d Wt!b by Catherine 6199) based on the Dirwlopia series of illustrated M= '''''e DynasIerS", Howard WaJdrop (F&.SF fantasy books by James Gurney, fealuring 10-11199) humans living together with dinosaurs. Dark ParaDOrmaI Planning 10 air in the USA in 2002 it will be First Place: Touch oftht! Woifby Sue Bat Anthology filmed in England and eight other countries. Krinani Tht! YtorJ &JI Fantasy and Horror: Twt!lfth AnnllQl Col/t!CtiOll. Ellen Datlow &. Light Paranormal Tern Windling. eds. (St. Martins) Dead Resurrected Fitst Place: Mort! Than Magic by Kathleen Silver Birch, Blood Moon, Ellen Datlow &. Production has staned on Chi!drt!n of tht! Nance Tern Windling, eds. (Avon) Dt!ad, a feature film based on George Nonht!m Frights 5, Don Hutehison, ed. Romero'l Nighr of tM Livillg lkod and (MosaicPres:s) sequels. Tor Ramsey directs a Karen Lee Landis Poem wins Rhysling Dart. lktt!clivt!l: Advtnlllrt!softht! Wolf scripL Years 19o Romero planned a Winners of the 2000 Rhysling Awards for SuptnfOtural Suuths. Slephen Jones, ed. spectacular end to the seric:s with a film the best Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror (fedogan &. Bremer) featuring hug.; anoies of tamed zombies battling for their human masters but could poem published in the previoos calendar 999: Nt!w Srorit!S ofHorror and SUJfHnst!, never raise the money. having to make the )'Car were announced by the Science Fiction AI Sarrantonio, ed. (Avon) lower key Day of tht! Dt!ad inslead. This Poetry Association. Rebecca Matjesdatter was awarded the Best Collection may be that film but don'l bank on it. Rhysling Short Poem Award for her poem. Moonlight and Vint!S, Charles de unl (I'or) 'Grimoire', firsl published by Taus of tM Rt!QVt! tM JUJ/ and DtMr Tolt!S. Stephen R. Unt:J1uicipatt!d. Donaklson (Voyager 9S; Bantam Specm) Ghost Rider in the Sky Geoffrey A. Landis was awarded the Ht!aru In Atlonru, Stephen King (Scribner) Another supc:rbero is planning to mue his Rhysling Long Poem Awani for his poem, lkep Inlo rhat Darltnt!n Pt!t!rin" Tom screen debuL Th.i.s time it is the skeletal 'Chrislmas (when we all gel time Piccirilli (Terminal Frighl Press) flame-headed bike-riding ex-stuntman machines)', first published by Asimov's Nt!cromonc~sand Nethu....orlds. Darrell turned demonic avenging anti-hero, the magazine. Schweitzcr &: JlUOn Vl1fI Hollandct Ghost Rider. Ion Voight (who may also (WildsidePrcss) a~pear in the film) is producing the film, With Marvel and Crystal Sky Entertainment, 1999 World Fantasy Award BestArtisI using a David 'Bladt!· Go)'Cf script. Their fmt choice for the leading role Johnny LesEdwards is Nominations Depp. BobEgglelOn StephenE.Fabian Best Novel Jason Van Hollander Tanuin, Peler S. Beagle (Roe) More Comic Strip Capers 17lt! Rainy St!ason, James P. Blaylock (Ace) Sam Raimi is pulling in some top technical Gardms of/ht! Moon, Sleven Erikson Special Award: Professional talent for Spirkr-Man. Oscar winnet and (Bantam Press) Seamus Heaney for the new Itanslation of Surr Wars effects man John Dykstra will be A Wilnt!ss To Lift!, Te:rence M. Green Beowulf joined by award winning super--realist comic (Forge) Warren Lapine for DNA Publications book artist A1ex Ross doing the conceptual A Rt!d Ht!ort ofMt!ntl)rit!s, Nina Kiriki John Betancoun for Wildside Press artwod. Raimi is still scriplWriting but is Hoffinan(Acc) Slephen Jones for TM Esst!ntiol Moruur planning to include fan's favourites OocIor Thra:uu, Martin Scatt (Orbit) Movit!Guidt! Kim Newman for Mil/t!Mium Mov~s Octopus and The Green Goblin as the bad Gonion Van Gelder for editing (St. Martins guys. Tobey Maguire from TM Cidtr HOUJt! Best Novella and F&Sf) Rult!sisin final talks to play the web-slinger. "Scarlet and Gold", Tanith Lee (Wt!ird Talt!S Summer 99) Special Award: Non·Proressional Ch~s Columbus has passed on helming 'The Wizard Retires", Michael Meddor duties on Tht! FanliUtic Four to Raja 'Nt!vu (F&:SF3199) Ken Abner for TerminaJ Fright Press The British Fantasy Society Bt!t!n Kused' Gosnell and will now be ''Crocodile Rock", Lucius Shepard (F&.SF producing. The latest casting rumours are 10--11199) Dwayne 01500, Peder WaglSkjold. Scott Wyau for Fedogan & Bremer Pierce Brosnan as Mr Fantastic. Heather "The Transformation of Manin Lake". Jeff Graham as the Invisible Girt. Vin Diesel as VanderMeer (PalaCt! Corbit! 8) Rosemat)' Pardoe for The Haunled ubllU'Y William K. Schafer for Subterranean Press The Thins and Ryan Phillipc: as the Human 'The Winds Of Marble Arch", Connie R. B. Russell for Tanarus Press Torch. WiIlis(AJimov'slQ..-lll99) Issue 145 Matrix -7
JamesGunn has announced he has finished Reid, the Green Hornet, and, probably more sludents digging up lason's frozen corpse his script of Scooby Doo for Warner famously, a young Bruce Lee as his kung-fu from an abandoned Earth and thawing him Brothers. Scooby will be a CGI effect and kicking chauffeur Kato. Universal plan to out on their spaceship. You can't keep a they want Mike Myers to play Shaggy. The bring in let Li as the new Kato once he has good man and he is soon up and slaying. film will delve into the origins of the gang finished working on Tire First King about an Those with a long memory might remember but no surprises if the 'ghost' turns out to be an<:ient Chinese ru1erbrought back to life in Cronenbcrg's abysmal performance in the janitor no doubt if it wasn't for them modem times. Nigit/breed. In this one he plays an early meddling kids he would have succeeded too. vi<:tim of the hockey-masked one. You can only begin to imagine the potential Rockumentary awfulness of this venture Blake's Gong The production company responsible for One of the recipients of an OBE, announced those greats of sf cinema, Event Horhon and in the latest honours list. was Josette Simon Mortal Kombat. are to make a film starring Monsanto's Revenge for 'services to acting', though this may Stonehenge. Based on Bcmard 'Sharpe' One of the worst films ever made may be have a little more to do with her Cornwall's novel of the same name, there is spawning a sequel- prepar<: yourself for the Shakespearean work than staring as Dana in apparently a tale of a love and rivalry horror of originally titled Attack ofthe Killer Blake'sSel·en. betwccn three brothers bolted onto the Tomatoes 2. Andy Fickman (producer of construction story. that dnematic masterpiece Anaconda) is planning to write and direct, updating the Being Tarzan original story of giant people munching I wish [ was there when they pitched this Slayer slashed vegetables with GM food based satire. one: 'Mall raised by apes in love triangle Alyson Hannigan has revealed that the new between anthropologists studying him and series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will an exceptional hirsute woman.' That's feature a gay affair between Willow and Shatner's "I Am Not Captain HI/man Nature, the new script by Being another witch. Hannigan asked Joss Whedon Kirk" Rant John Malkovich scribe Charlie Kaufman if there was something more to the Trek legend WilIiam Shatner has aimed a Puff (the ape-man, not the dragon) will be relationship with her new spell-easting rant at fans who really think he is Captain played by Rhys [fans and the 'hairy woman' friend -- 'This goes way beyond subtexl..." Kirk. Shatner, who hosted a gala last by Patricia Arquette. "It sounds absurd, but Apparently Whedon was at first shy of Thursday at Montreal's Just for Laughs when you read it, it works on so many making it obvious, but now "its official Festival in Canada, delivered his own spoof levels", says Spike Jones, director of they are in lurve!". Just a matt<:r of time of Molson Beer's "I Am Canadian" diatribe. Malkovich and producer of this onc. Award before that Xena cross-overepisode then ... He said: "Hey, I'm not a Starfleet winning pop video director Michel Gondry commander or TJ. Hooker I don't live on will direct this as his first feature. StaTship NCC-1701 or own a phaser, I don't Voyager finishes voyage know anyone named Bones. Sulu or Spock. Star Trek: Voyager with end with series And no, I've never had green alien sex Logan's re-Run seven. Current rumours are that the final although I'm sure it would be quite an loci Silver is to produce a remake of '76 cult episode will be a Borg story. But will they evening. I speak English and French. not favourite Logan's Rrm to be directed by be coming home? - they're not saying as yet. Klingon. [ drink Labatt's, not Romulan ale. another first timer - seriptwriter Skip The new, and fifth, Trek series now looks And when someone says to me, 'Live long Woods. The original starred Michael York likely to be set around the birth of the and prosper: I seriously mean it when I say and a famously scantily clad Jenny Aguller, Federation. Other concepts still in the 'Get a life!'... My doclOr's name is not No news yet on casting this time around running are a star fleet aeademyseries and McCoy, it's Gillsherg. And Tribbles were 'alpha squad' - er, how about something puppets! Not real animals! Puppets! And completely new guys? when I speak, I never, ever, talk I like I Blood Brothers every Iword I is I its I own I sentence!... I Two years in the making, Osmosis Jones is live in California, but I was raised in Fantastic Voyage meets Tex Avery. A OAPs in Space Montreal. I believe in Priccline.com, whcre you never have to pay fullpri<:e for airline mixture of cartoon and live action, it The concept is Armageddon with oldsters. tickets, hotels and car rentals. I have features a white blood cell (voiced by Chris Retired satellite expert Clint Eastwood leads appeared on stage at Stratford, Camegie Rock) and a Paracetamol (David Hyde the mission with Tommy Lee Jones, James Hall Alben Hall and at the Monkland Pierce) in the bloodstream of an ailing Gamer and Donald Sutherland in Space Theatre in NOG (Notre Dame de Grace). construction worker. The Farrelly brothers Cov,boys. They have to repair one of the first And yes, ['ve gone where no man has gone responsible for several recent hit 'comedies' Soviet satellites to stop Russia blacking-out, before. Butl was in Mexico and her fath<:r have been hired to direct Bill Murray in the falling into anarchy and destabilising the gave me permission. My name is William live action sequences. The brothers have world. The catch is Clint's buddies were all Shatner and I AM CANADIAN." also signed on to make The Bionic Man. airforce test-pilots ignored by NASA for Originally mooted as a TV series Tire Six astronaut training the first time round. Billion Dol/ar Man, it will he a spoof version of the Lee Majors-starring seventies Time Machine in the Family classic. Expect Majors to make a <:am<:o. Cronenberg vs Jason Animator Simon Wdls (<:o-dire<:tor of All As a favour to his long-tenn FX American Tail: Fiel'el Goes West & Prince collaborator, lames [saac, David of Egypt) is in negotiations to make his live Li follows Lee Croncnberg will be <:ameoing in Isaac's action directing debut on Tire Time Universal have announced a forthcoming direetorial debut-Jason X-the tenth in the Macltine - based on the novel by his great feature based on the TV series the Grun Friday the Thirteenth series. The film will grandfather. H.G. Wells. The DreamWorksl Hornet. The original 1966 series stared Van be set in the future and see archaeological Warner Bros. <:o·production will be a big Williams in fedora and green mask as Britt budgetpi<:turewith lots of digital effects 8 -Matrix Issue 145
