Corbin Bernsen Shines in Gory Comedy “Death of a Unicorn

The Unlikely Hero of ‘Death of a Unicorn’

Corbin Bernsen: The Man Behind the Mayhem

From L.A. Law to Horror Icon

A Career of Playing Unsavory Characters with Charm

From Arnie Becker to Dr. Alan Feinstone: A Look at His Most Iconic Roles

Corbin Bernsen made his initial mark on the seminal television series L.A. Law as opportunistic divorce lawyer “Arnie Becker” earning him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations over the show’s eight-year run. He proved along the way the role was not to be a dead-end stereotype, maintaining a steady career in both television and film over the course of three decades. Moreover, his intent devotion to his career and love for the craft has compelled him in recent years to climb into the producer/writer, and director’s chair.

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A Bookshelf of Eclectic Tastes

Unpacking the Shelf of a Curious Mind

I look through mine and find no common theme. To search for myself among my books, I ventured to take a single shelf and look at its contents to see if they were in any way a mirror in which I could discover my own physiognomy. I didn’t want to pick a shelf that was organized. I have cookbooks here, poetry there, a rack or three of Latin and Greek translations over there.

• —The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Vol. VI – 1665, edited by Robert Latham and William Matthews, University of California Press, 1972
• —The Orange Fairy Book, edited by Andrew Lang, Dover Publications, 1968

Make of them what you will. Starting at one end of the shelf:

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Mark E Smith Interview

Malmaison Hotel Bar, Manchester, 14 May 2004

Herein, the late great leader of The Fall discusses the group, the-then new album, Country on the Click, touring the US, William Burroughs, Orson Welles, Brion Gysin, TOTP albums from the 1970s, analog synths, group members, poetry and spoken word, Hex Induction, the nature of composition, production, record companies, reissues, Arthur Machen, Hawkwind and, well, a hell of a lot more.

Engage and enjoy, salute a master

Mark Smith walks carefully down the sloping ramp from the hotel reception into the bar, head turned to spot the likely journalist among the room’s dozen or so post-lunch hour drinkers.

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From Samuel Pepys to Andrew Lang: A Literary Smorgasbord

In the realm of literature, there are few things more intriguing than the personal libraries of writers and artists. These collections often serve as windows into the mind, reflecting the eclectic tastes and intellectual pursuits of their owners. For Corbin Bernsen, the shelves of his library are a testament to his diverse interests and artistic vision. From the meticulous diaries of Samuel Pepys to the whimsical fairy tales of Andrew Lang, Bernsen’s bookshelf is a literary smorgasbord that offers a glimpse into the mind of a true Renaissance man.

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

One of the standout volumes on Bernsen’s shelf is The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Vol. VI – 1665, edited by Robert Latham and William Matthews. Samuel Pepys, a renowned diarist, kept a detailed record of his life from 1660 to 1669. His diary provides a vivid account of historical events such as the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague. Pepys’s entries are not just historical records; they are intimate glimpses into the life of a man consumed by work, pleasure, and the mundane details of everyday existence.

Pepys’s diary entries often reveal a man deeply concerned with money, government, and the intricacies of social interactions. His accounts of the plague and the fire offer a raw and unfiltered look at the horror and desperation of those times. Bernsen’s collection of Pepys’s diaries suggests a fascination with history and the human condition, themes that often surface in his own work.

The Orange Fairy Book

In stark contrast to the historical gravitas of Pepys’s diary, Bernsen’s shelf also features The Orange Fairy Book, edited by Andrew Lang. This collection of fairy tales, illustrated by artists like Howard Pyle and H.J. Ford, is a delightful escape into a world of imagination and magic. Bernsen’s affection for these tales is rooted in his appreciation for the artistry of the illustrations and the timeless stories they contain.

Growing up, Bernsen was not initially drawn to fiction, preferring the truth of non-fiction. However, his discovery of Lang’s fairy books in his twenties opened a new realm of literary delight. The transition from a staunch realist to a lover of fantasy illustrates Bernsen’s open-minded approach to literature and his willingness to explore diverse genres and styles.

A Glimpse into the Mind of a Renaissance Man

Corbin Bernsen’s bookshelf is a microcosm of his eclectic tastes and intellectual pursuits. From the dry precision of Samuel Pepys to the whimsical tales of Andrew Lang, Bernsen’s collection spans a wide range of genres and periods. This diversity reflects his role as a Renaissance man in the entertainment industry, known for his versatility and adaptability.

