Morning Meeting Episode 265: Secret Italy—Villages Lost in Time
Oct 11, 2025
This week, Oscar-winning filmmaker Errol Morris shares his complex feelings about Robert McNamara, discussing their intriguing collaboration on The Fog of War. He reveals insights into McNamara's wartime decisions and explores themes of forgiveness and moral responsibility. Meanwhile, writer Harry Mount reminisces about Jilly Cooper, her journey from journalism to bestselling novels, and her lasting impact on British society. Mount's personal anecdotes highlight Cooper's humor and charm, making for an engaging tribute to a cultural icon.
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Class Portrayal That Transcended Class Lines
- Jilly Cooper wrote largely about upper-class life but appealed across British classes because she captured universal human behavior.
- Her empathy and comic acuity made her work relatable beyond the horsey milieu she depicted.
Dinner-Party Wit And Unfiltered Questions
- Harry Mount described dinner-party moments that showcased Jilly Cooper's bracing conversational instincts and comic timing.
- He recalled her direct, teasing questions that immediately lightened and charged a room.
How Morris Landed McNamara's Interview
- Errol Morris recounted how he pursued and secured a rare first-person interview with Robert McNamara for his series First Person.
- McNamara agreed despite friends warning him it was a bad idea, and then called back to explain at length why it was a mistake but kept his word.
