Issue 3: Poor Things
Currently on fairy tales, samurai, keeping time, and old souls.
📝 Reviewing: Poor Things (2023)
Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Dogtooth) is known to have an affinity for the bizarre, insatiable curiosity for the human psyche, and a uniquely recognizable tone, and his latest film Poor Things is no exception. Based on the 1922 novel of the same name and offering a modern twist on the classic Frankenstein tale, Poor Things is a visual concoction of Tim Burton's imagination of oddities, Wes Anderson's quirky characters, and Guillermo Del Toro's gothic fairy tale ambiance.
Lanthimos crafts a world both vivid and strange, where peculiar characters don whimsical costumes against sets that lure viewers into an intriguing and fantastical realm. The film, while balancing absurdity with humor, delves into profound questions of human existence, the joy of curiosity, and the cost of love while subversively exploring gender roles and sexuality, reminiscent of this year’s popular film, Barbie.
The film's tagline, "She's like nothing you've ever seen," undoubtedly alludes to Emma Stone's remarkable performance, which stands out as one of the most courageous, bold, and formidable in recent memory. Watching her embody the infantile nature of Bella's character and her maturation throughout the film is nothing short of mesmerizing. (Watch out Margot and Lily)
In a year with new releases from Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Wes Anderson, Christopher Nolan, Hayao Miyazaki, and David Fincher, Yorgos Lanthimos' adaptation of Poor Things distinguishes itself as a captivating cinematic journey—an eccentric and horny feminist fable that transcends conventional expectations. It unfolds as an epic Greek odyssey, weaving together wonder, sex, beauty, and beasts. Poor Things debuts exclusively in movie theaters in December.
📺 Watching: Blue Eye Samurai
From Michael Green (Blade Runner 2049, Logan) and Amber Noizumi, Blue Eye Samurai tells the story of a mixed-race woman in Japan seeking revenge. The series uses a unique blend of 2D and 3D animation, creating characters and landscapes that feel like live-action. While the animation and fight choreography are stunning, Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine, shoutout to Netflix for the diverse voice casting) is the real star here. She battles not only her opponents but also childhood trauma, self-loathing, shame, and misogyny. Mizu becomes a complex character, grappling with the monster she's perceived to be by her countrymen and the high cost of a life dedicated to revenge. A little Mulan, a little John Wick, and a lot of violence, Blue Eye Samurai is a gory and gorgeous animated journey. All eight episodes are available now to stream on Netflix.
🎧 Listening To: How to Keep Time
Your years on Earth are numbered. And you’re never going to be able to do everything. You want to do everything possible because of that. So maybe we, rather than chasing it, need to figure out how to be in time. Being in time rather than chasing time.
The follow-up to How to Build a Happy Life, How to Talk to People, and How to Start Over, How to Keep Time is The Atlantic's latest podcast season. Over six episodes, it will explore the intricacies of our relationship with time, raising questions such as why we often feel there’s never enough time in a day, why many of us are driven to document our lives, and how physics can enlighten our understanding of time, the universe, and ourselves. The first episode features a conversation with Oliver Burkeman, the author of Four Thousand Weeks (highly recommended), and is now available to stream on Spotify
📣 Recommending: Stephen Sanchez
Stephen Sanchez may have been born in 2002, but he came from a time machine seemingly sent from 1952. Immersed in the timeless melodies of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Sam Cooke, courtesy of his grandparents' cherished vinyl record collection, Sanchez attributes these legendary artists with imparting the wisdom of falling in love and the capacity to love others.
In his debut studio album, Angel Face, Sanchez tells a story that transports listeners to the late 1950s. The album unfolds the tale of a fictional musician, The Troubadour Sanchez, who rises to stardom with a chart-topping single. Amidst the allure of fame, The Troubadour encounters the enigmatic Evangeline, sparking a perilous love triangle that ends in demise. Intimate, soulful, and romantic, Angel Face is a love letter to his grandparents, nostalgia, and love itself. Angel Face is available to purchase now.
Thanks for being here.
— Justin