September Digest

Trying something new (but also stupidly obvious given this is a blog). As life has gotten busier, and writing full length, non-academic essays have become more difficult to stick to, I've begun exploring different avenues as to what type of enriching entries I can produce that are less time consuming but refrain from being casually self-absorbed (essentially a more formal Twitter type forum). I'd still like to keep a standard for how I go about using this medium. So essentially at the end of every month (or even bi-weekly), I'll be posting a random compilation of thoughts on some recent media I've digested, though still mainly centered on film, may also include music, books, articles, and the such that I've formed thoughts on since. Though of course it also won't cover everything I've taken in, either. Simplistic and quick, but in line with how I personally approach this venture. I may even go back and write longer entries for certain things at a later time, but that's inconsequential. Okay, I'll shut up now.

Films and music presented in chronological and alphabetical order.

FILM:

The Blue Sky Maiden (1957) (Dir. Yasuzo Masumara) - Watched on a whim and found lots to like. Plays with melodrama to create a wholesome portrait of a womanhood in development despite its inherently nasty dealings with toxic familial relationships and dated Japanese traditions. It's really quite singular. Introduced me both to actress Ayako Wakao and director Yasuzo Masumura who I definitely am intrigued to see more from. Oh, and there's a great shot in which Wakao, who works as a family maiden, is challenged to a game of table tennis by some sap at a backyard outing, where in the camera in close-up pans down to see her tear off her apron and kick off her heels before smoking the fool into oblivion. I love that a lot.

Barking Water (2009) (Dir. Sterlin Harjo) -  I have almost no experience with Native American cinema (to my shame) and so I checked out this decade old indie by acclaimed Native filmmaker Sterlin Harjo and really dug it. Feels like the type of American indie I wish I saw more of these days, abandoning any sense of higher budget influence, and wholly embracing the idiosyncrasies that can only come from being a low-budget feature. Incredibly heartfelt and opens a window into a facet of American culture not often represented. More films like this at Sundance please.

The Day He Arrives (2011) (Dir. Hong Sang-soo) - With a few more brushes with his work, I truly think I can say that Hong may be one of the finest working contemporary filmmakers. Ending of this both depressed the shit out of me while also making me laugh out loud. What a hoot.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) (Dir. Cathy Yan) - I don't give much of a shit about comic book movies (although this info isn't new to anyone), but found this one in particular well done. Rare exhibition of a studio film both *using* and knowing how to utilize color. I like Margot Robbie but have never been too enamored with any of her past performances so it's quite a surprise to me how much I think her very best is here actually? Suicide Squad Harley is pure shit. Birds of Prey Harley is the shit.

Build the Wall (2020) (Dir. Joe Swanberg) - The year has been lacking in proper feel good cinema. The kind that doesn't bullshit reality but still finds genuine levity within the weary of everyday. Obviously I get why that would be, but also didn't expect it to come in the form of a Swanberg film with an eyebrow-raising title in allusion to.. well... yeah! Shot on the iPhone and seemingly made as a fun side project while the cast was likely just hanging out, Swanberg's newest is a super endearing metaphor about the importance of collectivism always triumphing over individualism. And while to not spoil, I think it's super fucking rad how "build the wall" is recontextualized here and turned into something incredibly moving. There's also a wonderful shot of Jane Adams helping eat olives off a little girl's pizza (again keeping in line with collectivism). One of my favorite new releases so far. Expect it in my top ten.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020) (Dir. Charlie Kaufman) - Nope.

MUSIC:

A lot of my music digest and discovery this year has been almost exclusively uniform to Electronic. I don't know why, but it feels strangely fitting.

Marine Flowers (Science Fantasy) (1986) (by Akira Ito) - Another great discovery on behalf of the YouTube algorithm (and its bizarre tendencies towards obscure Japanese pop & electronic albums). Somehow accurately produces the music I wish was naturally playing whenever I go snorkeling in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Philippine tropics.

Trans Canada Highway (2006) (by Boards of Canada) - Late to the party, but been getting really into BoC lately. Left Side Drive is my favorite off this EP.