The Intersection of Literature and Life

Bernsen’s literary tastes are not just a hobby; they intersect deeply with his life and work. His role as an actor, producer, and director has been influenced by the stories and characters he has encountered in his reading. The historical accuracy and psychological depth of Pepys’s diaries, for example, have likely informed Bernsen’s approach to character development and storytelling.

Similarly, the imaginative and fantastical elements of Lang’s fairy tales may have fueled Bernsen’s creativity, inspiring him to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. His role as the disorganized ringleader of a band of crooks in Disorganized Crime or the paranoid dentist in The Dentist showcases his ability to bring complex and unconventional characters to life, a trait that can be traced back to his literary influences.

How Corbin Bernsen’s Bookshelf Reflects His Artistic Vision

Bernsen’s bookshelf is a physical manifestation of his artistic vision. It is a collection of stories, ideas, and perspectives that have shaped his approach to acting, writing, and directing. By immersing himself in such a diverse range of literature, Bernsen ensures that his work remains fresh, dynamic, and relevant.

For instance, his involvement in the Faith and Family film genre through Home Theater Films reflects a deeper engagement with stories that resonate with universal themes of faith, family, and redemption. This genre, often overlooked in mainstream cinema, aligns with Bernsen’s broader interests in historical narratives and character-driven dramas, as evidenced by his collection of historical and literary classics.

In Conversation with a Mastermind

Mark E. Smith: The Fall and the Fury

Mark E. Smith, the enigmatic frontman of The Fall, is renowned for his intense and often abrasive public persona. Yet, beneath the rough exterior lies a deeply introspective and creative mind. In an interview at the Malmaison Hotel Bar in Manchester, Smith provided insight into his experiences touring the USA, his creative process, and the nature of The Fall’s enduring appeal.

Smith’s tour of the USA, from New York through the Midwest to Texas, Arizona, and California, was a rigorous affair. The group’s decision to return two weeks early was driven by the challenges of navigating the visa process and the logistical hurdles of performing in diverse venues. Smith’s preference for out-of-the-way places like Texas and Pittsburgh underscores his commitment to reaching a broader audience, even if it means facing unconventional challenges.

Touring the USA, Pain, and Poetry

The tour was not just about performing; it was a journey into the heart of America’s musical landscape. Smith’s decision to discontinue medication and experience the pain firsthand reveals a deeper connection to his art. The pain, he believes, is a part of the creative process, a physical manifestation of the emotional and mental strain of performing.

Smith’s poetry and spoken word elements in The Fall’s music are a testament to his literary influences. His discussions with artists like William Burroughs and Orson Welles, as well as his admiration for authors like Arthur Machen, highlight a rich tapestry of literary and cultural references that inform his work. This intersection of literature and music is a hallmark of The Fall’s unique sound and style.

The Art of Composition and the Nature of Creativity

Smith’s approach to composition is deeply personal and often chaotic. He emphasizes the spontaneity and raw energy of live performance, which he believes captures the essence of The Fall’s music. This philosophy is evident in his work with analog synths and his preference for a more organic, less polished sound.

His reflections on the nature of creativity reveal a mind that is constantly evolving. Smith’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries is a key factor in The Fall’s longevity and relevance. Whether it’s through his spoken word performances or his collaborations with other artists, Smith’s creative vision remains uncompromising and uniquely his own.

Unraveling the Enigma of The Fall

From Country on the Click to Hex Induction: A Deep Dive into the Music

The Fall’s discography is a testament to their enduring appeal and Smith’s creative vision. Albums like Country on the Click and Hex Induction showcase The Fall’s ability to evolve and adapt, while maintaining their core identity. Country on the Click, with its blend of folk and electronic elements, reflects Smith’s fascination with the evolving landscape of music production.

Hex Induction, on the other hand, is a deep dive into darker, more experimental sounds. The album’s themes of obsession and the occult resonate with Smith’s literary influences, particularly his interest in authors like Arthur Machen. This blend of literary and musical themes creates a rich, multi-layered experience that keeps listeners engaged and intrigued.

The Intersection of Literature and Music

The Fall’s music is not just about sound; it’s about storytelling. Smith’s literary influences are woven into the fabric of The Fall’s songs, creating a narrative that transcends traditional music boundaries. His collaborations with other musicians and his diverse range of influences—from Orson Welles to Hawkwind—enrich The Fall’s sound and keep it fresh and innovative.

This intersection of literature and music is a key to understanding The Fall’s enduring appeal. For fans and critics alike, The Fall’s music is a journey through a complex and often chaotic landscape, one that reflects Mark E. Smith’s unique vision and his unyielding commitment to his art.