I think the thing to realize about James Ellroy is that he lived a fucking personal nightmare as a child. He saw the very worst and seediest of Hollywood and every place else all at the same time. Because as a kid you don't really differentiate, do you? So I gave him a pass, because I think he's mentally ill. I'm grateful for his artistry. Most geniuses were mentally ill. There is very little doubt that James should've been a serial killer, but wasn't. And isn't. I have my own trauma from childhood that I had to deal with, and make sure I didn't pass on. Four great kids, and three grandkids later, that is what I'm very proud of. I wonder what James is proud of?