Paced weekly eps are so much better - when I binge things, I don't remember half of it; but pacing gets me so much more connected to the story as well as something to look forward to. It's like stuffing a piece of really good chocolate pie in my face all at once, or choosing to savor one bite at a time.
I would absolutely 100% watch a musical based on the Von Trapps’ time in America! Why hasn’t someone done this? (Possibly because the Von Trapps control the rights to their life story.) Maria’s autobiography has great stories - funny and sad - that could easily be dramatized. Apparently, they were performing while she was pregnant but she did not want to disclose that. So her dressmaker crafted outfits that made her as wide as her bump. By the end, she was shaped like those dolls that you tip over but they pop back up.
When I was little my dad took me to Trapp Family lodge to see Maria. I was so upset she was n old lady and not Julie Andrews. My parents ended up getting a timeshare there and for years took my brother and his family and I was never invited- my dad said he thought I had bad memories and wouldn't want to go! Plus I lived far away and only visited for Christmas and 4th of July.
Quick note! The Crash that JG Ballard wrote is a psychosexual erotic drama about people getting turned on by car accidents with James Spader and Holly Hunter. Way different from the reviled Paul Haggis penned Best Picture winner.
Cronenberg is very much not my thing, but from what I know about the film, it’s well made and from what I hear Cronenberg works well with the actors on his movies. I have a lot of respect for him, which is more than I can say for Paul Haggis.
I saw the Ballard/ Cronenberg Crash one Easter Sunday just after moving to L.A., at an early matinee at the Los Feliz 3. That was when there was (still?) a retirement home nearby, and every LF3 matinee was 2/3 full of octogenarians. I sat down with all the smugness of a recent college grad, expecting pearl-clutching and walkouts from a crowd who didn't know what it was getting itself into, and instead was surrounded by an enthusiastic and attentive audience who clapped politely at the end, and reminded myself I was not in (metaphorical) Kansas anymore.
This is like when my mother was asked by an older lady in her craft group to take her to the movies. She wanted to see 50 Shades of Grey but was 85 and couldn’t drive. At the end of the film she loudly declared “what a load of rubbish, I’ve had much better sex than that”.
My 68-year-old mother has made me take her to Thor: Love & Thunder (because she loves CHems and heard you could see his butt in it) and the last Magic Mike movie (because she loves Joe M). She's also always trying to get me to read 50 Shades of Gray. She's slept with two men her whole life (her first and second husbands) and somehow I'm the prude lol.
“ People? I ain't people! I am a...'a shimmering glowing star in the cinema firmament!'” My friend and I would quote this at each other all the time. Also “I make more money than than than -Calvin Coolidge! Put together!”
1) I think I do need a Lina Lamont movie, but maybe I just need more Jean Hagen.
2) I binged Baby Reindeer and I am not particularly interested in true crime stories unless they involve grifting, although I will always make an exception for Betty Broderick. This may sound weird for a crime novelist, but as someone who has spent three decades thinking a lot about crime and what murder can tell us about our culture, watching a bunch of Not-Quite-Encyclopedia Browns try to "solve" mysteries is dispiriting. I think BR works because the writer/star is interested primarily in himself. (Not something I would normally consider a plus.) Why does he do what he does? Is pity ever kind or is it self-serving from the jump? I think Episode 4 is make or break for those on the fence. Maybe a big ask.
That’s such an interesting angle, and actually does make me want to get to episode 4. Sometimes I think shows need to come with a tag that says, “JUST GET TO EPISODE FOUR” or whatever, because so often there IS a clicking point. I always tell people to watch through episode 3 of For All Mankind before they decide anything, for example.
I also found all the main characters of putting and definitely kept watching into 4 because I was worried about the one character I really liked and felt nervous the show was not prepared to do right by. I was checking in on her. And then I couldn’t stop watching. It was an intense ride and I am very glad I had a dear friend who told me I had to watch it who I could text disjointed phrases to and exclamation points and this emoji 😮 even late at night.
This was the instructions for Andor as well b/c once you do there's a big payoff but I just couldn't hang with BR. I don't think I find the male lead appealing in any way.
