Chatty Chat Chat
Some fun updates and announcements!
Hi Friends!
Apparently all the cool kids are making announcements these days, so I thought this is as good a time as any to use this week to take a breath and share a few updates.
“Clear eyes, full hearts…”
I have loosened at least the top two stays of my corset to breathe a bit easier after Biden’s decision to pass the torch to VP Harris. I’m not a political commentator, but I am a woman with a working uterus as well as a very, very, very, VERY concerned citizen. I wanted to just briefly acknowledge this tremendous moment in America’s history.
Had it remained Biden, I would have voted Biden. Had it been a pile of dryer lint with googly eyes, I would have voted for four years of lint. Joe Biden has been a tremendous president. The country is much better off for his leadership, steady hand, dignity, and humanity. I’m grateful for all he has done and will continue to do. This morning in Heather Cox Richardson’s digest she wrote how Biden called in to Harris’ campaign meeting from his home in Delaware saying: “The name changed at the top of the ticket. The mission hasn’t changed at all…I’m watching you kid, I love you. You’re the best, kid.” And all I have to say is find someone who believes in you the way Uncle Joe believes in Kamala. Pass the tissues. I think my eyes got the Crowdstrike bug.
Introducing A New Feature: Never Seen It!
Launching next week, I’m rolling out a new monthly feature titled Never Seen It! where I will pick an iconic, noteworthy movie I’ve never seen to watch and talk about. Here’s the gist behind this:
The American Film Institute (AFI) periodically releases a list of “Top 100 Films of All Time!” And then everyone argues over why Xanadu did or did not make the cut. Friendships end. Marriages break up. It’s a whole situation. One summer, a while back, after one of those lists went up, my friend Rebecca and I were talking about it and how there were so many “classics” we had heard a lot about but never seen. That summer we decided to watch as many as we could from the list. That was the year I finally got the references and in jokes to: From Here to Eternity; An Officer and a Gentleman; Raging Bull (not to be missed!); Taxi Driver; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (I would rather watch Succession twice straight through than watch this psychologically and emotionally harrowing film ever again); Easy Rider; and Deliverance. We finished watching that last one and immediately started in with a bit about how Ned Beatty ended up with that storied role:
Agent: It’s gonna be a great movie—Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight--trust me. Take the part.
Beatty: Can I read the script first?
Agent: Um, just sign the contract. You can read it later.
Beatty: I don’t know—
Agent: Let’s just say it’s an unforgettable part, like career-defining, okay? Trust me.
Beatty: Okee-dokee!
IYKYK
Anyway, it was awesome to watch these movies for the first time. Sure, they’ve been endlessly parodied and referenced, but that’s not the same as experiencing a piece of art. I’m not as passionate about film as I am about TV and comedy and other forms of art and entertainment. I’m usually late to the “you gotta see this movie” party, if I make it at all. Pulp Fiction came out in 1994. All my friends saw it and even without the Internet it seemed like you couldn’t end up in any social gathering without listening to people talk about how funny and dark and violent and inventive it was. I don’t think I saw it until sometime in the early 2000s. You guys: Pulp Fiction is SO GOOD! It’s so funny and dark and violent and inventive! Seriously—check it out.
A few weeks ago I was looking for something to watch on MAX and the famous movie musical Singing in the Rain drifted past. Never seen it, I thought. And then I remembered that summer of classic flick binging. It was fun, but it also gave me a new appreciation for these films: the overall craft, the performances, the cultural and artistic significance, and ultimately what they are saying about the human experience. What intrigued me then and still does now, is what makes something iconic, a masterpiece, a cult classic, art that endures for some reason or another. It’s more than just the “does it hold up” litmus test; it’s exploring why these particular stories told in this form continue to resonate.
I’m open to all genres and time periods. I won’t read any criticism or analysis beforehand; I may research a bit about the filming (how the time period fits in with the movie), but otherwise I want to experience the movie as honestly as I can. As always, I’ll do my best to bring humor, smarts, and heart into the discussion. All opinions and made up profanities are my own.
My first discussion will go up next week. Buckle up Jake, we’re going to Chinatown!
Listen Up! Guesting on All The FanFare Podcast!
Second to getting the call to serve as Kamala Harris’ joke writer (seriously-I’m available; very reasonable rates!) is the honor of being asked to guest on All The FanFare Podcast, hosted by the mighty pop culture guru (and my great pal) Eric Pierce. This week you can head to All The FanFare to hear our conversation about the hilarious and thought-provoking show, Hacks, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. If you haven’t had a chance to dip into Hacks, get in on this! You’ll be glad you did unless you hate comedy, funny women, smart writing, strong characters, and fun. And please spend some time getting to know more of Eric’s wonderful, smart, witty explorations of a wide array of pop culture topics. Subscribe, share, do the thing! YES!
Winter is coming Jon Snow and So Is My New Book!
I stand by that dated pop culture reference even if Jeremy Allen White has replaced Kit Harrington as my dark, moody crush. We’re getting closer to the official release date (August 15) of my book, Boston and Beyond: Discovering Cities, Harbors, and Country Charms. Thank you to anyone who has pre-ordered the title; I am so grateful and appreciative! Easy enough to secure a copy RIGHT HERE (and where all books are sold). You don’t have to be from New England to enjoy this book. It’s really about appreciating the character and unique gifts of wherever you plant your feet.
I am in the midst of working out the details on a virtual event to celebrate and talk more about “the making of” so please stay connected and be on the lookout for that information coming soon. I really can’t wait for people to experience this work and get to know my lovely little corner of the country a bit better.
Lens Zen! Now with 100% More Sundays!
Lastly, I really love getting to share my photography work. It’s my hope and aim that it inspires as well as adds something positive to the world. With that in mind, I’m going to test out sending a dedicated Lens Zen post on Sundays. It will consist of images and maybe a bit of short writing. I don’t want to clutter up peoples’ inboxes, but my sense is that it might be better received as a standalone feature. When I can incorporate my original photography into weekly posts, I will. Otherwise, you can look for a little something to brighten your Sunday soon.
That’s it for this week! Thanks for sticking around. See you on the flip side!
X-She
I am so happy that Harris has taken over I can LIVE! again!!! I want to LIVE!!
I was becoming despondent, sad, angry, sad, and then despondent.
I sat reading your article and at the first mention of watching unseen movie classics, I had my lawyer on speed dial for copyright infringement. However, as I continued to read, my fury was diminished by my rightful dues being paid by having myself named… by NAME. lol 😂
Great article, I laughed and cried. And almost blew a gigawatt fit before being acknowledged. Funny story, I have been remembering those same movie marathon moments with fondness and have thought of revisiting some to say howdy. But then I remember all the good ones I HAVE seen and merrily click on over to Netflix to see if they have Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Don’t judge, it’s totally radical and awesome! Whoaaaaaaaaa.