mardi 22 avril 2008

Ëtre ou pas être


Many years ago, my wife's (French) family clubbed together to 'buy' a hotel near Ruffec, their adopted home town, with a view to convert it to a block of social housing. The thinking was that they could enjoy a rentier life whilst giving something back to society in helping the area's poor find lodgement. A true third way. Thus architects were convened and plans drawn up, politicians persuaded and bank loans finalised. Then the lawyers intervened.
Seven years later, the loan is still being paid off, no progress has been made and the building carries on it slow disintegration. This morning we receive a letter asking our permission for the premises to be used as a backdrop for a film. The company specialises in les films noirs. A political metaphor.