Mosley talks about adolescence, 'Devil' and Denzel

Walter Mosley, the award-winning author of "Devil in a Blue Dress," intimately discussed his novels as well as what Los Angeles means to him at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center Monday night as part of the Odyssey 1996-97: The City Project.

After the free screening of the movie based on Mosley's novel, starring Denzel Washington, Mosley answered questions. The tall and engaging speaker took the questions one by one from the crowd.

Although he dealt with them fast, he dredged deep into each question and philosophized with true passion. But most of the questions were of, about or pertaining to Denzel Washington.

All of the questions except for one had to do with the movie and its characters. The other question came from an overly excited lady who wanted Mosley's home phone or beeper number . . . it didn't happen.

"Devil" director Carl Franklin and producer Jesse Beaton could not make it to the discussion, but it turned out for the best.

Mosley was one-on-one with the audience, which created a quaint, town-hall atmosphere.

Mosley also reflected on his days of growing up in South Central Los Angeles. It was there that he said his attitudes and perceptions of the city really formulated, as well as his hatred toward the police.

Reading some words he had written earlier that day entitled "The City and Me," Mosley expressed attitudes and perceptions that accompanied him throughout his youth.

One excerpt from "The City and Me" reads, "The only white people I knew of growing up were my mother's family and the people that lived inside the TV."

Mosley made the point of everything being viewed differently. For example, he said, "Everyone has a different L.A. I have a different L.A. And everybody that lives in L.A. has a different L.A."

Mosley said when he witnessed the beating of Rodney King, everybody viewed it differently. He said that while he saw his heritage, his father's heritage, his grandfather's heritage and his great grandfather's heritage, others saw a crime.

He has many projects in the works, including a movie for HBO for which he wrote the screenplay. His newest novel will hit the stores in January. "Black Angel," Mosley said, will hopefully be an independent or low-budget film as well.

Odyssey 1996-97: The City Project involves the campus with a series of major speakers, video conferences, performances, films, events, field trips and classes focused on intellectual issues of importance.

Those interested in more information about the Odyssey Project should call (310) 985-7572.