Reading Week with Not Much Reading
I’ve noticed a real trend over the last few of these posts that I
have been extremely negative and quite pessimistic which is, in all honesty,
quite a trend in the state of the world right now. Which is why I wanted to
open this piece with an appreciation that this week has just been wonderful in
almost every single way. It doesn’t really have much to do with having a week
off studying, it’s just been a bit more of a positive direction in the state of
everything, In other words this was the week that the irredeemable gremlin in
fake tan known as Donald Trump was finally booted out of the White House. I
know I’m only young, but I can viscerally remember the day he was elected and
it was comfortably at one of the lowest points in my life, I was surrounded by
people celebrating this fact like he was the new messiah but over the last four
years, through everything he has done it feels comfortable knowing I'm at one
of the happiest moments of my life right now. Most of that is to do with the
people I have surrounded myself with, people with a shared passion for empathy
and friendship above all and I feel independent enough to confidently find my
own way in this world. Weirdly, during the week we officially went into our
second lockdown, getting out and doing stuff has made this week feel much more
valuable and well spent. I got in all the things I wanted to before lockdown
and have found some lovely ways to get through this second lockdown. Of course,
it has only been a few days, let’s not pretend at all like this second lockdown
will at all be easier but having a strong support system and routine is
hopefully going to see me through.
On a nationwide level I have no idea what consequences returning
to lockdown is going to have, I have so much sympathy for independent business
and I just pray that there is light at the end of this tunnel. It just feels
nice to have some good news, even if it isn’t in my country, our fascist with
stupid hair might be stuck with us for another 3 years. But four years of
anger, vitriol and hate to be replaced with even the slimmest ounce of empathy
and passion is something I needed right now. I don't love Joe Biden at all, but
progress isn’t immediate, and he is at least a step in the right direction, who
knows what his presidency will look like, I'm just happy it’s not Trump
anymore. I hope this inspires people in this country that there is an end in sight
to our current nightmare and to never stop working towards a better future. I
had a magical week to say the least, I value company a lot and I value the
people around me so much, on Monday I took a quiet visit with friends to
Kensington Gardens and fed some parrots for a whole afternoon. It was relaxing,
escapism and honestly the exact kind of thing I needed. Take care of yourself,
take care of your friends and let them know how much they mean to you, it can
go a long way. Weirdly with this being reading week I didn't actually watch
that much stuff but here's a quick rundown anyway.
Eraserhead
My last cinema trip before Lockdown was an incredibly lucky opportunity
as I got to see one of my all-time favourite films on the beautiful big screen.
I'm a big David Lynch fan and I just find his work to be ridiculously rewarding
and honestly just mesmerising. I always admire a degree of confidence in a
director's thought process and Lynch has this fascinating ability to make films
that are uncompromising, enigmatic, and somehow incredibly fun. He just really
appeals to me with how he strives to be as surreal and as disturbing as
possible but still has an idea echoing in the background. 'Eraserhead' has a
very specific feeling and anxiety to it, the story of a man existentially
worrying about being a father is a solid through line in the surrealness of
this world. The legend that is Jack Nance is just formidable in this role as he
plays this awkward, at times childish and almost otherworldly character, Henry
feels like an observer in this world and a great grounding for this audience. Of
course, the biggest success is the insane sound design and practical effects, two
elements that drive the surrealist horror to another height, feeling exhausting
and often drilling into your soul. An absolute treat to see at the BFI.
Honey Boy
This was an unexpected treat that I watched on a quiet night in.
The semi-biographical film written by Shia LaBeouf and directed by Alma Har'el
was a moving and fascinating experience. It seemed to kind of come out to very
little attention last year and it put me off initially from seeing it due to
the kind of wishy-washy marketing. But once I finally gave this film a go, I
fell head over heels in love. It's more of a therapy session than it is a film,
based on LaBeouf’s childhood as a child actor and his tough relationship with
his father. I know Shia has become a bit of a joke over the years due to his
various stunts, he is a controversial figure and I was worried this would be
nothing more than a vanity project attempt at showing how deep and layered he
actually is. I found it to be humble, measured and extremely well done, it is
personal but also detached enough and I think it is a testament to LaBeouf and
Har'el's talent as they make the film feel understated yet extremely impactful.
One of my favourite films I have seen for a while.
And that about does it! Sorry this week was a bit shorter than
usual, with it being reading week I didn’t actually have much time to watch
anything new and spent most of the time doing stuff or finishing off
assignments. Thanks for sticking with me, be kind to yourself and each other
and I will see you next week.