MAY 22
The existence of the Cannes film festival, and really, film festivals in general, is unfair because I get to read about the new Scorsese and the new Todd Haynes but I will not get to see either for MONTHS. Terrible. Cruel. They both sound brilliant. This is agony.
But hey, I’m gonna take advantage of bargain Tuesday and go see Fast X this week, which I’m sure will be an equally rewarding cinematic experience…
PICTURE OF THE CAT
WHAT I’VE WATCHED
I’ve watched multiple films since the last time I wrote a newsletter! Wow! Impressive! I watched Albert Brooks’ Modern Romance because it was leaving Mubi, and there are a lot of rom com or rom com adjacent things about how heterosexuality is a miserable institution, but this one knows that’s what it’s about, which you can’t always depend on. Very funny, very mean.
I finally watched Heavenly Creatures, and I LOVED IT, which isn’t surprising—it’s queer and dark and wild. I’ve known of this film for ages because of Peter Jackson, and I never really got what drew him to the story, teenage girls who are obsessed with each other doesn’t seem exactly his speed, I figured it was the New Zeland aspect that got him on board. But then you watch the movie and it’s almost an effects picture, and you can really see his finger prints. These girls invented this whole fantasy world, and made models of their characters, and Jackson really brings that world to life in a way that makes sense for a director who loves models and bringing fantasy worlds to life. I could see another director tackling this material in a much more grounded way, not having the models come to life and interact with the world around them. But Jackson’s way is so much more fun. Kate Winslet and Melanie Lysnskey are both phenomenal, and I’m so grateful I caught up to this film.
The third film I watched was Fantastic Planet, a very trippy animated french sci-fi picture from 1973. I don’t remember what I was reading that got this on my radar, but it’s been on my watchlist for ages, and it sure is a time. Very 1973. Very French. Very interesting animation, interesting story, but I am fundamentally too straight edge to enjoy this film the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Still, an interesting time, and I’m glad to have seen it.
SONG OF THE DAY
Going to see Alex Lahey next week, which is exciting. I’m enjoying the new album, but don’t have anything to say about it yet, so here’s probably my favorite Alex Lahey song.