"We're gonna end in a beautiful bloodbath!" Filming lIu' filmmakers in 411l1'Illllll \lm le b~ Gar~ \\ ilkinsnn
Think of Sam Raimi begging money never cruel; this is not so much let's Another Producer is Uncle Bill. A from dentists to make the Evil/kod. laugh at these low-life trash freaks, as decrepit mean old man he is forever nay· Think of Kevin Smith filming all night in let's laugh with them as they struggle saying as Borchardt badgers and cajoles the local convenience store where he through their adversity. him for a cut of his wealth to keep worked during the day to make Clerics. filming. Bill is loaded but lives in a Think of sending three actors out in the Having been filming on borrowed and broken down old trailer and needs some woods to film each other to make the broken down equipment since he was convincing. Blair Witch Projut. Then go several fourteen, including producing the blurry steps lower and you get to the subject of slasher shorts The More {he Scarier But Borchardt is the star of the show and the award-winning documentary parts I, II and III, Borchardt seeks this is a realistic, warts and all, depiction. American Movie, which won the Grand inspiration from his favourite films, The He obviously uses booze as a lubricant Jury Prize at Sundance last year. This is Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the Night against his frustrations and we see him about not so much low-budget as no of the Living Dead series. Smith and drunk, and occasionally obnoxious, budget film making. And it is also very, Price, having had as equally an heroic many times. He has a shattered marriage very funny as well as being very, very struggle in financing their movie as behind him. though his three young kids sad - usually at the same time. Borchardt, produce a film that has the are charming - one does a great same rough and grainy style. showing a impression of Marlon Brando. the result Mark Borchardt is a man with a vision, a barren small town America with its of Borchardt taking them to see dream, that keeps him going whilst he trailer parks and ranch houses that is Apocalypse Now. But with all his faults. goes about his wage-slave jobs usually passed over by the Hollywood and he has plenty, you cannOl help liking (delivering papers and keeping his local mainstream. Borchardt himself presents the man. This is mainly due to the fact cemetery and funeral home - Valhalla an unlikely figure - a lanky skinny loog that though at times an irascible and neat and tidy). This vision is haired heavy metal fan with enormous frustrated perfectionist Borchardt Northk'~sum, a ninety minute dramatic jam-jar glasses. However his natural obviously loves all those around him. feature depicting the gritty life and charisma shines through. and his especially his Uncle Bill. struggles of drunks and pelly drug persuasive and motivated personality dealers from a small town north-west of draws you in, no matter how bizarre And through it all he struggles with Milwaukee. Filmmakers Chris Smith and some of his notions - he insists on levels of endurance beyond mortal man Sarah Price, who after encountering pronouncing Coven, CO-ven so it to get his film finished. Ed Wood springs Borchardt when they shared editing doesn't sound like oven and his 'I'm to mind, but the clips seen of Coven facilities at the local university, are taken half-Satanist, half-Christian' speech has indicate that it is not as terrible as you with his enthusiasm and follow him for to heard to be believed. might expect; it's obvious that Borchardt the next two years whilst he struggles has real potential. with his goal. Unfortunately Borchardt As well as showing Borchardt as he puts has somewhat of a financial crisis early his film together, American Movie also In fact both COI'en and American Movie on - one great scene shows him wading expands out to show how this effects transcend their genre. Unique and through a huge pile of bills, final those around him as he ropes in his compelling as it subject. American demands and court orders to discover family and friends to support his Movie has a very strong narrative with obvious delight he has been offered endeavours. This is what turns the film structure and we are driven along with it. yet another credit card. Realising he does from simply being great to complete Anyone who has been involved in any not have enough money to even start brilliance. Though these characters difficult creative endeavour will filming Nonhw~stern he goes back to a would slot straight into a David Lynch recognise something here. As well as previous venture, the thirty-minute, movie we see a real poignancy in their humour and sadness it has serious things bl3Ck and white. horror shon Cm'en that depiction. Virtually a co-star is to say about working class artists - those he has been making off and on over the Bordchardt's best friend and 'Producer' that cannot afford or do not have the last seven years. Finish it allli sell three Mike Schank, a happy bumbling panda inclination to go the 'normal' route. It is thousand copies and he will have enough of a man who, although now clean and also about escaping the mundanity of money to fund his feature. sober, has taken way too many drugs in existence whether by drink or drugs or his earlier life and as a result now seems simply by following your dreams and the American Movie is absolutely hilarious permanently dazzled and amazed by costs that have to be paid if you follow a real life Spinal Tap of movie making. everything that goes on around him. He that course. However the film's message In onc scene. whilst lying in the snow to is the rock that grounds Borchardt's is ultimately positive. Check out the web get the right camera angle, Borchardt endeavours, always ready with a single, site - www.americanmovie.com - and pleadS with his enshrouded extras, onc usually hilarious, comment at the right you will see that Borchardt has already his mother, to "look more menacing" as time, as well as providing the soundtrack sold his three thousand copies of Coven. they shamble towards him. However it is for both COI'etl and American Movie. Roll on Northwestern. Issue 145 Matrix -9
Alphaville, une etrange aventure de Lemmy Caution lan Simpson on Godard"s noir sf classic
about them at all. (experimentation is rife - varying sound "All you need to make a movie is a levels, unexpected camera angles, and Caution runs around, apparently scenes out of style, for example girl and 0 gun. " - Jeon-Luc Godard. clueless, and meets Natasha, his guide moments of extended silence) Godard while in Alphaville. She claims she has mixes styles and concepts and cultural never met her father, but agrees to help references with ease. Caution find him. However, it is evident that Alpha 60 knows the truth about Paris is the real Alphaville. His Alphaville does more than depict the Caution. The computer, with possibly deliberate depiction of 1965 Paris as the strange adventures of Lemmy Caution the lowest gravely voice known to man, future dystopia dues us to Godard's (Eddie Constantine • an American mostly narrates the film, spewing forth thoughts on the way Paris was Gennan). It is a strange, amusing, its fascist philosophies, pronouncing the developing at the time. Nothing is disturbing, thought-provoking adventure merits of the tcchnocracy. Alpha 60 hidden, everything is clear to see into both the mind of Jean-Luc Godard requests a meeting with Caution, and repression, lack of individualism, and cinema itself. tells him it knows he is peddling lies, but soulless over-reliance on technology. It does not know about what. It is at this is the juxtaposition of the unfamiliar Caution is from the Land's Beyond or point that Caution finds Von Braun, and rcpressive tcchnocratic dictatorship and Outlands. Somewhere other than the Natasha meets her father for apparently the dumbed-down reality of 1960's Paris megatropolis that is Alphaville • maybe the first time. Her lack of emotion that rubs our noses in these themes. across galaxies, maybe in what was once triggers somcthing uncomfortable inside America. A secret agent, he has been of Caution. The depiction of Godard's dystopia was assigned 10 find fellow agent Hcnri truly original; sparse scts, diny Parisian Diekson, and also to bring back However, following the 'rules' of f1oir, streets, harsh science, neon lights, signs, Professor Von Sraun (Howard Vernon). Natasha falls for Caution. She cannot Alpha 60 portrayed as a blinking bulb The Professor defected to Alphaville in express how she feels. This leads to a and long shadows. In places reminiscent order to create Alpha 60 - the super latcr scene where he confronts her over of Fritz Lang's M, you can also see the computer that runs the megatropolis. her lack of emotional freedom. It is the seeds of Bladeruflllu being sown. You Unfortunately, Caution first finds a most inspired piece in the story, set to a might say that AlplUlviJIe is the perfect gun - he is shot at in the opening surrealist poem by Paul Eluard. Alpha 60 mid-point of the two. Which begs the moments - and a girl - Jean-Luc has made Alphaville into a soul-less, question, who would this film appeal to? Godard's then wife Anna Karina - who desperate place. Emotion is essentially a As Godard's only venture into science plays the Profcssor's daughter, Natasha. crime. No one cries, words such as love fiction, it may be that it says everything We first meet Caution under the guise of and conscience disappear from the Bible, he needs to say on the subject. Ivan Johnson, a newspaper man for the which turns out to be the dictionary. The Times Pravda, in Alphaville to interview populace don't know the meaning of the Alphaville is an uncomfortable, Von Braun. He has arrived across the word ·why'. And the punishment for inventive, maze-like journey, one well galaxy in his white Ford Galaxy (what feeling? One scene depicts outlaws worth taking. It won the