Irvine Dark Road

By Margaret Hicks in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 15, 2006 4:36PM

One of our biggest complaints in pop culture is that movies and books that advertise themselves as disturbing and distressing, really aren’t. Films like “Welcome to the Dollhouse” or “In the Company of Men” always made us yearn for just a little more. Ever since we read “American Psycho” or watched “Happiness”, we knew films and books could sink even lower; and if you’re going to tout yourself as dark, go even darker.

So we appreciate Irvine Welsh, author of “Trainspotting” and “Ecstasy”. Welsh isn’t afraid to go to the depths of the human condition and show us the bottom floor. His books make our sinister hearts seem angelic, and our evil ways seem pure. And even more impressive; Welsh enjoys mainstream success. “Trainspotting” was on the long-list to win the Booker Prize (speaking of, the Booker Prize short-list was announced today, it includes Chicago resident, Naeem Murr).

His new book “The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs” is like a Freaky Friday gone horribly wrong (but not as bad as “Just My Luck”, nothing could be that scary).

It’s a little lighter and a little funnier, but that’s okay with us. Just knowing Welsh is willing to go there gives us faith that our horrible thoughts aren’t so original.

You can see Irvine Welsh on Thu., 8/17, 7 PM, 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th, 773-684-1300.