Eager to read this. I had the pleasure of meeting the writer, Andrew O'Hagan, briefly for afternoon drinks during a course taught by then-artist-in-residence at my college, Irvine Welsh. He brought in O'Hagan and Alan Warner, the novelist behind what became one of my favorite films and books, Morvern Callar (adapted in 2002 by Lynne Ramsay). O'Hagan read to us from this touching contemplation on the personal costs of war: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3638417/We-.... He's a brilliant writer, and in a past life he toured with the Wedding Present, and so I'd really like to be his friend, if only to cue up his stories and wit at will. It's an under-served topic, not only in fiction and in columns such as this one (appears to be). An example from pop culture that comes to mind is the stark difference between the male cast of characters in Parks & Recreation vs. that of The Office. Male friendship is given exponentially more screen time in the former whereas in the latter the only 'pals' on display were the misfits, and they only appeared to engage in friendship out of a dearth of other options. It's simple, I know, but I can't help but be touched by the sincere language used by the writers in certain exchanges between male characters on Parks & Rec if only because it's so rare elsewhere. If someone pitches you an idea for a story about two guys who just "go away for a while," you either come up with crime or Brokeback Mountain - rarely does something like Old Joy register in the pop consciousness, but that's exactly what I think we need, more of that. More depth, and more understanding, of what it is that makes dudes (of a certain context, to complete the joke) tick. On the other hand, I deeply regret having written all that on International Women's Day.
Wow, taking a course taught by Irvine Welsh sounds like it could have been very, very cool. I also really liked that this was to me, really about male friendships. I think you're right, it's not something well represented in the pop consciousness, at least not well represented with as much sincerity. I also forgot it was International Women's Day. I hope that people following this thread don't get the idea that I was trying to detract from that; that certainly wasn't my intention.
It was indeed very, very cool. He wore Versace jeans and came to class on the last day drinking a magnum out of a paper bag. On the first day, he took us up to the Landmark to see Morvern Callar, all of us looking like a misfit (and co-ed) lineup from Madeline on the trek. Sincerity is exactly it. I mention P&R (third mention, most abbreviated) because that's exactly what they nail in fleeting moments, the sincerity of communication between friends. It's not as much about being 'male' or 'masculine' as it is the context of male communication. I doubt anyone's going to imply anything re: International Women's Day. If anything, you at least had the correct title - I had to go back and edit my post to reflect it!