I feel like half a year crammed into May. The front end was overstuffed with wage work, with so many social engagements slipped in the cracks. And the back end, I was on holiday to recover. Yet, my calendar was still so full. Slow mornings, space for personal work, unhurried visits, errands with friends, introducing more people to Songkran/Phi Mai, celebrating milestones, and time for good leavings. I’m ready for a few sleepy weeks.

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This month’s playlist:

Batman (1989)

I think every Batman movie has been a home run--only The Dark Knight Rises is slightly unsteady. But I love Tim Burton’s contributions, especially Batman Returns. Jack Nicholson’s Joker is the highlight of 1989’s Batman. It’s a marvel to watch Nicholson fully commit to being a flesh-and-blood cartoon. I rewatched The Cat in the Hat recently and felt the same of Myers’ hammerspace performance. I’m convinced both Mike Myers and Jim Carrey took notes from Nicholson’s Joker for their Seussical roles.

I was also invited to watch Paper Moon, which I’d never seen before, and highly recommend it.

Lord of Light

On the other hand, I felt indifferent regarding Lord of Light. Which disappoints me. The concept of this sci-fi novel has intrigued me for years: speculative fiction inspired by (or appropriating?) South Asian mythology and religion, the CIA buying the film rights to smuggle hostages out of Iran, and those operations being adapted into the movie Argo. Unfortunately, the book failed to capture my interest. I’m tempted to blame the choice of listening to it on audiobook. It may be something I need to read with my own eyes.

The Sopranos

My friends won’t shut up about Shrinking. I’ll get to it eventually. Specifically for Harrison Ford. If you don’t realize Ford is more than Indy or Solo, please watch his performance in Regarding Henry.

I started watching The Sopranos instead. Bits about Tony Soprano’s therapist were a meme I’ve been aware of online for years. But I did not realize Tony’s therapy sessions are a key element driving the narrative of every episode. I find it quite hilarious I unwittingly passed on a comedy-drama centered around therapy for a mob show centered around therapy.

Lunalay’s EP

I want to talk about Peggy’s new album. But I must highlight another album that released the same day, my friend Layla’s first EP. Just a year ago, she dove headfirst into recording and performing her music seriously. An audacious moment for every artist, to allow oneself to fully invest in their creative work. I was honored when she invited me to collaborate on visuals for the Lunalay project and be a part of the constellation of talented artists who contributed to this debut. Proud of what she’s accomplished so far and anticipating what’s to come. Give her EP a spin. It’s a good one.

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This month I also spent a lot of time with video. I captured visuals to help Lunalay promote her song My Peace, and for my friend Veronica’s upcoming music project. I’ve also been documenting life with film photos. I really need to start posting those rolls.