Here are some things that I’ve been reading, watching and listening to over here at the Higgons estate.
BOOK
I’m currently reading Submission by Michael Houellebecq. This is a novel that takes place in France in 2022 after an election cycle (a bad one). Considering that I know bupkiss about French politics and literature, I’m thankful I had Google. While very French, there are some obvious parallels to what’s taking place today here in the states. A “Notable Book of the Year” from the New York Times Book Review … if that sort of shit matters to you.
MOVIE
Take Shelter (2011) Written and directed by Jeff Nichols. The movie stars Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, what more do you need? It’s an interesting drama/mystery that has very little camera movement which heightens the tension. A little long and moves a little slow but Jeff Nichols is no Michael Bay (that’s a compliment) … provided you don’t mind that, this is a good rainy day movie.
DOCUMENTARIES
There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane (HBO – 2011). This details the 2009 accident on the Taconic Parkway; and if you’ve ever driven on the Taconic you know you’re pretty much in God’s hands under the best of circumstances. What happened to the eight people on July 26, 2009 is horrible … what’s been revealed and happening since is tragic. All available evidence indicates that Diane Schuler made a series of bad decision’s and mistakes, more than likely based on an attempt to quell the pain of a tooth abscess, that resulted in this tragedy. Was she malicious and hell-bent on murder and mayhem? No. Aside from the car accident, there is enough tragedy in this story to make for a Shakespearean play.
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (HBO – 2018). This is a fine documentary about an extraordinary talent. It doesn’t reveal too much that you may not already know and provides a nice overview of his life. I felt they could’ve done a little more to highlight his diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and how that may have played a role in his suicide. I think the prevailing thought is he hung himself out of desperation at his Parkinson’s diagnosis. I’m not entirely sure that is the case (although certainly part of it) and as his best friend Bobcat Goldwaith notes “his brain wasn’t sending him correct messages” as a result of the Lewy Body Dementia. But all said, a good documentary.
MUSIC
The Tragically Hip – Road Apples (1991). Ever since I read The Never-Ending Present: The Story of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip by Michael Barclay, the Hip has been my band of choice. Good old-fashioned rock and roll.
TELEVISION
Atlanta (FX) – Yea, I’m a little late on this one. The first few episodes start a little clunky, but it quickly finds its footing and turns into one of the smartest and sharpest shows on television. This is a show where the writing makes sure that all the players are just as strong as the star. Smart television.
QUOTE
“Death is not the greatest loss of life. The greatest loss of life is what dies inside us while we live.” – Norman Cousins
Good words.
Who among us, with all that is going on, doesn’t feel a little like this? We should stop that. To slowly die inside while you’re alive is an awful feeling. So don’t.
That is all.