Archive for March, 2009
The Wife: Two’s a Party
Stored in a basement somewhere are my old high school notebooks — full of doodles, magazine cut-outs, and MASH results. One of those magazine images was a montage of famous couples. Not only did it cover a range of pop culture references — for example, comic strips (Blondie and Dagwood), cinema (Hepburn and Tracy), and literature (Romeo and Juliet) — but it also included pairings whose share of conflicts made them just as memorable as their ardor (Burton and Taylor). My favorites of these are the ones who work in the same industry; better yet, the ones who share projects. The potential for something productive, constructive, or destructive (usually all three) is great, exposing the complexity of human relationships.
In an attempt to recreate a page from my teenage-decorated notebooks, I offer a collection of photographs of some of my favorite collaborators: Burton & Taylor; Bergman & Rossellini; Fellini & Masina; De Beauvoir & Sartre; Lennon & Ono; Carter & Cash; Hepburn & Tracy. These pairs are far from perfect, but their energy and intensity make even their moments of scandal and dysfunction just as captivating as their displays of tenderness and devotion.
Tangent from: The Wife
At the recommendation of Nick Hornby, I recently read The Wife by Meg Wolitzer. I was surprised when I learned that this book shaped Mr. Hornby’s writing. A number of his books deals with predominantly male interests (obsessive record collection/soccer/prolonged bachelorhood). Then I remembered How To Be Good, in which he writes from a woman’s perspective. After reading The Wife, I can certainly see Ms. Wolitzer’s influence.
The story is about Joan, 64-year-old spouse of novelist Joe Castleman. On a plane ride to Helsinki, where Joe will be accepting the much coveted Helsinki Prize, Joan decides to leave her husband. The book retraces Joan and Joe’s relationship and examines their evolution both as individuals and as a couple. The characters are strongly developed and the tone is sharp, clever, and witty. Ms. Wolitzer reviews the role of “the wife” (well, of this wife) and all that it entails — the happiness, the sacrifices, the betrayals, the rewards. She raises issues about gender, including its impact on the characters (who shared literary aspirations) and their life choices. She also provides insight on the connection between two writers and shows how passion and talent can both bond and break people.
I have seen different jackets for this book, but this is my favorite. The M, the W, and the open book between the two letters could represent the author herself. But it could also refer to Man and to Woman — who, like the letters, share similarities, but are not the same — and to the ones in the story who were united and divided by the written word.
Maneaters: Bringing It All Back Home
Woa… there’s a Rock Band version of Neko Case singing People Got A Lotta Nerve.
And speaking of Calamity Janes…
Maneaters: For the Love of Nature
Until approximately 6.5 weeks ago, I only knew two people with an intense interest in Jacques Cousteau: my grandfather Armando and Wes Anderson. Now I know another: my friend and colleague Josh. Recently, on a whim, Josh and his wife, borrowed The Cousteau Odyssey from the library. They soon fell in love with the man, his mission, and his red skull cap. That red skull cap is so distinctly Cousteau that it’s even referenced in the Cousteau Society’s logo.
Maneaters: The Charm of the Wild: Addendum
Just saw a tweet from Maud Newton and had to share.
The intro for Olivia Gentile’s forthcoming book, Life List, is a treat.
Magical music. Beautiful birds.
Maneaters: El Matador
Let me be clear about this: I do not condone bullfighting. I think it is a cruel, barbaric,and unnecessary sport. I fully support PETA’s campaign in Europe to end it.
I am, however, fascinated by the grace and glamour of the matador and can understand how Manet and Hemingway were inspired by them.
Maneaters: aka Femme Fatales
You know the type — the kind that Hall and Oates sing about. The kind that’ll chew you up. There aren’t just songs about them; there are movies, books, paintings, sculptures, late-night diner conversations!
Cleopatra is one of the famous, but certainly not the first. When it came time to make a movie about her, studios turned to her Hollywood heiresses: Theda Bara and Elizabeth Taylor. (Oh, and they asked Claudette Colbert, too.)
Maneaters: The Charm of the Wild
Wild animals are cute, right?
from fuckyoupenguin.blogspot.com (via Alex and Jon)
from www.zooborns.com (via Mike)
Maneaters: When I See An Elephant Fly
He’s got wing-like ears, makes nice with a mouse, and rolls with the circus. These are crucial points to the story of Dumbo and some key elements used in the design of the film posters.
Tangent: Maneaters
Recently purchased the new Neko Case and can’t stop listening to “People Got A Lotta Nerve.” The truth is: they do. They really do. Everytime I hear her belt “I’m a man-man-man, man-man-maneater” I want to shake my head.
I want to shake my head for two reasons:
1) I’m totally digging the song.
2) I’m exhibiting both my disgust in and sympathy for the recipient of this message.
You should’ve known, man. You should’ve known.