Golden Berlin else?). standing on a diving board at the public Bear in 1965, and was remade as a pool. They are shot with machine guns, purely science fiction film in 1990, the Constantine had portrayed Caution in a and their bodies retrieved from the pool insipid Megaville with Billy Zane. It was series of films in the early I96Os, based by bathing beauties. The citizens of re-released on Video through Warners on the novels of Pcter Cheyney. Caution Alphaville wear identity tattoos. And of World Cinema label earlier this year. is definitely a 'Bogie' wannabe, a course, Alpha 60 controls all of this. And familiar character in an unfamiliar world. it attempts to control Caution a second Constantine is such an obvious noir time. It now knows his identity: "Your detective, and being used to the name is written Ivan Johnson, but it is character, fills the trench coat with pronounccd Lemmy Caution, Secret consummate ease. Godard had originally Agent 003 of the Outlands". Caution Alpha 60: Those who are unborn do not paid homage to Bogart in A BOlll de tries to resist, not to become nonnal. He yet weep and feci not regret. It is Souffli (better known as Breathless), speaks a riddle, a paradox which therefore logical to condemn you to die. where the lead character wants to be the distracts the computer giving him the great man - looking longingly at posters opponunity to cscape with Natasha, and Caution: Oh, to hell with you and your of him. A Bout de SouJJ1i is seen as a hopefully, Von Braun. If a film ever screwy logic. landmark film in the French New Wave. captures two (or even three) differing In many ways, Alpllaville is the science genres then this is it. Film /lo;r, Science fiction remake. Godard's characters are Fiction, and perhaps New Wave pure /loir - nothing science fictional 10 -Matrix Issue 145
Chrislopher Priest and Philip K. Helena Bonham Carter, a third Dick excited. I suspect it is this featuring novelist Chuck Palahniuk I want my undiscussed aspect of the mm that and screenwriter Jim Uhls, and many people really find most finally one with Director of troubling. So troubling they ignore Photography Jeff Cronenweth, Alex DVD it, forget about it, and condemn McDowell, Michael Kaplan and Fight Club for its more obviously Kevin Haug. I haven't had the time Gary S. Dalkin rounds up disturbing excesses. Yet it is the to listen to what is another 9 hours fantasy which makes Fight Club all SOl1ll' l1lore I1l'\\ rdeases and 20 minutes of material. but one but unique in mainstream cinema, can hardly fault the effort expended make a film very much of it's time to cover every aspect of the film. We all know the first thing we do also far ahead of its time. Equally round these parts is talk about Fight adored and detested today, the The second disc contains a simply Club. So much coverage has deep:r concerns of Fight Clu.b will staggering amount of material, the concentrated on a) the violence, and eventually see it elevated to the usual deleted scenes, story boards, b) the supposedly dangerous anti- Olympian heights of the all-time conceptual art, etc., all imaginatively social message, that everyone has cinema classics. presented. The most remarkable either forgotten or deliberately thing though is the fact that there are lumed a blind eye to c) that there's In the UK Fox are testing the waters 17 scenes presented with multiple vastly less violence in Fight Club for DVD rental, issuing the film for angles and commentary tracks. than in any of the PG rated Indiana hire only on a feature·spare disc Explore the nebulous identity of lones or lames Bond movies. It months before putting it out for sale Fight Club, make connections that makes more impact because it looks in the usual way. Meanwhile Fox in might otherwise elude one forever. and sounds real. It hurts. It gets America have issued the film on one Take the film, which itself destroys noticed because the film is in part of those lavish two DVD sets, yours, and rebuilds cinema before your very about the urge for men to express if you import it yourself from an on· eyes, apart and see what makes it themselves through violence, rather line store, for the princely sum of tick. Here DVD comes alive in a than simply being about exploiting about £14. 1lIere is a considerable presentation imaginative enough to mass slaughter for wholesome irony here. The film tells us that we do the film justice. And take a look family entertainment. But is it a are not our consumer goods, yet is at the standard FBI copyright particularly violent film? No, no now issued on perhaps the most warning screen to see how far the more than Crash was a particularly desirable consumer DVD package to concept has been taken. At the time sexually explicit film. As for the date. Everything is thematically of writing it seems that the UK supposedly dangerous anti-social linked, from the specially designed release of Fight Club will be cut message, what we have is a classic fold-out card packaging which holds down to a single disc, which will case of shooting the messenger. The the two discs and informative doubtless be priced considetably message of Fight Club is only booklet (which imparts a fair amount higher than this 2 disc set. No dangerous to those who consider a of the origins of the project and wonder some people thought the soulless, alienated corporate lifestyle reprints some particularly damning message ofthe film was dangerous. which pushes its users into despair excerpts from various reviews) to the and madness to be something worth slip-case, designed like a parcel tied Now for some real subversion. fighting for. Anyone with a still wilh string into which everything Ganze the Muppet is an alien! It's functioning brain should find the else fits. The film is presented un-eut not Swine Trek, or even Galaxy film a liberating experience. That in an anamorphic widescreen 2.40-1 Quest, but MlIppets From Space is said, when I saw Fight Club at the aspect ratio transfer on disc one. The amiable entertainment and cinema an estimated 25% of the picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound surprisingly funny in places. Yes, audience exited stage left long before are superb. The film was cuI slightly after adapting 'proper literature' for the final curtain. Which leaves c), for UK cinemas, and almost their last two movies, this Muppet the fact that Fight Club is simply one certainly will be cut further for DVD movie tells an all new SF yam with of the most challenging, intelligent and video here, so already there is an references to everything from The and audacious fantasy films ever incentive to get this version. Once Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy to made. A multi-layered, technically you have seen the film, there are four Close Encounters of the Third Kind, brilliant film filled with fine separate commentary tracks, one by IT and The X-Files. There's a lot of performances, it is ultimately about ditector Fincher, a second with nice silly stuff going on in the identity. illusion and reality, about Fincher and the three main stats. background and some good laughs all those things that get fans of Btad PiU, Edward Norton and to be had from Gonzo receiving alien Issue 145 Matrix -11 messages via his breakfast cereal. If there's a disappoinlment it's that Olaf Stapledon there is very little Kermit/Miss Piggy action in this latest instalment in And~ Sa\\~er on a cdchration of the life and 'lork cinema's most touching romance. of the influential author Making up for tha!' the porcine one does get to Slart her very own fight On Monday June 26th 2000 Sir was scienlist and science writer Paul club, slugging Andie McDowell a Arthur C. Clarke (via a pre-recorded Davies). good one in the guts. Less start video) introduced a panel discussion studded Ihan the usual Muppet at the Royal Society of Arts. London Before Ihe panel discussion. caper. and certainly not up to the featuring Stephen Clark. Professor participants and the public were standard of Muppet Trt!asl~re Island. of Philosophy at the University of invited 10 view a small exhibition of this is still superior family Liverpool, sf author Gregory reproductions of material from the entertainment. The anamorphicaUy Benford (whose introduction to Lost Olaf Stapledon archive., held at the enhanced 1.85-1 picture is faullless and First Men is part of the latest Universily of Liverpool library (su and the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound does edition of the novel (from Orion's picture on left). This included book all that is required with considerable jackets (much amusement was aplomb. TIle 19 deleted scenes were provoked by the Galaxy Books deleted with good reason, while the edition of Odd John) and manuscripl Dust Brothers music video (yes. the pages. as well as lellers to Slapledon same Dust Brothers who scored from H. G. Wells, Virginia Woolf. Fight Club) is barely worth a glance. and J. B. S. Haldane. A welcome What is rather fun is Ihe commentary allendee of the discussion (which track provided by director Tim Hill olherwise drew what is known as a in conversation with Ihe Muppets Msmall but enlhusiaslic crowd") was themselves. We discover Ihat the Olaf Stapledon's grandson. Jason film is aClually a docu-drama re Shenai, who seemed pleased that his enactment of real events which grandfather was remembered. happened to the Muppets a while "SF Masterworks" series), biologist back. and that Rizzo the Rat was Jack Cohen, and physicist Freeman stunt doubled by the same stunt rat Dyson. The purpose of the panel was who did some of the more dangerous to mark the 50th anniversary of the leaving-the-sinking-ship stuff in death of Olaf Stapledon. whose Titanic. Yes, even the Muppcts are novel Last and First Men was questioning the nature of their own published 70 years ago, in 1930. Sir cinematic identity. The joke wears Arthur's enthusiastic description of thin after a while, but listened to in the book which had more influence 20 minute snatches the commentary on him than any other was followed is often cleverer and funnier than the by the panelists discussing their own film itself. If you've got children as appreciation of Slapledon and his an excuse to buy this, you probably works. The symposium itself, held in a won't regret it. London hotel, saw a number of Organised by The Templeton papers and presenlations on the Foundation who sponsor dialogue subjecl of sf, science and religion, belween scientists, philosophers and and a book is being planned. Fight Club: 2DVD - 20111 Century theologians. and "Science and Fox - 2()(X)()35 - Region I NTSC Theological Imagination", Ihe event import. 2.40-1 anamorphic, Dolby brought together sf wrilers Gregory Digital 5.1 Benford, Orson $coli Card and Mary Doria Russell. scientists Jack Cohen, Further derails of this and other Muppets From Space: Columbia Freeman Dyson, and Simon events can be found at the ScienCt! Tristar . COR 29408 - Region 2 Pal. Conway Morris, philosophers Mary Fiction Foundation Collection's 1.85-1 anamorphic (also contains 4:3 Midgley and Stephen Clark and homepage: www.liverpool.ac.ukJ 'full screen' version). Dolby Digital theologian lames P. Mackey. (Also -asaw)'er/sffchome.html 5.1 present for part of Ihe symposium 12 -Matrix Issue 145
