The Interview

By Christopher Silvester

Christopher Sylvester is a British journalist, writer, and editor, known for his work on journalism and media. He has contributed to various publications and has a particular interest in the craft of interviewing and its influence on public perception. Sylvester edited “The Penguin Book of Interviews,” which explores the evolution of interviews and their impact on both subjects and audiences. His work often delves into the complexities and ethics of journalism, examining how interviews can reveal insights into public figures while also shaping narratives in a powerful way.

“The Interview”  explores the dynamics and impact of journalistic interviews. It delves into how interviews can reveal insights about public figures, allowing readers to see beyond their public personas. The story highlights the interviewer’s role in framing narratives and the ethical considerations that come with influencing public perception. Sylvester examines the complex relationship between interviewers and their subjects, suggesting that interviews can be both revealing and manipulative, depending on the motives and approach of the interviewer.

Q: What are some of the positive views on interviews?

Ans. Interviews are considered to be a useful tool for obtaining firsthand information about people’s thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences. They provide insight into the personalities of public figures and can help humanize them. They are seen as a means of truth-seeking and are highly regarded for their ability to bring out a person’s true character.

Q: Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?

Ans. Many celebrity writers dislike being interviewed because they find it intrusive and an invasion of their privacy. They feel that interviews often focus on sensationalism rather than genuine conversation. Moreover, interviews can distort the intended message, and the interviewees might not like the way their words are interpreted or edited.

Q: What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

Ans. In some primitive cultures, there is a belief that being photographed is akin to having one’s soul stolen. This belief is rooted in the idea that photographs capture a part of a person’s essence or spirit, and they therefore see the act of photography as a violation of their spiritual or personal integrity.

Q: What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?

Ans. The expression suggests a feeling of suffocation or being under pressure. It implies a sense of being trapped or constrained, unable to speak or express oneself freely, which is how some people feel about being interviewed.

Q: Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

Ans. In today’s world, the media, particularly interviews conducted by journalists, are the chief sources of information about public personalities. They offer a window into the lives and minds of famous individuals, providing insights that are not typically available through other forms of communication.

Q: Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.

Ans. It seems that Umberto Eco does not particularly enjoy being interviewed. Although he is patient and polite during interviews, he finds them somewhat unproductive. Eco prefers to communicate his ideas through his writing rather than being questioned in an interview format, which he finds limiting.

Q: How does Eco find time to write so much?

Ans. Eco explains that he uses what he calls “interstices” – small gaps of time between his various commitments – to write. He does not require a long, uninterrupted span of time to produce work. Instead, he writes during short breaks, whether between meetings, while traveling, or during other brief intervals in his daily schedule.

Q: What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

Ans. Eco’s academic style was distinctive because it combined scholarly rigor with a playful and creative approach. He believed in a “narrative” form of academic writing that did not conform to the typical dry, tedious style. This innovative bend made his work both accessible and engaging to a broader audience.

Q: Did Umberto consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

Ans. Umberto Eco considered himself primarily an academic scholar rather than a novelist. Although he gained fame as a novelist, especially after his book “The Name of the Rose” became a bestseller, he remained deeply rooted in his academic pursuits and regarded himself as a scholar who occasionally wrote novels.

Q: What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, “The Name of the Rose”?

Ans. The novel “The Name of the Rose” was successful because it transcended the boundaries of a conventional murder mystery. It incorporated elements of philosophy, theology, semiotics, and history, appealing to readers who enjoyed both intellectual stimulation and an engaging plot. Eco’s narrative style also played a significant role in making the book a compelling read

Q: Talk about any interview that you watched on television or read in a newspaper. How did it add to your understanding of the celebrity, the interviewer, and the field of the celebrity?

Ans. I watched an interview with Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama during the promotion of Obama’s memoir, “Becoming”. The interview offered a deeper understanding of Michelle as a relatable figure, discussing her upbringing, challenges as an African American woman, and her time in the White House. Oprah’s compassionate yet probing style encouraged candid responses, revealing Michelle’s commitment to empowerment and social justice. The interview provided insights into the demands of public service and the importance of using one’s platform for advocacy and leadership, while also showcasing Oprah’s skill in facilitating meaningful conversations.

Q: Discuss the medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.

Ans. I find electronic media, such as T.V. and online video platforms, to be the best medium for interviews. This format allows for a more dynamic and engaging experience, combining visual cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, which provide a deeper understanding of the interviewee’s emotions and authenticity. Electronic media also offers the flexibility of live or recorded formats, enabling interactive sessions with audiences or thoughtful editing for clarity. Moreover, it reaches a broader audience, making interviews more accessible and impactful, especially when they are shared widely on social media and digital platforms.

Q: Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions. Discuss.

Ans. This is a debatable topic. Some may argue that celebrities, by virtue of their public status, should expect and tolerate a certain level of scrutiny, while others believe that everyone has a right to privacy, and invasive questions are inappropriate and unethical. Discussing this involves considering the balance between public interest and personal boundaries.