OMG I own everything you've ever written and briefly met you at three different book signings in the late 90s / early 00s. "What the Dead Know" is IMO one of the best mystery novels ever written! I'm Baltimore born and bred & I still live here and I love how you represent this weird and wonderful city with love and honesty. Apologies for geeking out!!
Always appreciate hearing from another geek. Two weeks ago, I spoke at a luncheon and the governor's mom asked me what I was doing to improve Baltimore's image given that most of the world knows us via The Wire and Homicide. (So many layers there.) (I did FWIW defend my ex's work as being set in Baltimore, but not intended to be specific to it.) Anyway, I said I had a pretty clear conscience on that score, because my series books celebrate Baltimore while acknowledging its dysfunction. Meanwhile, in case anyone hasn't noticed -- the darkest stories I tell take place in the suburbs.
I ended up binging BR last night specifically because I have been seeing so much on how the show is supposed to be about him and his mental health. People have been treating it as a "true crime" thing when that's not the point (though it takes awhile to SEE that it isn't the point). Or, the point he's trying to make at least. I wonder if the stage show is more effective at keeping the focus on his journey. I also wonder, as I always do, if Netflix was the right place for this story.
I'm very surprised to see BR described as "true crime" - it strikes me as much more of an autobiographical work. Like, if someone made a film or television show out of Carmen Maria Machado's IN THE DREAM HOUSE (her memoir about an abusive relationship), I certainly wouldn't describe that as "true crime." It really does seem to be missing the point, which is the psychological contours of abuse and harassment, and not a sensationalistic retelling.
I know, and I wonder if it being on Netflix is behind some of the misinformation going out about it. Netflix viewers seem to get *weird* about true stories more than stories on other platforms. Or maybe there are just more Netflix viewers in general? Anyways, I ended up liking the show. I thought it ended well.
Our culture tends to flatten things, or use broad categories that don't really apply, but the sad fact is that a portion of the audience is treating it as true crime story and fixating on that aspect. Netflix decided not to share BR with critics and the show found a massive audience, so I doubt they have any regrets. But it would have benefitted, I think, from pre-release publicity with the talking points that have been made after the fact.
That's very interesting industry insight, thank you. I'm unfamiliar with how reviews normally go, I went looking for some writing about the story and was surprised at how little I could find (though the fan pursuit of the subjects is making for more stories).
This whole thing mirrors so much of what it's like to talk about personal trauma to others and have them try to "fix" or "solve" what happened rather than just listen. I'm sad for the creator that it's playing out this way.
It's definitely so much more about codependency and the lingering effects of sexual assault and the desires of performers specifically but everyone to feel important and wanted and appreciated by others and the difficulties of reporting things to the police especially when they don't fit an easy narrative and the dangers of going viral/achieving the fame you want etc etc etc.
It's beautifully complicated and not easy to like but very easy to think about. I keep going back to it in my mind. It's one that I think is worth watching even if you ultimately conclude you didn't like it because it's so thought provoking.
I felt somewhat similar to Hannah Gadsby's Nannette. If you feel uncomfortable, that's kind of the point.
I love her but also I think she’s….maybe too old? For a prequel? I love you though Dianne. (Her playing a Satan worshipper is a real tonal serve for her career-wise and that’s fun though.) - J
I had my money on flower pasties and nothing else on top. Guess Anna didn't like that idea.... I guess Anna's prepping them for the wedding cover story? Oh Anna, with time passing being part of this year's gala theme, maybe it's a good time to retire!
So excited for the gala- it's literally my birthday! My family is upset I don't want to go out for dinner, but I said gimme pizza and cake and let me sit and watch the arrivals in peace!
I'm wondering if Taylor and Travis are skipping cause it's where one of her other romances started?
Pace Bridgerton whatever way works for you. I like to wait to watch series until I can plow through the whole thing, but I accept that my method doesn't work for everyone.
I'm 100% down with the recapping plan. Bring it. Even if I wanted to binge it all, I have to be a good sport and allow husband and son some time with the "good TV" (read: bigger, in room with more comfy couch).
It's the most wonderful time of the year... the weeks of the Met gala sliding into Cannes are my favorites of the fashion calendar!
To quote Moira Rose's answer to the question "what is your favourite season?"
"Awards!"
