Songbirds, Saltburn, and Slow Living
with a side of tears and many many recommendations
This week’s issue includes:
📽️ 3 movie recommendations
📚 1 book vs movie discussion
🔥 thoughts on slow living, induced by “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves
🥹 tears, many tears…
Book vs. Movie (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (movie): What started as a spontaneous watch with my partner and his parents, quickly became a captivating movie, best watched with an ice cream sundae. Viola Davis slayed her portrayal of Dr. Gaul. Coriolanus (young President Snow) was very much endearing and even compassionate in the movie, more so than the book. Lucy Gray Baird was the songstress icon I never knew existed and Rachel Zegler killed this role, probably her best yet! Without any spoilers and a disdain for the original movies…I think I enjoyed this movie the best out of the entire series of movies….sorry JLaw. Highly recommend.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (book): Full disclaimer, I loved the Hunger Games series.
Read this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the film adaptation. The book did not disappoint. It serves as the villain origin story for President Snow, from the OG Hunger Games, and it was the villain origin story I never knew I needed. It was riveting to watch his descent into chaos, serving as a mentor in the GAMES, and learning a little bit more about this dystopian universe.
Final Verdict: While I am mostly, pro-book in these situations…I am giving it to MOVIE, this time! I was uninspired to read this prequel, until I saw the movie…and once I finished the book, I realized…wow! That’s a feat in and of itself!
Saltburn (2023)
Spoiler free.
This movie was not what I was expecting.
It was slow to start, but once our main characters arrive at the titular Saltburn, things fly off a cliff.
This is the definition of a psychological thriller that subverted my expectations, all the while making me believe it wasn’t a psychological thriller.
There is some nudity, there is some dancing, there is lots of sexual tension…but if my dad recommended this film at a family dinner at my Nonni’s house, it must be good right??
Slow Burn or Slow Yearn
There’s nothing sweeter than listening to “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves, while lighting a “Slow Burn” candle…also from Kacey Musgraves and her Boy Smells brand collab.
My partner recently got me a Vinyl player, with my favorite album “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves…and now I am just yearning for a slower paced life.
I am not sure if this idea of fast-paced and productive life is inherently American…but since the start of 2024, I have been actively trying to live and be present in the small, quiet moments…appreciating them for what they are. It’s quite nice to take a deep breathe in the midst of the chaos that lurks outside my window and across the globe.
My Nonno (grandpa) used to iterate to me on a daily basis the importance of “enjoying your life” and with him as a model of what that looked like, I am ready. Sipping an espresso in the quiet of the morning while taking a small stroll in my garden with the sun shining upon my face…sounds like a great start.
Cue the tears induced by thoughts of my Nonno who has passed to the heavenly thereafter.
Speaking of tears…
The Color Purple (2023)
I am a little late to report on this movie. But it was one of the best films of 2023 (possibly ever). I spent the entire run time of this film, bawling my eyes out because I was so moved and inspired by the acting and the music. My partner was so concerned at my inability to silence the tears, but luckily we were the only two in the movie theatre (I think and I hope). If you are not a musical kind of person, you may not enjoy… At points it is a downer, but without spoiling too much, there are moments that bring joy, lightheartedness, and a smile. This is not the OG movie, it weaves in the elements of the Broadway version and makes them 10x better.
Happy viewing, reading, or listening. Happy New Year (is it still appropriate to wish a Happy New Year halfway through January?)!