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Michael Apted, Director and Seven Up Documentarian, Dies at 79
From his obituary in The Guardian: “The film-maker and documentarian was known for films such as Gorillas in the Mist and Coal Miner’s Daughter, as well as his long-running series of Up documentaries. His death has been confirmed by his agency to the Hollywood Reporter. No further details are yet known. Apted’s career started in…
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Force Majeure, Ruben Östlund
Oddly enough after writing about this, I am reminded a year ago today I watched the 2014 dark comedy with the same name: Pretty fucking funny. The Gods of Carnage turn a routine, man-made avalanche into something that at least looks scarier. Scary enough to knockout assumptions of security and a few gender stereotypes. Scary…
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Dezron Douglas and Brandee Younger – Force Majeure
Cutting a jazz record is usually done so either live or by “getting the band back together” in a little room and ripping it up. This album, named after the clause in contracts that allows events to be cancelled due to an “act of God,” speaks of that struggle. A compilation of weekly online performances…
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Pet Semetary
Was on the road a lot for work the last week, and found myself on country roads in thick fog while listening to Michael C. Hall read Pet Semetary on Audible. Now it is late on this rainy autumn evening, just on the heels of Halloween, and I find myself home alone, as is Louis…
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How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change
Wise words: But eventually, aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional practices — and in a democracy, that only happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands. Moreover, it’s important for us to understand which levels of government have the biggest impact on our criminal justice system and…
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Spoolswap Sundays
How are you? What are you working on, artistically or otherwise? Who or what has shaped who you are? What inspires you? What do you love? Send a letter to luke@retroduck.com and let me know. These letters inspire me. I hope they inspire you, too. I have often said, “Sundays are for worship and Netflix.”…
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I’ve watched more television in the quarantimes than the last few years combined.
Atlanta (Seasons 1-2): I applaud the ambition, but it didn’t always grab me. Could have been funnier, or at least shown more heart. Stanfield was great, as always, but was most impressed by Brian Tyree Henry’s nuanced performance. Better Things (Season 4): The small moments have always been the best part of this show. There…
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Coyote V. Acme
Another New Yorker piece, in which Wile E. Coyote files suit against the Acme Corporation: “Mr. Coyote states that on December 13th he received of Defendant via parcel post one Acme Rocket Sled. The intention of Mr. Coyote was to use the Rocket Sled to aid him in pursuit of his prey. Upon receipt of…
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A Conversation at the Grownup Table, as Imagined at the Kids’ Table
By Simon Rich Mom: Pass the wine, please. I want to become crazy. Dad: O.K. Grandmother: Did you see the politics? It made me angry. Dad: Me, too. When it was over, I had sex. Uncle: I’m having sex right now. Dad: We all are. Mom: Let’s talk about which kid I like the best.…
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The End of Panic
How are you? What are you working on, artistically or otherwise? Who or what has shaped who you are? What inspires you? What do you love? Send a letter to luke@retroduck.com and let me know. These letters inspire me. I hope they inspire you, too. William Sterling is a podcast editor by day, and aspiring (and…
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O gentle and loving St Fiona,
Patron Saint of Self-Isolation, for you I shall fetch thy bolt cutters, for you are forever in my heart, & forever my heart. Amen.
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Took a Statistical “Which Character” Personality Quiz
Apparently I am most like Lady Sybil Crawley from Downton Abby. I’ve never seen it, admittedly. Is this accurate? From a bio on a Wiki I found: Sybil was described by Mrs. Hughes as “the sweetest spirit under this roof.” Sweet tempered, caring, and politically ambitious, Sybil was liked by everyone, despite her differences in…
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Learning to Ride a Bike
How are you? What are you working on, artistically or otherwise? Who or what has shaped who you are? What inspires you? What do you love? Send a letter to luke@retroduck.com and let me know. Here is one from my friend Amber on willing your heart to find a way to rise anew, an excellent…
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Infinite Jest
If, by the virtue of charity or the circumstance of desperation, you ever chance to spend a little time around a Substance-recovery halfway facility like Enfield MA’s state-funded Ennet House, you will acquire many exotic new facts… That certain persons simply will not like you no matter what you do. That you do not have…
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Status Update
Wrote this for Kottke.org, but thought I’d share here, too. Jason, It is Day 16 of Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” initiative. As long as I am productive, I think I am fine. I take my temperature and vitamins every day. I mostly eat the same things: fruit and/or vegetable smoothies for lunch, chicken and…
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There is a Light That Never Goes Out
How are you? What are you working on, artistically or otherwise? Who or what has shaped who you are? What inspires you? Send a letter to luke@retroduck.com and let me know. From artist/writer Tim Lane, here is one on The Smiths, his days as a Catholic school boy, the convolution of memory and revelation, and…