And Eurovision is next week! What a glorious time.
Love the Bridgerton plan! Yay for pacing out episodes!
Paced weekly eps are so much better - when I binge things, I don't remember half of it; but pacing gets me so much more connected to the story as well as something to look forward to. It's like stuffing a piece of really good chocolate pie in my face all at once, or choosing to savor one bite at a time.
Little Reindeer is … something. If you get through 4th episode, you’ll need to take a break. I sure did.
I just watched ep 4 last night and I don’t know if I can watch the rest. Your description of it as “…something” is entirely accurate
For anyone who does continue to watch (I’m on episode 6 now)…is he funny and I just don’t get it? I cringe so much at his stage acts.
I would absolutely 100% watch a musical based on the Von Trapps’ time in America! Why hasn’t someone done this? (Possibly because the Von Trapps control the rights to their life story.) Maria’s autobiography has great stories - funny and sad - that could easily be dramatized. Apparently, they were performing while she was pregnant but she did not want to disclose that. So her dressmaker crafted outfits that made her as wide as her bump. By the end, she was shaped like those dolls that you tip over but they pop back up.
When I was little my dad took me to Trapp Family lodge to see Maria. I was so upset she was n old lady and not Julie Andrews. My parents ended up getting a timeshare there and for years took my brother and his family and I was never invited- my dad said he thought I had bad memories and wouldn't want to go! Plus I lived far away and only visited for Christmas and 4th of July.
They advertised the lodge in the back pages of The New Yorker and I desperately wanted to go.
LOL- I hated the New Yorker as a kid- I did not understand the comics!
How did I not know the Von Trapps were real people?!
Her book is still in print! https://amzn.to/3wfkKNr
I read that as a teen and just loved it!
I made it through one episode of Baby Reindeer then put my headphones in while my husband kept watching it. Decidedly not for me.
Quick note! The Crash that JG Ballard wrote is a psychosexual erotic drama about people getting turned on by car accidents with James Spader and Holly Hunter. Way different from the reviled Paul Haggis penned Best Picture winner.
I always struggle to keep those two separate! One of them has Thandiwe Newton on the cover; that's all I know.
I was going to say this!
Just in case someone thought they were getting the other one - Cronenberg’s Crash is (amazing) but a totally different ride…
Cronenberg is very much not my thing, but from what I know about the film, it’s well made and from what I hear Cronenberg works well with the actors on his movies. I have a lot of respect for him, which is more than I can say for Paul Haggis.
I would have loved Cronenbergs Crash to take best picture over the car crash (sorry) that did.
This came up in Framed the other day! Kevin knew it. I did not. —H
There's a good episode of You Must Remember This on Cronenberg's Crash.
Oh!!! Thank you! I forgot that Crash even existed. (I did think the other felt like a weird tonal shift. I should have double checked!) - J
I saw the Ballard/ Cronenberg Crash one Easter Sunday just after moving to L.A., at an early matinee at the Los Feliz 3. That was when there was (still?) a retirement home nearby, and every LF3 matinee was 2/3 full of octogenarians. I sat down with all the smugness of a recent college grad, expecting pearl-clutching and walkouts from a crowd who didn't know what it was getting itself into, and instead was surrounded by an enthusiastic and attentive audience who clapped politely at the end, and reminded myself I was not in (metaphorical) Kansas anymore.
This is like when my mother was asked by an older lady in her craft group to take her to the movies. She wanted to see 50 Shades of Grey but was 85 and couldn’t drive. At the end of the film she loudly declared “what a load of rubbish, I’ve had much better sex than that”.
I would have been so torn between generational deference and "DO TELL!"
My 68-year-old mother has made me take her to Thor: Love & Thunder (because she loves CHems and heard you could see his butt in it) and the last Magic Mike movie (because she loves Joe M). She's also always trying to get me to read 50 Shades of Gray. She's slept with two men her whole life (her first and second husbands) and somehow I'm the prude lol.
1. Love the Bridgerton schedule!
2. I would INHALE the Absolutely True Story of Lina Lamont. Justice for Lina! (It would have to be directed by Lina tho. That's key.)
