06.2021 Return of the Café
Went to a coffee shop nearly every day after work this last month. It wasn’t magic, but there is the comfort of a returning habit. To have my “spot” and “time” for writing has definitely helped productivity, but certainly hasn’t eliminated procrastination — if anything it’s grown.
Bagel consumption is up. I fear for my waistline.
This month’s playlist:
GOYOKIN
Jonathan brought this film up in the group chat. He’s determined to transform this Samurai Summer into the Year of the Samurai. No one is complaining.
Beautiful film with a lovely color palette and striking lighting. The first fifteen minutes enamored me due to the use of handheld shots. Not something you would expect from a 1969 samurai movie. It contrasted elegantly with the predominantly traditional cinematography, adding an appropriate sense of foreboding to the scene.
That choice reminded me of similar decisions in The Shootist. I found its use of handheld in an otherwise traditionally shot western startling and played well with its overall themes.
SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE
This is also due to Jonathan’s pestering. The game is as difficult as I’ve heard, yet fair. I’m still early in the experience, but I’ve already felt the satisfaction of having my ass beat repeatedly by a boss only to return a few days later and carve them up like a turkey on the first try.
Bow before my might.
LOVE, DEATH & ROBOTS
I love animation. And I’d been complaining of a lack of innovation in western animation for years when the first season of Love, Death & Robots released. Season one showcased some stunning 3D animation attempting to bridge the uncanny valley (Lucky 13), some refreshingly stylized fair (The Witness), and 2D even got a chance to shine (Zima Blue).
But, except for Zima Blue, the writing was rather weak and subject matter shallow. The first season leaned heavily on gore, nudity, and sex instead. I’m not against this content in animation; I just had hoped for more mature storytelling with greater depth.
This year, season two delivered on those hopes. The shorter season didn’t have some of the showstoppers of the first, but it is a more varied and thoughtful collection of speculative fiction. I hope we get another.
GIRAFFAGE
Not much to say, only that this track hasn’t left me alone for weeks.
Also, this month, a lizard dunked on me, and I got into Italian cinéma.