Breaking out the workout clothes...
The writing process and exercising are basically the same thing
So, it’s been a while since I’ve written… since August 19th to be exact. But if I can take a moment to justify my absence, a lot has been happening in life: I completed my first semester of grad school and my wife and I learned recently that we’ll be welcoming a baby boy (our first) in May! That process is worth a whole other piece of writing of which I’m currently working on and I hope to share that story soon. It’s one of those up and down tales that involves a large amount of pain and heartache and yet there’s truth and beauty to be found throughout. Again, I’ll share soon.
Writing is an activity that is simultaneously arduous and yet brings quite a bit of inner peace to me. When I finish a piece of writing, it’s akin to that feeling I have after an intense workout: utterly exhausted, feeling achy all over the place, and yet there’s a wave of relief that accompanies shortly after. It’s like I’m a blank canvas all over again. Writing is also similar to a workout routine in that it takes consistency to be successful. I’ve never been great at consistency so me showing up here to write again is like that first time you go back to the gym after a long sabbatical. It seems very awkward to make the movements, you question if you’re doing it all correctly, and then you castigate yourself in the mirror frequently. It also feels like nothing fits right, but that’s why you show up, with the hope that everything can fit right again.
So here I am lacing up my shoes, putting on the workout clothes, and taking another go at it so that I make this an actual “lifestyle choice”.
Listening, Watching, Reading
Midnights
I guess I’m a late-stage “Swiftie” and call me basic if you will, but I’m giving myself a lot of grace over here these days. No one told me that my midlife crisis would begin with me blasting “Anti-Hero” in my car but truth be told I just don’t care who sees or hears it. Is it a great album? Hell no. Is it bringing me a lot of joy? Hell yes.
Andor
One of the aspects of Andor that I most appreciate is that it takes IP that is usually reserved for children (and people who have clung on to their childhood for way too long) and makes is palatable for more mature audiences. It’s gritty, serious, and adult, but not in a Zack Snyder kind of way that aims to prove to everyone else that you’re an adult. I sincerely hope more people watch this show because if we don’t watch shows like this then we’ll be fed more crap and then I’ll have to shout, “This is why we can’t have nice things!” to an audience of none and that will be sad for me. Don’t make me do that, please.
Atlanta
All good things must come to an end. Like all the great legacy shows I think Atlanta ended before it had to, but exiting early creates a bittersweet taste instead of overstaying your welcome which leaves an awful aftertaste. While Season 3 got dragged a little bit unfairly, I think Season 4 was exquisite and had some of the most heartfelt and hilarious scenes that they’ve ever filmed in the series. I’ll miss these characters so much but I’m looking forward to what these actors, writers, and directors will do moving forward. We also don’t get series like Reservation Dogs if Atlanta didn’t push the boundaries of what television could offer.
White Lotus
I was a little worried when HBO announced a second season for this show after what was a magical and unexpected first season. Perhaps it’s a slower build than its predecessor but I think I’m enjoying this season even more. Mike White and team’s writing is so well-crafted and captures our present moment so distinctly, even with a variety of characters that are seemingly out of touch with our shared existence. With the recent announcement of a third season, I can now say that I am eagerly awaiting what else will be dreamt up from these creators.
The Banshees of Inisherin
Do yourself a favor and go see this film in a theater. I say this not because it needs a big screen necessarily, but because I want movies like this to keep existing in movie theaters (similar to the argument for watching Andor- let’s celebrate and support better art). Also, I’d encourage you not to read much about the movie before you see it as it takes some wild and shocking turns that deserve your ignorance. It’s simultaneously the funniest and saddest thing I have watched this year.
Don’t Worry Darling
Here’s what you need to go going in: Harry Styles can’t act. Florence Pugh is wonderful (as always). The movie is neither as bad or as good as anyone says but it’s just simply okay. The cinematography and production design are compelling and are worth the watch on their own.
Wakanda Forever
After being out on Marvel for some time now, I was extremely excited and anxious to see Wakanda Forever. I know this movie had a lot it was trying to do in that it needed to honor the life of an actor (and by all accounts great human being) and a character while moving the story along and also integrating new Marvel IP, but damn was this a huge disappointment for me. All of the aspects related to Boseman and the grief related to his character were spot on and sandwiched the film in such a meaningful way, but the bread was better than the meat and the overall experience left me bored.
The Passenger
It’s hard to believe that the last McCarthy novel was The Road (it’s been sixteen years since its publication). I’m still only through the first third of this new entry but I’m grateful for the familiar prose and rhythms of one of my favorite living authors. For a writer who often explores subjects that are so unsettling, there’s something comforting about him revisiting us after all these turbulent years. He’s releasing a companion piece in December so this will be a happy holiday season for me.