Happy New Year!
This is the first post in the new blog expansion. I’m interested in lots and lots of things (movies and books and games and television and music and travel and pretty things) beyond just acting theory and acting as a business, and I want my blog to reflect those interests. Thus, kicking it off…
My Favorites of the Year (Caveat, some of these favorites weren’t made/aired/produced in 2014, I just happened to experience them in 2014).
Favorite Movies
Birdman– I saw quite a few movies this year, but Birdman was my absolute favorite. Though I need to see it again to confirm, it may be my favorite movie of all time. The acting was fantastic, the self-awareness was awesome, and the technical achievement was superb. Do yourself a favor, and if you haven’t seen it already, go go.
The Godfather– I know, I know…How can I profess to love movies and never have seen The Godfather until now. Well, I do love movies, this one in particular. Al Pacino is so restrained. It’s a masterclass really.
Favorite Television
Rectify– (Season 1) I wrote about Rectify in a previous post, but I’m going to say it again. The. Acting. It’s a show where characters get to go feel their feelings. In what I’ve seen, there haven’t been crazy plot twists. The big thing happened, then we watch the aftermath.
The 100– I had no idea this show existed until it popped up on Netflix. I watched the first season and caught up on the second within a matter of days. The intersection of a technologically advanced society and a regressed people is interesting to watch play out. And the roles…for WOMEN! They’re strong, they’re flawed, and the lead is female. Plus, it’s really, really good.
Favorite Performance
James McAvoy, Filth– The character he plays in this movie is an absolutely despicable human. However, McAvoy plays him sympathetic enough that, by the end, I was ugly crying.
Favorite Songs
Hozier, “Take Me to Church”– Epic.
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”– I’m not really sure where the “It’s Cool Not to Like Taylor Swift” camp came from, if someone could kindly explain it to me, I will listen. However, I enjoy her songs. They’re catchy, she has a way with words, and they’re FUN.
Favorite Song Covers
Lousia Wendorff and Devin Dawson, “Blank Space/Style Mash-Up”– You’ve seen this. It went viral after TSwift tweeted it.
Chase Holfelder, Major to Minor “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”– Turns this song super creepy and I love it.
Favorite Book
Erik Larson, The Devil in the White City– I’m rather certain that this is the first non-fiction book that I’ve read for pleasure. It’s generally not my thing. This book however, was beautifully written. The intersection of the World’s Fair and a serial killer set the stage for ruminations on art, society, death, and men who are really monsters. Check it out, especially if you live in Chicago.
