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Céline Sciamma’s queer feminist period drama about two wammin passing the Bechdel test in the Age of Patriarchy gets a thumbs up from me. I watched this movie on the plane and it’s common knowledge that flying makes you emotional/horny, which might explain why it left such a lasting impression.This film has everything you could possibly want: lesbians, nudity, costumes, art history references, vision — all while maintaining an uncharacteristic degree of restraint and not going too hard on the political statements. The casual absence of men for the most part is a nice touch. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s up there in my hall of fame, along with Harold Pinter and Joseph Losey’s The Go-Between, Peter Greenaway’s The Draughtsman’s Contract and Alain Corneau’s All the Mornings of the World. The only thing that would’ve made it better in my opinion is if they delivered on all the threats of self-immolation in the end, but endings are something that filmmakers historically seem to struggle with, so next.
Aug 23, 2022
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i love this movie sm!! the writing, the colors, orpheus and eurydice, and it’s GAY??
Apr 15, 2024
When Marianne rubbed a cloth to destroy the first portrait of Héloïse, I knew this film was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I loved how expressive both actors were—their gazes, their nuances, and the way they delivered each line... If I may borrow Jane Austen’s words, this film has truly pierced my soul. All the eroticism is steeped in consent.
I also loved the setting: the eerie mansion by the beach, perched on a cliff, was the perfect backdrop for a passionate story I could only imagine and dream of. I felt everything through this movie and adored how both actors flirted and argued until they could no longer speak or touch each other.
Sighhhh... I could talk about this film all day. Another sighhhh... I’m truly moved and have recommended it to my closest friends as a must-watch.
After my first viewing, I can say this movie has left a lasting mark on me and has taken a significant part of my heart. ARGH—I'm in love with this movie!
Oct 31, 2024
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This film is, to me, perfection. Lesbian adjacent stalking, huge focus on real estate and the two GOATiest GOATS- Cate B and Judi D- going head to head at the speed of hysteria. This is what I hoped I was getting when I decided to make a home in London (every part except an affair with a fifteen year old boy. Not good!) Not only do I love the aesthetic- a kind of drab cashmere cowl-neck with a hippie skirt, the sense that everyone is ten degrees too cold, tons of crown moulding- but I love any film about our obsessive cultural interest in catching mothers stepping outside of bounds, and what that punitive glee says about us. Watch for the complex social message, stay to see a young Juno Temple whimper-cry “I’M FAT AS FUCK, MUM!" (she’s most definitely not, but she plays it perfectly.)
Jan 3, 2023
Top Recs from @anna-khachiyan
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As you get older, nothing makes you feel more confident than dousing yourself in perfume to mask the stench of mortality. Granted I’m new to this and not an expert on fragrances, let alone “notes” and whatnot. But since newsletters are all about advising you on how to creatively spend your money, I’ll do my part and point you in the right direction. My go-to rotation at the moment is Serge Lutens Fille de Berlin, Olympic Orchids Ballets Rouges, and TRNP Bulgakov (Limited Edition *not* OG), which the manufacturer describes as smelling like “faded opulence.” Sometimes I like to wild out and layer them all on at once. Not everyone is blessed with healthy levels of narcissism. Perfume is a good way to stack the cards in your favor.
Aug 23, 2022
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Nothing feels as good as unsubscribing, but you’re gonna want to hold on to a physical subscription or two, if for no other reason then ambiance. Personally, I recommend American Affairs and The New Criterion, a couple of quality periodicals with good aesthetics that some may call “fascist,” but I call respectable. Reading magazines will help you improve your attention span and cut through the wasteland of takes. God knows we could all use some of that.
Aug 23, 2022
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Easier said than done, especially if you suffer from learned helplessness and poverty mentality due to years of living like a dog. As with most habits that are worth investing in, this one’s a matter of going against your gut, at least initially. That’s fine because your gut is probably leaky and has a messed up microbiome. Only problem is once you break the seal, there’s no going back.
Aug 23, 2022