November Novelities
THINGS THAT MADE ME CRY OR CRASH OUT THIS MONTH
WHAT I WATCHED:
NICCOLO. Crashing Out because I don’t know what I stumbled upon, but my god was this ART. A.I. could never recreate something so beautiful and sincere to the human experience. If you’re having a writer/artist’s block, or just need some general inspiration that humans are meant to create, watch this.
12 Angry Men. Crashing Out because I kept saying “damn this is a great film” pretty much every 15 minutes. The staging, the writing, the pacing, the (unknown to me) ACTORS!!! It’s been such a long time since a film itched that initial scratch I had as a kid that that made me want to get my Film degree in the first place. Please watch it. Today. Right now. Currently available on Tubi.
Paris is Burning: Crying because it’s such a beautiful documentary. I saw glimpses of this film several times when I was younger and definitely didn’t appreciate its fullness until I rewatched it uninterrupted this month. This documentary understands what it means to honor, respect and empathize with womanhood, no matter how it comes into your individual life— biologically, spiritually, culturally, socially or artistically.
TASK. Crashing Out because if Tom Pelphrey DOESN’T WIN AN EMMY, I WILL RIOT!!! My God. This mini series is like if Sons of Anarchy and Mare of Eastown had a baby. The storyline is a typical HBO detective series, however the acting and shock moments are masterclass. The series as a whole gets a B, but Tom’s ACTING GETS AN A+ (AND MY HEART).
Le Bonheur. A happily married father risks it all for another woman who looks just like his wife. Almost to the extent that she can be her replacement… Crashing Out because this isn’t just a film, it’s a reality for many.
WHAT I READ:
Cher, Part 1. Crashing Out because WHAT THE FUCK CHER? She has lived so many lives before the age of 18 than eighteen people have had their entire lives. The Preface alone, seesh! She went through more in her first 16 years of life than some people do their entire lives. I knew she was iconic but my god.
The 7 Year Slip. Crying a single tear because yes it was cute, but I did roll my eyes every other chapter. This is my self-reminder to not trust BookTok anymore.
The Will of The Many. Crashing Out because this is a reread of one of my all-time favorite books in preparation for the sequel which came out mid-November. If you need me in December I’ll be busy reading book two: The Strength of The Few. PLEASE read this book, it’s so fucking good.
Rhythm O. Marina Abramović. Crying rereading about Marina’s performance art experience in Rhythm 0 and how I don’t think the result would change much 50 years later. In 1974, Marina gave an audience permission to use her as an object— “Instructions. There are 72 objects on the table that one can use on me as desired… I am the object. During this period I take full responsibility.” The performance art gave insight into human nature, choice, and bodily autonomy amongst many others. Check out Marina’s TED talk or watch her latest interview with Fashion Neurosis.
WHAT I LISTENED TO:
“Spacer Woman (vocal)” by Charlie. Crashing Out because this is what I imagine plays at Berghain, but I guess I’ll have to go back to Berlin to confirm (wink). I discovered this song after watching a past performance by Violet Chachki.
“Must be a Dream” by Tempesst. Crying with happiness because I LOVE me a sexy, slutty rock song. This is it. Dreams? Guitar strings? A Pisces fantasy fully realized.
“Sante Alley” by LA LOM. Crashing Out because when I hear this song I’m on a sunny island but when it ends I remember I’m actually living in 32 degree weather.
“Body Heat” by Goldie Boutillier. I’m obsessed with this song and this woman. I’ve been listening to her (and this album specifically) nonstop.
“Pussycat” by Jessie Jo Stark. Crying over the perfection that is another one of my favorite Queens, Naomi Smalls. I also need more people to get into the versatility of Miss Jo Stark.