Pynchon and Film

This section of Spermatikos Logos endeavors to collect Pynchon documentaries and shorts, films inspired by Pynchon, or Pynchon references in movies and television programs. We are greatly indebted to Richard Lane of the sadly defunct Pynchon Files for laying the groundwork of this section. In fact, much of the material has been liberally adapted from The Pynchon Files, including plot descriptions, screenshots, and commentary. Where appropriate, Mr. Lane has been given credit.

So far only one of Pynchon’s novels has been filmed; which might not be such a bad thing. So in the absence of an epic Mason & Dixon miniseries or a David Cronenberg Gravity’s Rainbow, this section holds only Inherent Vice, along with a surprising cult classic peppered with Pynchonian allusions…

Buckaroo Banzai (1984)
This sci-fi cult classic has numerous Pynchonian connections.

Inherent Vice (2014)
This piece by filmmaker Jeffrey Brown examines Paul Thomas Anderson’s ambitious Inherent Vice. As freewheeling as the film itself, Brown’s essay explores the idea of “unfilmable” novels, examines Anderson’s multifaceted career, and places Inherent Vice in the context of “stoned noir.” It also includes a playlist!

Thomas Pynchon—A Journey into the Mind of [P.] (2001)
A German documentary about Thomas Pynchon, his life, and his cult following.

Pynchon Shorts
Short films inspired by Pynchon’s writing.

Pynchon Segments
News segments on Thomas Pynchon—you know, the famous reclusive writer! 

Pynchon References in Film
Allusions to Pynchon and his works in films such as The Miracle Mile, Mr. Jealousy, and Storytelling.

Pynchon References on TV
Allusions to Pynchon and his works on television, from The John Larroquette Show to The Simpsons.

Author: Allen B. Ruch
Last Modified: 13 October 2023
Main Pynchon Page: Spermatikos Logos
Contact: quail(at)shipwrecklibrary(dot)com