After you check out our most entertaining tribute to author Norman Mailer on DTV–you’re welcome–be sure and stick around for the second feature. It will pop up on the bottom of the screen after our schtick and is titled “Norman Mailer vs. Rip Torn” but could more accurately be called “Craziest MoFo Ever Comes at Norman Mailer With a Hammer.” It is flat out the most insane bit of video I think I have ever seen. Taken in what appears to be 1960’s France, the thing lasts a little less than two and half minutes and features a rather handsome Torn–the years have not been kind–clearly out of his mind, coming at a terrified Mailer with a hammer. He takes a couple swings and then the two men grapple; men, women and children eventually intervening. The thing appears to be real, full of all the kind of action that distinguishes most barroom brawls: big talk, biting, sucker punches and a woman crying, though appearing secretly pleased that the two bucks are fighting over her. The only thing suggesting it’s staged is that the person filming it never leaves their camera even as it appears one or both of the dudes involved could get seriously hurt. Then again, it does take place in France and the French’s view of death–like their views on drinking and hygiene–is known to be far more liberal than our own.

[edit: looks like that video can no longer be reached from ours, so here it is -jeff]

 

 

 

Tags: District Weekly, dTV, France, french, Long Beach, norman mailer, Rip Torn