One of Them Q1 Roundups
Note to YOURself: Sign up for a library card
I’m seven months in to my production job and I have realized that no matter what I end up doing, inhaling all types of media is crucial to being well-rounded and reliable in this business. My goal is still to help artists realize their vision, so I feel like it’s important to experience what’s making (or more likely, losing) money and learn how we can strike that intersection with meaningful work.
I’m here for more suggestions this week! If you have any mystery/thriller shows or books and iconic artists who are not cishet white men, please comment their names on this post!
Also, we’re in the last stretch of edits for the pilot turned web-series I wrote. Check out the trailer and make sure to follow us for updates <3
Here are my standouts from this quarter:
Movies
My coworkers and I started an AV club focused Hollywood staples. Having a baseline of “the classics” feels important when developing for the new age.
Of course there is not a single woman on this list which is our bad but NOT ENTIRELY. Every month we’re focusing on a director, so if you have suggestions supplemental learning, please leave a comment.
North by Northwest Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
This was the first time I watched an old movie and kept thinking, “Wow they don’t make ‘em like this anymore, huh?” My first Carey Grant viewing. Who do we compare him to now? George Clooney probably? Good looking guys who can do comedy to sexy to somber at the drop of a hat. I’m excited to continue down the Hitchcock rabbit hole, however, I will be needing a hand to hold for most of his archive.
One of Them Days Directed by Lawrence Lamont
MORE OF THIS PLEASE. On the first day of Black History Month and opening weekend I got a group of friends to take up an entire row at the Lower Manhattan Alamo to see this. It is unbelievable how Issa Rae has continued to champion these stories without missing (not trying to hold Black women to an unrealistic standard but!!). We were cackling the entire time (without the help of the 5mg bliss pill that didn’t hit until the last act).
My only gripe was the amount horror trailers that preluded the film. Did they do that so our spirits would be lifted no matter what? That Until Dawn trailer made me realize that there should be laws against showing gore in an ad.
Flow Directed by Gints Zilbalodis
It’s funny because usually the idea of the earth post-apocalypse would send me down a spiral into a panic attack. However, this movie is so beautiful and calming and it’s because there are no humans (and only animated animals with realistic interactions) or speaking at all.
TV
I fell off of of Severance this season mid-episode eight where Ms. Cobel visits her hometown. However, James Le Gros is in it which spearheaded my sixth Girls rewatch. I’m at the point where Adam is about to debut on Broadway and…I can’t handle this heart break right now.
The season 3 premiere of White Lotus also fatigued me because I cannot deal with shitty rich white people right now! So here’s what I actually liked this quarter:
Running Point on Netflix
My expectations were low for this show as I assumed it would be similar to the bright rom coms Netflix has offered in the past. However, this show is witty, smart and excellently cast. The story line is fun and you’re rooting for everyone. THAT I can do. Super impressed by Ike Barinholtz’ work (and his brother who Sean and I are simultaneously watching on Superstore) here and on The Studio.
The Sopranos on Max
I’ve ranted about this. I would have seen this show way earlier if I knew it was about a mob boss going to therapy. NO ONE TOLD ME. I didn’t hear the plot once from any of the bros I’ve heard fall in love with the show, so I assumed it had nothing to do with me or my tastes. Wrong. So wrong. Gabagool!
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City on Peacock
I am withholding from getting into any other RH franchise because I am really good at starting para-social relationships with random reality stars (e.i, Amber and Ethan Diamond from the first season of Are You The One? and Gabby Windey from…everywhere at this point). This season of RHOSLC showed me that even the worst of us (Mary Cosby) can grow.
They just started dropping episodes for Survival of the Thickest season 2 on Netflix and The Studio on Apple TV+ and I have been enjoying them so far! Looking forward to The Last of Us season 2 as well.
Plays
My first and second times paying more than $100 for a play happened in March:
Cabaret
My family called in to vote for Adam Lambert every week on American Idol in 2009. Does anyone even know who Kris Allen is now??
As soon as marketing came out for Adam Lambert as the Emcee, Devon and I planned to get tickets. The entire theatre was immersively decked out to be the Kit Kat Club. I refrained from a cocktail (which all looked amazing) because the weekend before our friend got engaged and I was hungover for the entire week after.
Adam did not disappoint and I hope he gets a Tony nomination (can he? idk the rules). Was happy to also see Auli'i Cravalho perform, but I think I realized I don’t like Sally Bowles. Maybe I will when I’ve lived more life.
Oh, Mary!
I wanted to get tickets for the show in December before Cole left but they were over $500. So I waited and waited until the incredible news that Tituss Bergess would be taking on the role as Mary Todd Lincoln. This show was beyond my wildest comedic fascinations. Jules, the crowd and I cackled the entire time. Black actors playing the first family who “freed the slaves” pokes fun at the idea that any president actually ever gave a f*ck about emancipating any minority.
Books
Guys. I’ve read seven books this quarter and five of them are Emily Henry and I’m proud! My goal is to get back into reading consistently, and I knew that I could start with books that feel like I’m watching an easy, straight to streaming movie.
Anyway, all seven books I’ve rented are from the library. Make sure to sign up for your local branch’s card so they get funding!
Funny Story by Emily Henry
I flipped through this whole thing in Puerto Rico while on a girls trip. A great beach read for a mental getaway. Cute characters and sexy scenes.
The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods
If my friend Morgan hadn’t recommended this to me I wouldn’t have found it, let alone picked it up. It’s a historical fiction thriller which I now know I enjoy! It’s peaked my curiosity around more mysteries across media, so if you have any suggestions please leave a comment!
Music
The pop girlies are keeping the vibes a buck.
Short ‘N’ Sweet (Deluxe) By Sabrina Carpenter
Idk man, I’ve been really warming up to this short white girl. I heard the song “15 Minutes” on a song radio while cleaning the apartment, and I listened to it five times on repeat. It’s funny, it’s sassy, it’s spring.
Mayhem By Lady Gaga
This is a big one for me because I have never listened to a full Lady Gaga album. It was timed perfectly with my new gym membership because I listen to the whole thing straight through during my workouts now. CAN IIIIIII VANISH INTO YOU??
Again! If you have any mystery/thriller shows or books and iconic writers/directors/singers who are not cishet white men, please comment their names on this post! Am always looking for theatre and comedy to see as well.