“ People? I ain't people! I am a...'a shimmering glowing star in the cinema firmament!'” My friend and I would quote this at each other all the time. Also “I make more money than than than -Calvin Coolidge! Put together!”
Jean Hagen’s comic timing was *chef’s kiss*.
The delivery of “firmament” is everything.
I just said FIRM A MINT aloud to myself - J
Who are we casting? I could see Renee Rapp?
I feel like Naomi Watts could kill it.
1) I think I do need a Lina Lamont movie, but maybe I just need more Jean Hagen.
2) I binged Baby Reindeer and I am not particularly interested in true crime stories unless they involve grifting, although I will always make an exception for Betty Broderick. This may sound weird for a crime novelist, but as someone who has spent three decades thinking a lot about crime and what murder can tell us about our culture, watching a bunch of Not-Quite-Encyclopedia Browns try to "solve" mysteries is dispiriting. I think BR works because the writer/star is interested primarily in himself. (Not something I would normally consider a plus.) Why does he do what he does? Is pity ever kind or is it self-serving from the jump? I think Episode 4 is make or break for those on the fence. Maybe a big ask.
That’s such an interesting angle, and actually does make me want to get to episode 4. Sometimes I think shows need to come with a tag that says, “JUST GET TO EPISODE FOUR” or whatever, because so often there IS a clicking point. I always tell people to watch through episode 3 of For All Mankind before they decide anything, for example.
I also found all the main characters of putting and definitely kept watching into 4 because I was worried about the one character I really liked and felt nervous the show was not prepared to do right by. I was checking in on her. And then I couldn’t stop watching. It was an intense ride and I am very glad I had a dear friend who told me I had to watch it who I could text disjointed phrases to and exclamation points and this emoji 😮 even late at night.
This was the instructions for Andor as well b/c once you do there's a big payoff but I just couldn't hang with BR. I don't think I find the male lead appealing in any way.
PS this seems like a good place to note that I love your work - J
This is an excellent place because it seems the only other place I ever get recognized is the local liquor store, usually at my. most disheveled.
I also want to say how much I love your work--I always look forward to a new novel, and I have high hopes for the "Lady in the Lake" series.
I also love your work. Recently enjoyed Prom Mom quite a bit
OMG I own everything you've ever written and briefly met you at three different book signings in the late 90s / early 00s. "What the Dead Know" is IMO one of the best mystery novels ever written! I'm Baltimore born and bred & I still live here and I love how you represent this weird and wonderful city with love and honesty. Apologies for geeking out!!
Always appreciate hearing from another geek. Two weeks ago, I spoke at a luncheon and the governor's mom asked me what I was doing to improve Baltimore's image given that most of the world knows us via The Wire and Homicide. (So many layers there.) (I did FWIW defend my ex's work as being set in Baltimore, but not intended to be specific to it.) Anyway, I said I had a pretty clear conscience on that score, because my series books celebrate Baltimore while acknowledging its dysfunction. Meanwhile, in case anyone hasn't noticed -- the darkest stories I tell take place in the suburbs.
Disheveled at the liquor store is exactly where I'd expect to be recognized, if famous. Thanks for the chuckle.
I ended up binging BR last night specifically because I have been seeing so much on how the show is supposed to be about him and his mental health. People have been treating it as a "true crime" thing when that's not the point (though it takes awhile to SEE that it isn't the point). Or, the point he's trying to make at least. I wonder if the stage show is more effective at keeping the focus on his journey. I also wonder, as I always do, if Netflix was the right place for this story.
I'm very surprised to see BR described as "true crime" - it strikes me as much more of an autobiographical work. Like, if someone made a film or television show out of Carmen Maria Machado's IN THE DREAM HOUSE (her memoir about an abusive relationship), I certainly wouldn't describe that as "true crime." It really does seem to be missing the point, which is the psychological contours of abuse and harassment, and not a sensationalistic retelling.
I know, and I wonder if it being on Netflix is behind some of the misinformation going out about it. Netflix viewers seem to get *weird* about true stories more than stories on other platforms. Or maybe there are just more Netflix viewers in general? Anyways, I ended up liking the show. I thought it ended well.