It's a kind of magic Gar~ "ilkinson gets sp()()k~ \I ith Rllill tll,' lall/pire Slayer & ["r!Jall Gotllie
but was obviously too old/mature for fodder! However it does take risks at the role. Acting stalwarts Donald times and the show h:lS not been Sutherland and Rutger Hauer sleep afraid to kill characters off. The walk through the mentor and vampire special effects have improved as the roles. The end result is rather plot·lines, arcs and characters have lacklustre, unlike the series which expanded past the flI"St season. The followed. An interesting comparison sassy comic dialogue remains on the convefllion is the cult-hit unifonnlyexcellent. It also helps that, ClJleless. This film grafted a Jane although the characters are beyond The turn of the millennium did nOl Austin story into similar territory to the usual narrow range of American quite !;ee the end of the world, either the original BlIifJ (bul without the lV the various actors and actresses by computer bug or the Second vampires!). The film Clueless is an playing them are very ea... y on the eye. Coming, as some had predicted but inspired smart-talking comedy whilst an undercurrent of the non-!;cientific the spin-off series is, frankly, utterly One, perhaps justifiable, criticism has moved up into the mainstream. 'clueless' beside it. On the other hand against BI/ifJ is that is 'nice' horror BJt.!fJ has gone on to become one of and just not scary. Those looking for One of the fastest growing religions the best series of the nineties. 'real' honor should try flicking over in Brit2in today is \Vicca with an to Channel Five· and we are not just estimated 100,000 adherents including Although squarely aimed at its ulking about Keith Chegwin's n:aked 9,000 initiated witches and 6,000 American teenage audience it is still nether regions. Sliding into a late initiated druids. This trend has good enough to appeal beyond. A night slot on the channel better become especially popular with the mixture of comedy, drama, horror, known for incisive documenl2r'ies young. The Pag2n Federation receive!; romance, sf, action/adventure, and into the porn industry is Urban 200 enquires every month, at least suspense it has well·rounded Go/hie . a series of half·hour self half of which are from teenage girls. characters that have grown in unusual contained horror tales. In its current Guides to witchcraft aimed :1l directions once the ~erie~ found its run it's has covered just about every teenagefll such as the Ma.!jdt. for feet as it developed into its second horror, and several sf, topic Btgi1rntn series by Silver Ravenwolf series. Instead ofbcing at the heart of imaginable (vampires, werewolves, are best-sellefll in the St.'ltes and will the social scene, Sarah Michelle medical experimentation, voodoo, be coming here soon. And television Gellae's Buffy is small and vulnerable, ghost's, even Scream-style post has adapted to meet the new trend. isolated by her position. Her best modernism and many more) This has Even a new sfshow like Fumupt has a friend Willow is the school nerd been to varying success. The early fantastical edge to it and there have though her character has developed in mock docu·soap featuring a vampire been a number of shows specifically interesting ways as she becomes a was excellent and a recent rip-off of fealUring young female witches as proto-witch. Giles may be a bit of a LJ,ck SltXk gangster-<:.hic featuring characters including Witch Academy cliched tweedy stuttering Englishmen, Leslie 'Dirty Den' Gnmtham was and Sabri1UJ the Tmwgt WiJch. There but Spike - the English punkish great fun. Unfortunately some of the have even been repeats of Bnildxd vampire - is a great villain. He makes other episodes have been completely on Channel Pour. a double·act with the equally risible. The first one broadcast was delightful vampish vampire Drusilla p:articularly bad which probably put a However the clear current leader of (and just for a change their accents lot of people off. However on the the pack in programmes of this ilk is a~ not totally dreadful) whole it remains watchable and like BJlffy the Vampirt Slaytr. The BJt.!fJ, a change from the usual cop/ programme had an inauspicious start. The plots can sometimes see a bit doctor drama fodder clogging up Like many of a numhet' of American repetitive and its main concerns are prime time on the major channels. television series it was a movie spin standard teenager territory off. The original 1992 rum of the (Homework. Does everyone/anyone As television increasingly fragments same name was poorly received. like me? Can I get a date?) the future may well be in quirky Scripted by Joss Whedon, who would Interestingly the spin-off series Angel distinctive programming for that vital later go on to develop the lV series, is aimed at a twenty-something teenage and young adult audience it added vampires to the all-American audience and is targeted to their with all its spending potential that the high school teen drama. Kristy concerns. Buffy has even managed to advertising companies can hook inlo • Swanson !;tarred as the Valley-Girl develop its own cliches· look another «Hello Mr lV Exec, heard about my speaking cheerleading vamp-impaler fight against useless vampire stake- idea for Blair lVi/ch: TheStriu?". Issue 145 Matrix -13
and still ill-understood. And yet at asymmetrical position - a knight's its literal level chess is a model of move from the top - always bloody warfare, in which 'lives' arc strangely disturbed me.' Perhaps sacrificed without hesitation to Humbert's propensity for seeing gain territory or protect the King. knight's moves in the world Chess is a parallel of our ability to around him foreshadows his own view warfare as an intellectual steps sideways into strangeness. exercise, aloof from the blood of the battlefield, and it is the game's '111e knight's move is the basis for disturbing marrying of the two one of my favourite puzzles, the sides of our nature that is brought knight's tour. Can you move a out explicitly in fantasies that knight around a chessboard so replace pawns with people. that it visits all the squares - but each square only once? (I f you But what about the knight, and want to try it, use pencil and paper In my novel-in-progress, the thied why did it appeal to me as an and number the squares as you alternate-universe metaphor? go.) At the age of 11, first Manifold book, the characters are taken on repeated, and introduced to this, it took me a unwelcome, sideways jumps into 11le knight is the 'irresponsible long time to find a solution - and alternate realities. I looked for a low comedian of the chessboard', then I was chagrined to find there neat label for this unpleasantness as one puzzle expert put it. 'nle are many possible solutions, in and, as I worked on a scene in knight's peculiarly asymmetric fact so many nobody has managed which two of my characters play move - two forward, one to count them. chess, 1 hit on using the 'knight's sideways - intrigues and engages move' as a suitable metaphor. liS, for we are creatures Noted knight's tourists include the programmed to seek symmetry in great 18th-century mathematician Chess has an honourable history living things. Leonhard Euler. Connoisseurs in sf of course, dating back to seek tours with striking Certainly the 'knight fork', in properties - such as an unusual Burroughs's Ches1l!un of Mars. Famously, John Brunner's 1965 which the knight attacks two or symmetry of moves, or a 'semi more pieces simultaneously magic' pattem, where the numbers novel Squans 0/ the Ciry features a unexpectedly for the victim, in the rows and columns all add to chess game between twO power hungry bad guys using ordinary because of the difficulty of the same total. people as pieces. Much the same foreseeing patterns of knight mini~board notion was used by the makers of attacks - is one of the more 'The smallest on which TV's The Prisoner::.. And lan successful manoeuvres for the a knight's tour is possible is 3-by ~ Watson's 1986 fantasy Quunmagic, more nrove chess player, like, well, 4 seems impossible, but it's true. Kingmagic features a whole world me. But if you ever see a based on a chess game. demonstration of a knight's tour I don't recall examples of the on the larger 4~byA board, you'll Perhaps what fascinates knight himself cropping up in sf. know you ain't in our universe any storyteUers about chess is its layers But Vladimir Nabokov was more, because you can't do that of meaning. On one level chess is intrigued by chess, and the knight here. the most cerebral of games - even in particular. In Lolita Nabokov though, Dup Blue not has Humbert Humbert observe a latticed window with a single red withstanding, it seems to require a certain type of intuitive smarts still pane: 'That raw wound among the pretty much unique to us humans, unstained rectangles and its 14 -Matrix Issue 145
concO\':lble dream world - comrmmilit, Daniel F. GalollYc DilTk. U,m~ (VICtor hscist, green, golden:1gC, techno-finnstic Golhncz Science Fiction, Oct. PB,JY.99 Books or hernuphrodillC.. 16Opp) Forthcoming books and #Jonathan Canoll Tht I....aJJd ~l..4Jfl1» Theophile Galltier TDkJ ofthe Falf~( publishing schedules, (l\iiUennium, Sept. PB, £6.99, 244 pp) (Broa.d...... :uer House, Sept, PB, 0.99) compiled by Jane! Barron Classic reissue: NOIPWilliam Gibson AUTf)J1IofTt)1p's Mark ChadbOllm Durlwl NONr (Viclor Parties (penguin, OCl. PR, £6.99, 288pp) Goll:mcz Science fiction, SepL HSjTI>B, £16.99/£".99 512pp) Jlllia Gra.y The J)(Jr~ MOD,,: ·{he Gl/ardia" The: old gods and cre2tures of myth ue C:Jde BO
