Blumenthal: There is a tendency among some conservatives to talk about figures like Hitler and bin Laden as beyond human understanding, as a dark force that just sprang full-born into the world. “Max” shows that evil has nuances — it doesn’t just emerge in its full nightmarish quality instantly, it develops day by day, it has its own evolution. That makes it more horrific. Because if evil were something absolute and distinct, it could be removed from human experience. But it’s not, which means we must come to terms with how it arises.

As I say, interesting. I have to agree with Cusack, that presenting the world in terms of black and white, us versus them, good versus evil is “a great way to rally the troops, but beyond that it doesn’t get you very far.”

Improbable Bob has an improbable job,

While everyday Eddie wants work that is steady.

Uncommon Tom does chores for his mom,

But typical Tim quits jobs on a whim.

Unlikely Mike just went out on strike,

So unremarkable Mark got his job at the park.

Dubious Dave works like a slave,

But regular Rick is always calling in sick.

1. What is your biggest pet peeve? Why? Hypocrisy. I much prefer people who say what they mean, even if I disagree with them. I also get genuinely irritated by some spelling mistakes, like “ridiculous” or “its” instead of “it’s”. Silly, but there you go.

2. What irritating habits do you have? I either talk too much or not at all, which I’m sure can get on some people’s nerves. If I have any truly annoying habits, I’m unaware of them. Which doesn’t mean they’re not there, just that people have been kind enough not to point them out.

3. Have you tried to change the irritating habits or just let them be? I try to talk more, or less, depending on the situation. I can get nervous pretty easily, so it’s tough.

4. What grosses you out more than anything else? Why? I have written a song called “A Pocketful of Penis” and have performed in a sketch about a practicing necrophiliac. It takes a lot to gross me out.