Portrait of an Obsession, originally published in Cahiers du Cinéma and later included in Jonathan Coe’s collection 9th & 13th, offers a compelling and introspective meditation on cinema, memory, and the personal passions that shape creative lives. In this short but evocative piece, Coe reflects on his fixation with a particular cinematic scene and its broader implications, weaving together film criticism, autobiography, and cultural commentary.
Set against the backdrop of Coe’s well-documented love for cinema, the essay captures the obsessive nature of fandom and the transformative power of art. Coe’s literary style shines through, as he seamlessly blends humor, intellectual insight, and personal vulnerability. The piece resonates with cinephiles and general readers alike, illustrating the universal yet deeply personal connection we form with art.
When included in 9th & 13th—a slim volume released as part of Penguin's 70th-anniversary series—the essay gained renewed attention, showcasing Coe’s versatility as both a novelist and a writer of shorter, reflective works. Critics praised the collection for its wit and charm, with Portrait of an Obsession standing out as a vivid example of Coe’s ability to engage readers on an intimate level.
This piece is a must-read for fans of Coe and anyone intrigued by the intersection of art and personal experience.
Twenty years later, in 2020, Coe published the book Mr Wilder and Me, inspired by his passion for this film director, and he talks about it in an interview which full of engaging information and very easy to understand.
Marta's quote: I must say that Jonathan Coe has been one of my favourite writers in English. I particularly enjoyed "The House of Sleep" and the trilogy "The Rotters Club", "The Closed Circle" and "Middle England" (an excellent novel about Brexit), but this short story will always find a special place in my heart.
Jonathan Coe (born August 19, 1961, in Bromsgrove, England) is a celebrated British novelist known for his incisive, witty, and socially conscious storytelling. His work often combines sharp satire, heartfelt emotion, and astute observations of contemporary life. Coe studied English at Trinity College, Cambridge, and later earned a PhD in literature from the University of Warwick.
Coe’s early novels, such as The Dwarves of Death (1990), established his reputation for blending humor and suspense. However, it was What a Carve Up! (1994) that brought him critical acclaim. A scathing critique of Thatcherite Britain, the novel is considered a modern classic. Subsequent works, including The Rotters’ Club (2001) and its sequel The Closed Circle (2004), explore the political and cultural landscape of late 20th-century Britain through the lens of personal and collective histories.
In more recent years, Coe has continued to capture the zeitgeist with novels like Middle England (2018), which won the Costa Novel Award, and Bournville (2022). His work has been translated into numerous languages, earning him a global readership.
Aside from fiction, Coe is also a biographer and music enthusiast, which often influences his work. He remains one of the most significant chroniclers of modern British life.
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