James Lovegrove TJJe fom"nerJ (Vicwr This collection of interdisciplinary essays Gollancz Science Fiction, Sept. HR, examines some of the ways in which £16.99288pp) writers, artiscs, film makers, strategists and Editor's comments political thinkef!l have imagined the future NOIP George RR Martin SW"" of over the bst two cenn.ries. \Vith emphasis Ju'tJrtU (Voyager, Oct. PB £6.99) on the ways in which different histories After the Iongueurs of the summer technological, cultural, military, publishing schedules this autumn -PauIJ. McAuley TbeJlm/O/Lift ideological - generate and inform different promises an intriguing mixture of the (Voyager, HB £16.99) modes of speculation about things to old and the new. come. These histories also disclose that NOIP PaulJ. McAuley JhrinellfJtar.r our patterns of expectation are much More excellent Millennium (Millennium, Sept. PB, £6.99,314 pp) influence<.! by our relationship to the pasl MaSlerwork and Gollancz 'yeUowback' re-issues in whal, at least WiJ McCanhy T/x COUapsi1/M (Victor Jan Siegel TIJ( Drogoll CJ,amur (Voyager, in the case of the Masterworks, is Gollancz Science f'iction, Sept. HR, Get, TPB £12.99 352pp) turning out to be an essential series £16.99352pp) for any sf fan. Meanwhile, in their 'A gloriously re:alised future where a new ##Debra Sbaw Women, Sdtn«anJ Fia;on imperium based on Earth is built on the (Macmillan, Sept. HR, £4250 224pp) companion Fantasy Masterworks dream ofcolbpsium, a building malerial Since Mary Shelley drew inspiration for imprint, there is a long overdue made from black holes. But the dream "Frankenstein" from the scientific reappearance for Jonathan Carroll's may soon be about to end as the speculations to which she attended a." a brilliant The Land of Laughs. If you collapsium ring surrounding the Sun is in "nearly silent listener" at the now famous haven't discovered the delights of danger of collapse.' chateau in Swincrland, many other Carroll's unique fictions with their women have been motivated to produce unique blend of realism, the fantastic -Ken Macl.eod Book One of Engines fiction informed by scientific theory. This and the horrifiC then this novel is a srudy traces the history of women's IIfLighl (Orbit, Oct, HR £16.99, 32Opp) fine place to start. That almost all of sCIence fiction writing, analysing how his books are out of print in this Jack McDevitt SloJl' Lightning (Voyager, women writers have explored the idealogy country is nothing short of criminal. Sept. PB, £6.99, 352pp) of science I f enough of us go out and buy The Michael Moorcock JilverJxarl #C1i((ord D. Simak Wqy Slalion (Victor / ~nd of 1..augh.r perhaps it will (to.fillennium, Sept. HB, £16.99) Gollancz Science Fiction, Get. PB, -f:J.99 encourage Millennium to re-issue the Fantasy novel based on the CD-ROM 192pp) rest of his impressive back catalogue. game of the same name NOIP Btuee Sterling DiJlrarlion Elsewhere Gollancz's massive volume Waiter Mosley BI1/l Lighl (Serpent's Tail, (to.1illennium, Sept. PB, £6.99,384 pp) of Arthur C. Clarke's collected stories Sept. PB, £6.99, 272pp) 'If there is a more entertaioing near-future is bound to attract attention, and 'Tn San Francisco, a cosmic blue light SF novel this year, we will be in luck.'- there's also a re-issue of one of his strikes people, quickening their DNA and Ro ... Kaveney best novels, The FOllnltJinJ of ParudiJl. enhancing their strength. Thc story is of the Blues' struggle with one of their own #Theodorc Sturgeon 'l"be Drtamingja'lflf September sees the first U.K. a man who was struck by the light at the (Viclor Gollancz Science Fiction, Oct. publication of The 1ight of Other DqyJ, moment he died, becoming the living PH, f9.99 l6Opp) his collaboration with Stephen Baxter, embodiment of death: Cla.,,"sic reissued which has been getting favourable reviews in the press. NOIP Stan Nic;:holls I1gion i!fThli1lJer Tad Williams Sta IIfJilver Ugbt (Orbit, (Millennium, Sept. PB, £5.99, 288 pp Sept. HR, £17.99, 656pp) New novels from Ken MacLeod (Enginn of L,ght: CosmonaulJ Kttp), Pat NOIPK.J. Parker T/xProo/HoNJe #Ian Watson Tk EmJmiding (Victor Cadigan (Den.rih Is Digitia~ and Paul (Orbit, Oct. PB £6.99, 512pp) Gallancz Science Fiction, Sept. HB, McAuley, promising to enlighten us £16.99 256pp) #Frederik Pohl. C.M. Kombluth Cla.<;sic reissued as to The Semt of uft are all causes for Wo!fbane (Victor ('TOllancz Science Fiction, celebration, while the Clarke Award Sept. TPB, f:J.99 196pp) Boris Valljo &Julie Bell (Artists) TilanJ winning f)irlrachon by Bruce Sterling Classic reissued (paper Tiger Fantasy Art, Sept. HR finally makes it into mass-market [}JJ.OO) paperback, alongside William Roberl Rankin Waitin,JorGodalnring Gibson's strangely overlooked All (Doubleday, Oct., HR, £16.99, 279pp) Mickey Zueker Reicherl '["be rligbtku Tomorrow~f Partin. Fakrl1l (Victor Gollanez Science Fiction, R.A. Salvatore TIx DeMon Apo.rJk Oct. HB, £16.99 32Opp) All in all it looks as if it's going to be (Millennium, Sept. PB, £6.99, 576 pp) an entertaining (and expensive!) ##Alan Sandison &Roberl Dingley autumn. Happy reading! Eds. Iliswries oftJJ( FNtl/rt (Macmillan, Scpt. HR, £42.50, 250 pp) 16 -Matrix Issue 145
PULPitations: readers respond to last issue's column
No column from Glenda this idea and characters, but not my automatically assume that just month, but her piece last issue on writing style? Or was it that he because they've never heard of the current state (and future) of sf liked my idea, characters and style, me I couldn't possibly produce magazine publishing attrncted but he'd already bought several anything worth reading. My some comments from readers very similar stories this year? stories haven't earned much which we feature here, together money - just $30 and two T with her response. I gave up all attempts at sf, and shirts - but (as I'm sure most concentrated my energies in othcr developing writers will agree) directions whcre my talents were money is less important than better appreciated (I've never had exposure and encouragement. any difficulty getting scientific \Vhile there is some bad writing papers, book reviews and other on the lntemet, the majority of non-fiction articles published). conscientiously edited webzines Then a few months ago I maintain a very high standard. discovered webzincs on the I've come across several stories Internet. With little hope of which are easily as good as the success, but nothing to lose, I average Analog or Inftf'!(!Jnt fare scanned in a couple of myoid (and a lot cheaper from the AndmvMf!Y Mitts: efforts and e-maiJed them to two reader's point of view). different sites. To my great Having read your column surprise and pleasure, the first was So how does a new reader (or lamenting the demise of printed not only accepted, but received writer!) get into the bewildering magazines in the face of online lavish praise from the editorial world of sf webzines? Well, I'm competition, I thought I'd write to team. And the highest of happy to advertise the two that give an opposite view. Personally I accolades - they asked me to send have published my stories think Internet publishing is the them more. A few weeks later, the NukttoJVtt ( www.nuketown.com ) best thing to happen to sf in my second story was puhlished in the and Quantum Must (www. lifetime. Not since the pulp other webzine, and almost quantummuse.com ). 'They both magazines of the 1930s and 40s immediately I got an e-mail from a have annotated links pages to have there been so many well reader saying how much she had other webzines, which in tum edited and widely read outlets for enjoyed it. My first ever fan mail! have their own links, so it new science fiction. I've harboured Encouraged by this start, I've doesn't take long to find all the a desire to write SF ever since I written three more stories, two of popular ones. You can was a teenager in the 70s, but this which have been published and bookmark any sites that appeal proved to be a soul-destroying the third accepted for publication. to you, and come back to them ambition when the only market One of these (a steampunk story) periodically (most are updated was a minuscule number of prompted comments from no less monthly, bimonthly or quarterly). professional magazines. Over a than four appreciative readers And one final secret ~ I never period of twenty years I submitted probably more than some paper read the whole story on the no end of stories, but all I got in published stories get. screen, because it gives me a return was a pile of preprinted headache. I look at the first few rejection slips. Nobody seriously You may say that anyone can get paragraphs, and if I like it I print expects their ftrst story to be an published on the Internet, but it off. You can even take it into instant success, but in order to that's not the point. 'nle point is the bathroom with you! develop a writer needs feedback. that I'm receiving very positive Did the editor dislike my basic feedback, which is encouraging me Gknda re!/Jonds: idea? Did he like my idea, but not to write more sf now than I ever my characters? Or did he like my did in the past. People don't Thanks so much for your Issue 145 Matrix -17 response, Andrew! It's nice to see has never carried a letter column. fO the fact that I ~s always that I've managed to stir up some But I would go further than my flinging it down in disgust just a controversy which was, I must cOt:respondent to say that Gordon couple of years of ago saying (in admit, the purpose of my article in Van Ge1der isn't as good an editor my wonderfully articulate way) the ftrst place. It is especially good of F&SF as Ms Rusch was, let "The fiction's all crap and if it to hear the experiences of alone that he is not as "reader weren't for the columns, J someone who is trying to break friendly". I've been a long-time wouldn't even bother buying it!" I into the sf market as an author. subscriber of that particular think the fiction has improved magazine and I cringe every time enormously recently. but then if You have made an extremely good they change editors. They're we all agreed on what makes for point in that webzines are a great NEVER as good as the previous GOOD fiction there probably forum for new authors. It is, I one. Just when one gets used to would only be a few authors! I am agree, extremely hard for new the particular style and tastes of more concerned, however, with writers to break into the one editor, along comes another what I perceive to be the scarcity established paper magazines and one - usually with radically of places to read short fiction. If we are no doubt missing a lot of different ideas on the content of the paper magazines are dying off, talent because of that fact. And, as the magazine. does that mean that we have to I mentioned in my column, look to book publishers to come competition is getting fiercer and Okay, fair enough. Onc can't have out with anthologies and/or no doubt cven experienced things stay the same forever, but reprints? (Which reminds me authors are victims. Although onc not listening to the fans is a very everytime I see the cover of secs offerings from new authors scrious shortcoming and it's Dozois's The Good Old StMj[, I