"Listen. Strange women lying in ponds
distributing swords is no basis
for a system of government.
Supreme executive power derives
from a mandate from the masses,
not from some farcical aquatic ceremony."
Welcome to another episode of "So, what the hell do we do now, Bob?"
For those of you who are new, this newsletter is normally an information source for movies in theaters, coming to theaters and money they make. But as you know, things are not exactly what you'd call ordinary right now.
So in the mean time, I'm in the midst of highlighting movies I myself am discovering or rediscovering (that've already been released). Over the past few weeks I've focused on movies from black creatives (mostly directors, but actors as well). This week I added a bit of a LGBTQ+ bent, because Hollywood has as many blind spots in its representation of humans as it there are plot holes in a typical Michael Bay movie (read: a shit ton).
I'm really enjoying this focused look back, and I hope you are too. How else would I have enjoyed Eve's Bayou? A damn good movie - the atmosphere, the acting (Jurnee Smollett is a force man), the outfits, the lack of moral adjudication, its sense of identity. Let me tell you, that movie slaps. Ok, "slaps" maybe isn't the best adjective when describing a gothic family period drama. But really, I can't recommend it enough.
Plus, unless I missed it, there's not a single white person in that movie which is, remarkable in how unremarkable it was? You didn't really think about it because you were too focused on humans doing humans things - loving, messing up, dying.
As for any updates on theaters reopening, I touched on it last week, but there's really not a ton more to say beyond, it's happening (probably). But with "the bullshit" still gnashing around, things could change quickly.
Cutoff? Go here, click "most recent edition."
CIRCUS OF BOOKS
(2020)
If you're curious why an older couple is juxtaposed by a half naked man on the cover of a magazine, well oh boy oh jeez, do I have a movie for you.
It's a documentary (made by said couple's daughter no less) about the titular Circus of Books, a businesse that was very much not a book store (as my mother once humorously found out. hi mom!) based in West Hollywood, CA that became one of the biggest sellers of hardcore gay porn and a hub for gay culture. The twist? It was run by the genial looking (heterosexual) couple above! - unbeknownst to many around them. They ran the store for 35 years, through obscenity lawsuits, the AIDS epidemic, and rampant homophobia. The movie details how this seeming contradiction in terms came to be, while also showing the impact it had for many within the gay community (and the owners themselves).
Fun fact: their Silverlake location is now a weed store!
TANGERINE
(2015)
Tangerine is often referenced because it was shot on iPhones. It's also highlighted because its two stars are transgender women. While these are notable facts, they become less talked about unless the movie is actually good; and from everything you read about it (including a glowing NY Times review), it's real good. It kicks off with Sin-Dee-Rella getting out of jail, only to find out her boyfriend, who is also her pimp, has been cheating on her. So she enlists her best friend in an effort to find him, and the cis woman he cheater on her with.
Supposed to be vibrantly funny, highlight parts of LA that often get short shrift, and a donut shop features prominently as an architectural character. What's not to love?
GOOD HAIR
(2009)
As a white dude, I am certainly out of my depth on the topic of black hair. Which gives me an even greater incentive to watch this doc by Chris Rock about black hair and the many many layers (hair pun) that accompany a topic that on the surface, should be straightforward. But we're dealing with humans here and so of course race, racism, gender and a host of other factors contribute to create a culture that is fraught with complexities.
But this is Chris Rock, so you know it's gonna be funny along with the (biting) social commentary.
PARIAH
(2011)
About a young woman in Brooklyn who is coming out, but also just growing up and figuring out how to rectify those two facts with herself and her home life.
Debut movie by director Dee Rees who went on to direct Netflix's great Mudbound.
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