Anne Billson

A really entertaining and accomplished collection of short horror stories that reminded me of the pleasure that can come from a well told short as opposed to a novel.
Whilst the genre is definitely horror, there is a tonne of satire and black humour mixed in (as well as some slapstick) all of which works perfectly. Fans of Billson's excellent novels will definitely enjoy the collection, but anyone who likes the horror genre will find something to enjoy here.
My personal favourites were 'Paris When It Sizzles' which offers an enjoyable and stylish antidote to the normal po-faced, survivalist zombie claptrap; and the brilliantly conceived 'Born Again'.… (altro)

Fascinating insight into the mind of a maverick filmmaker

I've read a lot of Anne Billson's fiction, but this is the first of her film books I've read (other than dipping into the Billson Film Database). It's a lengthy interview with director Russ Meyer, topped and tailed by an introduction that sets the scene and a closing section that provides interesting critical insight into Meyer's work. He comes across as a likeable eccentric in the interview, which offers a fascinating overview into his life and work and at times his commentary is extremely amusing. Ultimately the book has a slightly melancholy feel though, given that he didn't work again after the interview.… (altro)

Another winner from the always entertaining Anne Billson, ‘The Coming Thing’ is a blackly comic blend of satire and horror that plays like a mix of ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ and ‘Final Destination’ co-directed by Chuck Jones and Alejandro Jodorowsky.
The story is a of an apparently immaculate conception that refuses to die no matter how many people try to terminate its mother and is told with a joy and verve that means there’s never a dull moment in this glorious, surreal ride of a book. Highlights being the frankly disgusting reminiscences of Jules Delgado and a wonderfully tense Grand Guignol musical scene. The late 90s London setting is brilliantly captured (complete with a load of amusingly named made up designers - Egon Spengler being my favourite) and populated with believable characters amidst all the craziness. Great fun, laugh out loud funny at times and gripping throughout.… (altro)