want occasionally in lnterzone, for heartening to see that Analog and to throttle the designer. All you examplc. they are painfuUy few kmou's haven't gone down that can see at flfSt glance is the word and far between. It sounds from particular road. 1-10 hum ... I guess SruFF. It may be good, old your experience that webzincs are we're all just victims of big fashioned adventure fiction but I filling that niche, and good on corporations who want to make sure as heck wouldn't call it them if they are! If sf isn't to die magazines a commercial success !'tuff!!). Considering the fact that completely, then we need such more than they want to cater to the material in most of these outlets for new talent. However (I readers' tastes. (Which could. of anthologies has already appeared bet you knew that was coming), course, go !'Iome way towards in a magazine somewhere, J can't how are we going to hear about explaining why The Country'! But help but think that short fiction is these new webzines? Perhaps Log Homu is more popular than suffering a downward spiral to its those people who run them and/ the late Scima Fiction Ay.) doom. Or am I just being a or those who have found ones pessimist? they particularly enjoy could let me A possible reason why the fiction know about them so that I can isn't as good anymore could be pass on the news to the rest of the explained by the quality of the IJVhat do othtr nadm ful abollt the Malnx readership. material that is being submitted to iSSIIU raised by any or all of the about? the editor in the first place or the lfYOII 'ut' gpt any mmmtnts or expen"enas Another correspondent who didn't reluctance of the editors to chance ofJ'()lIr own please kt Gknda knoJP and want his letter published (no, it's new went or the commercial R'o fta/Nrt thtm in a fll/un iSSllt of not J.ord Luan!) also raised some necessity to have known names on Matrix (ed) points I would like to address. J le the cover, etc., etc. (But I could went to far as to say that thc just be playing devil's advocate quality of the fiction especially in here and opening up a whole SF magazines has gone down, as 'nother can ofworms.) J can't say I Magazines for review, including has the quality of the editors. Case agree wholeheartedly with my small press, should be sent to in point for him was Fanta!} & correspondent when he picks out Glcnda Pringle, 22 Mead Way, Scitfla Fiction Magai!fu which has lnte~nt in particular in terms of Kidlington, Oxford, OXS 2BJ; suffered since K.K. Rusch threw taking a nosedive when it comes email: chris@kidlington66. in the towel. TIle magazine no to the quality of the fiction it freeserve.co.uk. longer has regular editorials and publishes. My husband can attest 18 -Matrix Issue 145
Late News grie\'~d that lD's passing sums to ha\'e Obituaries gon~ largely unremarud...whueas I'd hav~ ~xpecudat l~ast a mildeanh Going, going, gone Ken Cheslin tr~mor. Ah 'I'.'~Il, thousands di~ ~\'uy day Publishers Wizards of the Coasl have just Stn'~ leffuy 'l'.'rius: Long-time fan Ken and/~Woutside their immediate circl~ announced that Ihe latesl incarnation of (Kench) Cheslin died suddenly. of a Ama::ing SIOri~S magazine is 10 suspend mark their passing. At the risk of heart attack. on Friday August 4llo while publicalion. The summer 2000 issue will be ap~aring taslt!l~ss, although lohn its last Under Hugo Gemsback !he original out on a day trip with his wife Jean. 'l'.'ould have thought it a laugh... at Ama::ing Sloriu, which began publishing in lohn's und off.. just as th~ mortal April 1926, was Ihe firsl sf magazine and, Kench's involvement in sf fandom goes r~mains ofthe old spidu loving rascal since then, il has undergone many changes back to the 50s when, afler attending disapp~ared behi,td the cr~matorium and incarnations. However. negOliations are BRUMCON, he and two other local fans cunain, a polic~ siren sOUllded in the apparently underway to sell the magazine's promptly fonned the Stourbridge and distance. "Bllgg~rme", I irr~veremly assets, including material in hand, to Ben District Science Fiction Circle, SADO, ~scap~d." Soya's on line publication Ca/tu)' Online. thought, "the cunning swine's and started advertising in New Worlds I'll miss him. , for members. Two of the group, Chestin Tr/AceJAlt-X new media writing and Peter Davis, published the first issue Kench, one of the most generous and competilion of Us Spinge. which would go on to 'Publishing on the web has exploded in good-hearted of fans, will be as much become one of the most innuential recenl months wilh everyone from Stephen missed by everyone who knew him. fanzines of the next decade, culminating King to six year-olds pUlling their books on the Web for readers 10 download. DUI Ihe in the legendary 1965 'Black Spinge' (as Web is more than jusl a way 10 deliver us Spinge 14 became known for its a11 Emil Petaja electronic books. Multimedia ekmenls such black covers). The 106 page issue was The following obituary appeared in the as animation and souod. programming assembled using a power-drill and melal Saturday (9/8100) edition of the San languages such as Java and Javascripl, and binding-sll'aps. a proceSS so arduous that Francisco Chronicle: new ways 10 link Ihese with lext make it was collated and mailed at the rate of reading on the Web different from and more about three copies a week, the effort exciting than reading prinL' Emil Petaja, a prolific and talented finally finishing off its production team. science fiction writer, died of a heart 'To reward Ihe best writers in this new condition in San Francisco on Thursday In the 60s and 70s Kench became medium trlAce and Alt-X are balding 'The at the age of 85. As a Montana teenager, Ir/AcelAlt-X Competition for New Media involved in a number of projects, Mr. Petaja found his calling after Wriling, offering a prize of £1 ,000. Pan of starting up Naz.gul '.1 Bane. the first stumbling upon a copy of Weird Tales. the challenge is for the writenlanists British fanl.ine to be devoted to the themselves to help define exactly what New works of Totkien, as editor of the He lived in San Francisco since the Media Writing means. The Ir/Ace online seminal UK apa OMPA, and a one-off Writing community (hltp:lltrace.ntu.ac.uk) I950s, wrote 13 novels and countless fanl.ine A Child's Garden o/Ola/. Olar, has become one of Ihe premier imernalional short stories with titles like "The Corpse a small and irreverent cartoon Viking. locations on the WWW...for net-based Wants Company" and "Dinosaur Goes would become a trademark of Cheslin's wriling. This contest acknowledges that the Hollywood" for pulp fiction magaz.ines. when he restarted the fanzine in the 80s. Web itself is a work in progress and so... He befriended writers such as H.P. we're looking for work that continues to Kench's own cartoons were childishly Lovecraft and Ray Bradbury, and in stretch our preconceived nOlions of what drawn (but often irreverent and very 1995 he was named the first author wriling is. As pan of Iheir entry, wrilers arc funny), but those who commented were emeritus by the Science Fiction Writers asked to provide a description of Iheir site often unaware he had lost a hand in an and what it seeks to achieve creatively and of America. industrial accident. A fan first to last, technically, as well as answering the Ken bought a Gestetner duplicator with question 'What name do you give to the Born in 1915 in Milltown, Montana, Mr. his disability compensation and kind of an exhibited in that siter.' Petaja lold friends and colleagues he was embarked on a prolific output that hiking near a lake in western Montana Deadline for submissions is 30th September continued right up 10 his death. when he found a copy of W~ird Talu 2000 and the results will be announced in producing his own fanzines (featuring magazine in the early 19305. He knew Da:ember 2000. This year's judge is Shelley Olar and the continuing adventures of immediately that he wanted to devote his Jac:kson, writer and multimedia anist. and his spoof detective duo Soames and life to writing ghost stories and outer author of the acclaimed hypertelt novel Aotsam) and reprint colleclions of Pmcbvrk Cirl (Eastgale 1995). a feminist space tales. cartoons by Anhur (Atom) Thompson re-working of the Frankenstein m)'lh. Her and the fannish stories of John Berry. website can be found at: www. "He read that and knew that there were ineradicablestain.com other people like him" said Thomas In his last apaz.ine lack Point'sloumal Gladysz, Mr. Pctaja's agent. For funher infonnation on the competition for the DNA apa, Kench wrote about the or the work oftr/Ace contact: recent passing of his friend John D. After three years at Montana State Rickett in February. Sue Thomas University, Mr. Petaja moved to Los [email protected] Angeles and immersed himself in the 'I can't say that I'm particularly Tel: (0115)8483551 burgconing science fiction scene, enthusiastic about doing this lPl. I am Issue 145 Matrix·t9 becoming friends with writers who E-mail: [email protected]. would be read world-wide like Bradbury Matrix Back uk (for queries only, not orders and Robcrt Howard, who wrote Ihe please). 'Conan' stories.