Our culture tends to flatten things, or use broad categories that don't really apply, but the sad fact is that a portion of the audience is treating it as true crime story and fixating on that aspect. Netflix decided not to share BR with critics and the show found a massive audience, so I doubt they have any regrets. But it would have benefitted, I think, from pre-release publicity with the talking points that have been made after the fact.
That's very interesting industry insight, thank you. I'm unfamiliar with how reviews normally go, I went looking for some writing about the story and was surprised at how little I could find (though the fan pursuit of the subjects is making for more stories).
This whole thing mirrors so much of what it's like to talk about personal trauma to others and have them try to "fix" or "solve" what happened rather than just listen. I'm sad for the creator that it's playing out this way.
It's definitely so much more about codependency and the lingering effects of sexual assault and the desires of performers specifically but everyone to feel important and wanted and appreciated by others and the difficulties of reporting things to the police especially when they don't fit an easy narrative and the dangers of going viral/achieving the fame you want etc etc etc.
It's beautifully complicated and not easy to like but very easy to think about. I keep going back to it in my mind. It's one that I think is worth watching even if you ultimately conclude you didn't like it because it's so thought provoking.
I felt somewhat similar to Hannah Gadsby's Nannette. If you feel uncomfortable, that's kind of the point.
Beautifully explained / worded. We were talking about it at a dinner party last night, and I wish I could've said exactly this.
I thought it was important and well done, but I did not like watching it (and would never re-watch it, and would hesitatingly recommend).
Is Diane Wiest going to play the Ruth Gordon role in the Rosemary’s Baby prequel? I… don’t know.
I clocked this, too, from the Variety article. If so, that should allay any fears about who could possibly take on Ruth Gordon's role!
I love her but also I think she’s….maybe too old? For a prequel? I love you though Dianne. (Her playing a Satan worshipper is a real tonal serve for her career-wise and that’s fun though.) - J
Maybe a nice call back to her mom in The Lost Boys
Monday BRIDGERTON recaps sound great. Eager to read your takes.
Bridgerton schedule sounds great, I will eatch along with your recaps!
I like the word eatch as a portmanteau for eat and watch. Which I will probably do : ) Perhaps using my best china, as it is Bridgerton.
I know this isn't as glamorous as the usual dream for the Fug HQ, but...
https://www.boston.com/news/real-estate/2024/04/25/berkshires-camp-inspired-wet-hot-american-summer-can-be-yours/
Omg let’s do it!! - J
$3.5 mil is a steal! Totally doable, right?
Your Anna Wintour/Lauren Sanchez dialogue is hilarious! And it made me think that Lauren is going to come as a sexy clock. Specifically as a sexy version of Bezos’ 10,000 year clock: https://www.gofugyourself.com/photos/bezos-sanchez-vogue/vo1223_texas_01-1700006162
(Apparently it’s actually called the Clock of the Long Now. Ugh. I read the first paragraph of the Wikipedia entry, and I couldn’t take any more.)
I had my money on flower pasties and nothing else on top. Guess Anna didn't like that idea.... I guess Anna's prepping them for the wedding cover story? Oh Anna, with time passing being part of this year's gala theme, maybe it's a good time to retire!
So excited for the gala- it's literally my birthday! My family is upset I don't want to go out for dinner, but I said gimme pizza and cake and let me sit and watch the arrivals in peace!
I'm wondering if Taylor and Travis are skipping cause it's where one of her other romances started?
Happy Birthday! That sounds like a great way to celebrate - mine's the day before but now I'm inspired to claim the Monday evening as well.
Happy birthday! You should claim Monday- have leftover cake or if your people insist on going out for your birthday, then have new cake!
Taylor dutifully attended the Met Gala when she was still up-and-coming in the culture, but nowadays the Met Gala needs Taylor more than she needs it.
And really, she would only be setting herself up for negative criticism. So smart woman.
Technicallly it's where two of her romances started.
The nosy neighbour show proposal is Only Murders in the Building, which is perfect as it is.
Pace Bridgerton whatever way works for you. I like to wait to watch series until I can plow through the whole thing, but I accept that my method doesn't work for everyone.
And thank you!
I'm 100% down with the recapping plan. Bring it. Even if I wanted to binge it all, I have to be a good sport and allow husband and son some time with the "good TV" (read: bigger, in room with more comfy couch).