Issues ~IO His firsl published Slories in the 19305 Prices: 1-5 issues: £1.50 each; appeared in magaz.ines like Weird Talt'S, issues: £1.25 each; II or more Amazing Stones llnd Crack. Delt'ctive 2000: 0141 0142 0143 issues: £1.00 each. Stories. He wrOle for the magazines 0144 through the I950s. 1999: 0135 0136 0137 Cheques payable to 'BSFA Limited' 0138 0139 0140 (note: these prices are UK only Of Finnish descenl, Mr. Pelaja's besl 1998: 0129 0130 0131 overseas prices available on known novels were a series based on the application.). KalewJ.la, a Finnish epic poem similar 10 0132 0133 0134 Homer's Odyssey. The books, including 1997: 0124 0125 0126 Sago of uJSt Eanh and Tramontane, 0127 0128 were about the poem's characters on 1996: 0120 0121 0122 another planet. The books were published in at least five languages and 0123 were ground-breaking at the time for 1995: 0115 0116 0117 their combinalion of mythology and 0118 0119 HELP WANTED WITH BSFA ADVERTISING SALES fantasy. 1994: 0110 0111 0112 0113 0114 Olher novels included LordoflheGrt't'f1 The BSFA Publicity and Promolions Planet in 1967, Spin/he Star World in 1993: 0104 OlO5 0106 team are looking for a volunteer who 1975, and Zodiac World in 1980. which OlO7 OlO8 would be able 10 provide a daytime is about a planet whose populalion is 1992: 098 099 0100 contact for publishers and any other ruled by aslrological beliefs. In San OlOl OlO2 OlO3 potential advertisers who need to Francisco Petaja was chairman of the talk to us during working hours. We wrilers' group Ihe Golden Gate 1991: 092 093 094 would like you to provide Futurians. He is survived by his friend 095 096 097 Dan Delany and a sisler Sonia Teague. 1990: 086 087 088 information about advertising rates, 089 090 091 ad formats and copy deadlines in response 10 enquiries, and on With thanJcs to Robert uchtnt(J1l 1989: 081 082 083 occasion to contact publishers direct 084 085 to sell targeted adverts (e.g. to tie in Michael Gilbert 1988: 075 078 079 wilh interviews and feature reviews). Locus Online reports: Michael Gilbert. 1987: 068 069 070 53, artist, author, and publishing 071 072 You would need: professional, died August 141h .2000 of 1986: 065 066 067 complicalions following open-heart a daytime lelephone number surgery. 1985: 058 which we could publicise to He was a prolific fan artist in the late We have Ihe above back issues in receive calls; '60s in Locus and other fanzines. Laler stock. Whilst we've had them for a the freedom to also make he did illuslJations for Analog, F&SF, long time-the oldest date from the outgoing calls for the BSFA elc., and served as art direclor for If He mid-Eighties as you can see-stocks from thal number; was co-aulhor wilh Andre Norton, as are genuinely very limited: we have a clear. confident, and well as illuslJalor, for The /)(J.y ofthe about thirty or so of the more recent helpful telephone manner. Ness (1975). He married Sheila Gilbert, nee Eikin, in 1971. His wife is co numbers but substantially less of the publisher of DAW Books, and Mike older issues, where in many cases Any specific sales experience would worked in both editorial and art stocks are in single figures. This be particularly useful. capacities at DAW, and was one of their may well be your last chance 10 primary firsl readers. A memorial service acquire copies. For further information please was held on Augusl 17th in Fords, New contact Claire Brialey and Mark Jersey. The family requeslS, in lieu of To order any of these issues, write Plummer do 26 Northampton Road, flowers, donalions in Mike's name to to: Croydon, Surrey CRO 7HA or e either the American Diabeles mail [email protected] Associalion or Ihe Humane Society. BSFA, 14 Northway Road, Croydon, Surrey eRO 6JE, UK 20 -Matrix Issue 145
INTERNUT EXPLOITER l ntangling the \\"rid \\ ide \\ ch \I ilh \"il \. Ilrcl\\ n
Just for the record (since genre related online shops. SF Crowsnest didn't have a somebody asked), my A veritable cornucopia of listing for Ray Bradbury so I browser software of choice goods for every subset of hopped over to www. is Netscape Navigator v3.0. fandom is available, and it's google.com search engine It has Sun Java, frames and nice to see so many from to find my own. The first accepts the Macromedia beyond these shores. A return was www. Flash plugin. No bloatware, special mention for Topshelf b rooki n gsboo ks. com/ and certainly none of the Books (www.topshelfbooks. bradbu'Y and that told me all gaping security holes of £2!!!l (NOT X-rated, people). I wanted to know and quite Intemet Explorer. I also like They may use seriously a few I didn't know that I the simplicity of the e-mail irritating fonts, but they do didn't know... Most client, although I use offer some rather wonderful importantly of all, it gave me thirdparty newsgroup first edition hardcover the bibliography I needed. software. books. Do please leave your Armed with this, I now knew credit card with a what I wanted to buy, but I responsible grown-up wanted the best prices. before visiting. So over to www.shopsmart. That got me thinking about co.uk. This is a great idea, books missing from my own and a cracking use of library, so I backtracked a internet technology. bit and went to the Authors Shopsmart helps you I started off today at the link. I checked out Diane compare prices on all the portal site SF Crowsnest. Duane & Peter Morwood's latest books, CDs, DVDs, com (www home pages (www.pcug.co. videos and computer computercrowsnest.com). It ukl-owls) mainly cos I liked equipment, then once bills itself as the "Science the name - Owlsprings you've selected the retailer Fiction and Fantasy Search Partnership. The site covers and price you want, you link Engine", and it's certainly a the authors' diverse directly to that product on chocka site. I find the front interests, including their the retailer's site. Brilliant, page quite busy for my taste adopted Irish homeland, brilliant idea - but beware because of the proliferation their cats, recipes for the Ides of Visa.. of links, although it is European cuisine, links to relatively light on graphics Balti restaurants and not which means that it does forgetting extracts and download pretty fast. I excerpts from their books. decided to check out their Oh, and you can also buy directory of SF related their books from their very Avril A. Brown is a civil websites. own online store. This IS an servant. Allegedly. eclectic and fun site, and Choosing the link to you can choose from the Specialist SF and Fantasy with- or without- graphics Stores brought up an versions. entirely scary number of Issue 145 Matrix -21
BSFA Awards Chris Hill rounds up the latest nel'S
As always, please find below the listing for someone, perhaps with some fresh Best Novel of the current nominations for the 2000 ideas, to take over. I am sure that you Revtlation Space + A1astair Reynolds
British Science Fiction Association will agree that it is better to leave while Unda th~ Skitl + Michel Faber Award. you are still feeling fairly enthusiastic r~dRob~ - Jon Courtney Grimwood than to leave it too long and run the risk Pudido Strut Station - China Mieville In general it is not going too badly this of things starting to decay. Dracula Cha, Cha, Cha - Kim Newman year; the list of Novel and Short Fiction Ash: A Sur~t History - Mary Gentle nominees is starting to grow nicely The goods news is that Tanya Brown, Paradox - John Meaney (although, of course, I can always use who already does a sterling job Rtckl~ss Slup - Roger Levy more). However, with only one nominee, maintaining our web pages, has the Artwork award is looking a bit volunteered to take over after the Best Short Fiction pathetic at the moment. I am always Awards ceremony next Easter. I am sure 'Colours of the Soul' - Sean McMullen curious about why I have problems that you will give her all your support. (lntuzon~ 152) eliciting artwork nominations from you. 'La Vampiresse' - Tanith Lee (l1ltuzon~ You do not have to read anything, you But, in the meantime, you are stuck with 154) do not even have to buy anything, you me so on to the current list of 'Adventures in the Ghost Trade' ~ Liz just have to note down something you nominations! Williams (Interzon~ 154) like. Maybe it has not been made clear, 'Great Wall of Mars' - Alastair Reynolds but it does not have to be a book or The 2000 BSFA Awards (Spulrum SF#l) magazine cover. It could be an interior Remember that nominations are now 'Destiny on Tartarus' - Eric Brown illustration or a comic book cover, for opcn for the 2000 BSFA Awards. (Sp~ctrum SF #2) example, so long as it has an obvious Firstly, a reminder of the rules for 'Mud' - Nina Kiriki Hoffman (Amazitl8 science-fictional subject and is a first nomination: Stori~s, Winter 2(00) publication in the UK. 'The Neon Heart Murders' - M. John Nominations for any of the categories Harrison (Th~ Ma8azjn~ ofFatltasy &: One possible source is the Paper Tiger can be sent at any time during the year. Scietlu Fictiotl April 2000) range. They have released a number of Please remember that it is the items with 'HMS Habakkuk' - Eugene Byrne collections in the last few months, some the most nominations on the closing date (lmuzon~ 155) of which contain artwork which has not for submissions that will be shortlisted. 'Singing to Each Other' - Paul Di Filippo previously been published in any form in So if you want something to appear on (lntuzon~ 155) this country. As always, if you are in any the shortlist then nominate it even ifit is doubt, send me a nomination anyway already in the list of nominations. Note: 1 have also had a nomination for and leave me to make a judgement call 'All the Roads to Heaven' by French on the eligibility. The eligibility rules are as follows: writer Jean-C1aude Dunyach (/llurzone 156 - translated from the French by A final comment on this subject: Best Novel. First published in the UK in Sheryl Curtis). Unfortunately, as the although I would do so vcry reluctantly, the calendar year 2000. rules pennit any country of publication, I I will not present the Artwork award this cannot guarantee when it was first year if I do not receive enough Best Short Fiction. First appearance in published. Perhaps we need to amend nominations. the calendar year 2000, irrespective of the rules al a later date to specify first country of origin (thus stories in non-UK English-language publication, but for the The Future of the BSFA magazines and original anthologies are moment, unless someone can show proof Awards eligible). that the story was first published this year, I am afraid that I will have to Best Artwork. First appearance in the disallow it. Now that I have finished ranting on the subject of the Artwork award, I have to calendar year 2000. give you a piece of news regarding the Best Artwork N~osis future. I have, after a lot of thought, I will give you the closing date for Cover of March/April 2000 decided to retire as BSFA Awards entries in the next issue. In the Mark A. Garlick. meantime, start sending in those Administrator once the 2000 awards nominations! Remember if you are not have been presented. Although four It's a littl~ prematur~, but I'm surt ~very sure if something qualifies, send me the years is not necessarily a long time for m~mbu of th~ BSFA would lHl/l1 to nomination anyway and I will check. someone to be serving in a particular tlumk Chris for his tirdus work on the position for the BSFA, I feel that I have A·....ards ovu th~ last fOllr years alld wish done as much as I can and that it is time him l'l'ellfor th~futur~! (~d.) 22-Matrix Issue 145
Glasgow SFIF Writers' Circle Spm at the Cellar Bar, Ribs of Beef, Second and fourth Thursdays at Spm Fye Bridge, Norwich. Contact 01603 at Borders bookstore. Contact Gary 477104; [email protected] Gibson at Borders or [email protected] Peterborough SF Group First Wednesdays at the Bluebell Inn, Hull SF Group (*note change) Dogsthorpe and third Wednesdays in the Great Northern Hotel, opposite Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 8.30 to station Contact Pete on 01733 370542. 10.30pm at The New Clarence, Charles Street, Hull (from Jan 2000) PortsmouthlSouth Hants SF Contact lan and Julie on 01482 Group 447953, or Dave and Estelle on 01482 444291, or see: hltp:llwww.mjckeh. Second and fourth Tuesdays at the Belfast Science Fiction Group demon.co.uklhullsf.htm Magpie, Frauon Road, Portsmouth. Alternate Fridays 8.30pm at the Monaco Bar, Rosemary Street, Belfast. Reading SF Group (* note change) Leeds Alternative Writers Contact Eugenc DoherlY 01232 Each Monday from 9pm at the Hop Second Saturday at 2pm in central 208405 Leaf, Southampton Street Reading, Leeds. For venues and details contact [email protected] except third Monday each month from lan on 01132669259 or Sean 0113 7.30pm at Monk's Retreat, Friar 2936780. Birmingham: Brum SF Group Street, Reading. Second Friday of the month on the London BSFA meetings second floor of the Britannia Hotel, Southampton: Solent Green Fourth Wednesday of the month New St. Membership is £15/year. Every third Thursday, 7pm, at The (except December) from 7pm at the Contact Martin Tudor, 24 Duke of Wellington, Bugle Street, F10renee Nightingale ("Dead Nurse"), Ravensboume Grove, orrClarkcs Contact Matt 01703 577113 Waterloo/ Westminster tube. Check Lane, Willenhall, W. Midlands WWI3 [email protected] IHX. Ansible for details and guests, or [email protected] organiser Paul Hood on 020 8333 International 6670 Cambridge SF Group [email protected] The South African Science Fiction Society is still looking to make contact Second Monday of the month in The London Circle with SF fans/organisations in the UK.. If Cambridge Blue. Gwydir Sueet. you're interested in receiving recent First Thursdays at the Rorence Cambridge. copies of the SASFS's c1ubzine Probe. Nightingale (sce above) from around please send an AS SAE with 39p stamp Cardiff SF Group 5pm. to Nick Wood. 22 Victoria Road, Mill First Tuesday on the month 7.30pm in Hill, London, NW7 4SB or e-mail him Manchester: FONT (·note Wellington's Cafe Bar, 42 The Hayes. at [email protected]). change) Cardiff. FONT meets on the second and fourth Colchester SFlFfHorror Group Thursday of the month at The Goose on Piccadilly from about 8.30 Third Saturday of the month at onwards. Contact Mike Don on 0161 12.30pm in The Playhouse pub, St 2262980. John's Street. Contact Des Lewis 01255812119. listings for new meetings are always North Oxford welcome. Also, articles ofup to abollt The Croydon SF Group Last Thursday of the month at The 400 words on the activities ofcllrretil Plough, Wolvercote from 7.30pm. groups. Second Tuesday of the month, 8pm in Irregular and just starting. so contact The Dog and Bull, Surrey Street (by Steve and Vikki on 01865 371734 or the market), Croydon. Surrey. We are [email protected] for details. Please send your contributions to the sometimes upstairs or out in the editorial address. garden. Contact Robert Newman on Norwich Science Fiction Group 02086866800. (NEW ENTRY) Second & fourth Wednesdays from Issue 145 Matrix -23
Forthcoming Conventions & Events
8-10 September 2000 Sydney Jordan, Archie Roy, Vince Docherty. USA; [email protected]:www.netaxs. FantasyCon XXIV Oscar Schwigelhofer. Membership (45. comlphil2001 Contact Hogmana)'COfl. cio 26 Avonbank Britannia Hotel, Birmmgham. GueslS of Road. Rutherglen. Glasgow, G73 2PA; r. Honour: Storm Constantine, Stepnen [email protected];www.hogmanaycon. 22-23 September 2001 Lawhead, Stan Nicholls, Doug Bradc:ly from org.uk Hypothelicon Hdlroiser. Membership £J(Vday on the Somewhere: in Glasgow. Membership (15 to door. Contact (enclosing SAE)Fantas)Con 13-16 April 2001 1I1Kll. Furtherdctails: HypOlhctlcon 2001. 2000. Beech House:, Chapel Lanc:, Moulton. 25 Ravenscraig Avenue:, Paisley. PA2 9QL; Cheshire:, CW9 8PQ; howeliwhich.net; Paragon: Eastercon'OI secretary@hypothe:ticon200I.co.uk www.here:bcdragons.co.uklbfslfc24.htm Hanover International. Hinckley. leIcestershire. Guests of Honour: Stephen Buter. Lisannc: Norman, Michac:1 Scou 1·4 November 2001 21-22 October 2000 ROOan, Ciaire: Brialey &: Mark Plummer. World Fantasy Convention 02K: Oclocon 2000 Membership 05. Contact Paragon, clo S. Dclla Centre:-Ville. Montreal. Quebec. Royal Dublin HOlel. O'Connc:1I Stre:e:t. Lawson. 379 Myrtle: Road, Sheffield, S2 Canada. Gucst of Honour: Fred Sabemagc:n. Dublm. Guest of Honour: Mlchael Manhal1 3HQ: [email protected]. Olners TBA. Membership: ask for current Smith. GueslS: Eugc:ne Byrne. Jo Aetcner. uk; www.kttpsake-web.co.uklparagon rates. Contact WFC, AlIn. Bruce Farr. 7002. Roger Gregg. John Joyce. Katherine Kunz. N. 61h Ave.. Phoenix. AZ, 85021. USA: Paul McAuley. lan McOonald, Kim [email protected]: www.worldfantasy. Newman. Mlchac:1 SeOlt. Colin Smythe. 25-27 May 2001 orglwfcOl.html Membership £17 to 1/10100. 1R£25 at door. Contact Dave Lally. 64 Richbome Terrace. Seccond (Seccon 2) London. SW8 IAX. Sterling cheques The DeVere: HOlel, Swindon. Guest of 29 March - 1 April 2002 payable to "Dave Lally No. 2 AJC" Honour: Paul McAuley. Mcmbership £20; may rise: in N01Icmber. Cheques payable to Helicon 2 (Easlercon) 26-29 October 2000 ·Seccon'. Contact Seccon, 19 Hill Coun, HOIelde France,St HeJier{?) Jerse:y. Chcltenham, Gloucestershire:. GL52 3JJ; Membership £30. Contact: 33 Meyrick Wol"ld Fantasy Convention [email protected];www.cix. Drive, Wash Common, Berkshire, RG 14 Omni Bayfrontliotel. Corpus Christi, Texas. co.ukl-sjbradshaw/seccondl 6SY Guests of lionour: K. W. Jeter.lohn Crowley. Toastmaster: Joe R. Lansdale. 28 June -I July 2001 Membership$105to 12110100, then $125. 29 August - 2 September 2002 Contact WFC 2000, Box 27277. Austin, TX A Celebration of British SF Conjosc (60th Worldcon) 78755. USA; [email protected]; University of Liverpool. Guests: Brian San Jost. California. Guests of Honour: http://200(J.worldfant3sy.orf) Aldiss. Stephen Bader, Nicola Griffith. Vernor Vinge, Oavid Cherry. Bjo & Oavid Gwyneth Jones. Kcn MacLc:od & John Trimble, Ferdinand Feghoot. Toastmastcr: Clute. E-mail: [email protected] 27-29 October 2000 Tad Williams. Mcmbership: Sl20 until A.P. [email protected] for details. 31/12100. Contact PO Box 61363. BATS 2000 Also: last call for papers on aspects of post Radisson Edwardian Hotel. Heathrow. war SF in the UK (all media). especially Sunnyvale. CA 94088-412g, USA: UK Theme: multi-mcdia horror/SF. Guests of Clarke & Wyndham. Abstracts by 30th Agents 52 Westboume Terrace. Reading, RG30 2RP; www.sfsfc.org/worldconl. Honour: Storm Constantine, media guests. September 2000 to: Or Farah Mendlesohn. Membership £50, (15 supporting. Contact Middlesex University, White Han Lane, [email protected];www.burble.comJ London. NI7 8HR. bats2000 27-29 July 2001 10-12 November 2000 ConStruction (con-running) Novacon 30 Somewhere: in UK. Contact ConStruction. Members' noticeboard Britannia Hotel. New Street, Birmingham. 32 Theobold Road. Cardiff,. Guest of Honour: Christopher Priest; Spedal [email protected];hllp:!/ Guest: Rag Pc:)1on: Guest Artist: DavKl A_ members.xoom.comICOOJtructl The Matrix Members' Hardy. Membership 05.00. Rooms £42.50 and up. Contact Steve Lawson, Noticeboard is open to anyone Registrations, 379 Myrtle Road, Sheffield, 30 August - 3 September 2001 wishing to advertise wants/swaps S2 3HQ; [email protected]:mon.co.uk;www. Millennium PhilconIWorldcon 59 or requests for help (within cooky.dcmon.co.ukln3OlnJO.html Pennsylvania Convention Center &: reason!). Philadelphia Marriou, Philadelphia, 29 December 2000 - 1 January Pennsylvania. Guests of Honour: Greg Bear, Stephen Youll, Gardner Dozois, George Please send any ads for inclusion 2001 Scithers. Toastmaster: Esther mesner. to the editorial address. Hogmanaycon Membership currently S145, S40 supponing. The Quality Central Hotel. Glasgow. GueslS but check for latest rates. Contact PhI Icon, of Honour: Spider &: Jcanne Robinson. Box 310, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, 24 -Matrix Issue 145
Midian Books JO's Timewasters Mail Order Catalogues 69 Part Lane, BoneHilI. Tamwonh, Staffs. 8783HZ Matrix Competition 145 01827281391 Dr"mberry Wine [email protected] Competition 144 Mike Don, 233 Maine Road, Manchester MI47WG Mostly occult, weird fiction and horror. 01612262980. As I write there have been no entries. incl. cult and film. Some rare/collectable. [email protected] Doesn't anyone know even ONE Porcupine Books answer? Hundreds of sIh hb and ph, magaz.ine Brian Amerigen, 37 Coventry Road, and small press titles at very reasonable Competition 145 Ilford, Essex, 101 4QR prices. DW, part fanzine part catalogue 020 8554 3799 also carries short reviews, letters and [email protected] In chapter 12 of Sold - for a spacuhip news. by Philip E. High there is one of my Fantast Medway Second-hand seience fiction, fantasy and favourite pieces of Bad English. In the Ken Slater, PO Box 23. Upwell horror. course of a long spiel concerning the Wisbech, Cambs PEI4 9BU new symbiOlic relationships of man 01945n3576. with most of Earth's creatures. [email protected] Rutledge declares .. ... the old order still persists in the sea, there it is still New and used ('previously enjoyed')
dog cat dog...". hardbacks and Irade and mass market Jf )'011 ....'OlIld like )'our cataloglle/service pbs, including a listing of the highly featured in the pages of Matrix. please What Bad English do you know? recommended Liverpool University send moterialto Ihe editorial address. Anything from book or TV/film will Press series of SF publications (see qualify; source, please. Vector 204 onward for reviews of several of these).
(Should b~ plenty ofmaterial 0111 ,h~u Andromeda folb. bUI 110 cribbing from Ansibl~'s 2-5 Suffolk Street. Birmingham Bl ILT Thog column! - ed.) 01216431999. fu 1021 643 2001 Credits issue 145 [email protected] 145 New and sIh books, magaz.ines. sf, Matrix was, once again, edited and Answers always to: produced by Andrew Seaman, in between as media. video, CD and now DVD titles, largin' it up on the Edinburgh Fringe, losing plus a selection of Rog's Remainders Competition 145, John OllIS, 49 my modem to a lightning strike and having from less than 2 quid. fun at Lexicon in Oxford. Leighton Road,Corby, Northants NNI80$D. As always a big 'thank-you' to all contributing editors and everyone who supplied items of news - you know who you all are.
Special thanks again 10 Sdn Russcll Friend Treasurer Hunt for supplying our cover an.
Printed by POC Copyprinl of Guildford (with thanks to Jon Davis for technical The BSFA is looking for someone with the time and skill advice). Collated and mailed by Bramley to take over the role ofTreasurer. Mailing Services.
If you could take on the day-to-day financial management. company secretarial duties and can take accounts at least to trial balance stage then contact Elizabeth Billinger
I Long Row Close, Everdon, Daventry, Northants, NNll 3B[
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