Weekly Culture Menu 1.23.24
The Academy is just Ken.
For this week’s installment of the Weekly Culture Menu, we have a sampling of content across a variety of mediums, lengths, and sensibilities so that you can dip in and out all week. Once you subscribe, you can expect a weekly menu delivered to your inbox every Tuesday.
🍤 Amuse Bouche [ -10 mins ]
🗞️”The Oscars are Confused About Barbie” by Michael Schulman. The Academy announced the nominations this morning, and though I’m thrilled for many (Lily Gladstone! Justine Triet! Celine Song! Sandra Hülller! Cord Jefferson! All the Poor Things recognition!), I can’t help but feel frustrated and angry to see Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie left out of the Best Director and Best Actress races. It feels demoralizing to know that you can direct a critically acclaimed, beloved, billion-dollar+ grossing film with an impactful message that brings everyone back to the movies, and it’s still not enough. Friendly reminder that only three women have ever won Best Director, and Jane Campion is the only woman to be nominated more than once. Annoying that we’re talking about this rather than celebrating all the historic wins. Alas, the linked article is an interesting discussion of the Oscar’s long, complicated history with commercially successful films.
🍟 Appetizer [ -30 mins ]
🗞️”Lily Gladstone on Her History-Making Oscar Nomination” by Sarah Bahr. In happier news, Lily Gladstone received a very well-deserved and history-making Oscar nomination this morning. She’s a force in the film, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her (no small feat when your scene partner is Leonardo Dicaprio). I enjoyed this conversation about her nomination and what’s next.
🗞️”The Birth of My Daughter, The Death of My Marriage” by Leslie Jamison. A riveting piece on motherhood, divorce, being a daughter, having a daughter, career guilt, and more. I look forward to reading her upcoming book! Excerpt below.
During a conversation years earlier, when I was already unhappy enough to consider leaving, I told my friend Harriet that I was worried about the harm I would cause if I left. She told me I was right to worry. I would cause harm. She also told me no one moves through this world without causing harm. I’d wanted her to say, Don’t be crazy! You won’t cause any harm! Or, at least, You’re in so much pain, you deserve to cause harm!
But she hadn’t said either of those things. What she said instead was neither condemnation nor absolution. It was just this: You have to claim responsibility for the harm you cause. You have to believe it’s necessary.
🍽️ Main Course [ 1 Hour+ ]
🎬Poor Things. Eleven very well-deserved Oscar Nominations for Poor Things! The story centers on the evolution and self-discovery of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a woman-child brought back to life by an unconventional scientist. The visually stunning movie is both poignant and hilarious, with easily one of my favorite main characters of the last decade. In many ways, Poor Things shares similarities to Barbie - an initially naive woman controlled by the will of men who encounters the ills of society and the limitations women face but pushes through to chart her own meaningful course and create a life of her own. The Weird Barbie origin story - with a whole lot of sexual liberation and enlightenment along the way. A must-watch, and maybe even my favorite of last year.
🎬The Iron Claw. A warning that this one is unbelievably heavy but worth the watch. The movie is the true story of the Von Erich family wrestling dynasty and the tragedy and triumph surrounding their legacy (tragedy almost feels like an understatement to describe their story). As someone who knows almost nothing about professional wrestling, I didn’t know what to expect. But this film is an incisive look at toxic masculinity, complicated family dynamics, and ruthless ambition. Though it wasn’t nominated for any Oscars (probably due to A24’s rollout of the film), this is a real showcase for Zac Efron and proof that our boy Troy can do it all. Emotionally haunting and beautifully shot - a movie for when you need a good cry. Also, Adele said it was her favorite of the year, so that’s basically an Oscar.
📚The Secret History by Donna Tartt. This was one of my favorite books in my early twenties, and a recent reread confirmed it still holds up. Tartt’s first novel tells the story of six inseparable classmates studying classics at a liberal arts college. Told by one of the members of the group, the narrator reflects on a murder in their tight-knit circle and the events leading up to it. Secret societies, class dynamics, and betrayal - what more could you want? If you enjoyed Saltburn, this one’s for you. But make time to read it in one sitting - you won’t be able to put it down.
🎭 ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ by Stephen Sondheim at the Hudson. Let me tell you about this unknown show. Jk. This run is a massive hit! Though the 1981 Broadway debut was a flop - this new production has received much deserving acclaim. We love a comeback story! Excitingly, they’ve announced an extended run. Tickets are expensive but worth the splurge to see this perfectly cast trio, and the story in reverse will have you thinking about friends, youth, love, ambition, and everything in between.
🧁Dessert [ -1 hour ]
📺 US Traitors Season 2. Okay, I’m late to the party on this one, and I’m only familiar with this season and not the original Netherlands version and subsequent UK adaptation (which I hear is fantastic), but I started watching US Season 2, and I’m having a great time. Alan Cumming has committed to the bit - last season, his demeanor was described as both “macabre and flirtatious” (who knew that was possible). And it’s fun to see Survivor contestants pitted against a former Bachelor contestant and Bravo housewife. Honestly, it’s a good, campy romp full of intrigue and big personalities - who doesn’t need that these days?
🎰 Benny Safdie on The Curse. If you started watching The Curse after last week’s rec, may I also recommend the Film at Lincoln Center conversations with Benny Safdie. Safdie sat down to discuss episodes 4-10 and answer audience questions. I loved seeing his excitement and pride for what they created, and it’s a generous unpacking of a puzzling show that still leaves just enough for you to contemplate on your own. Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone also joined for some of the discussions. It's a great companion piece as you watch each episode.
And I’ll leave you with this delightful TikTok featuring Alan Cumming and Brian Cox that plays rent-free in my head.
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Thanks, Nicole! Happy to have you :)
Love the easily digestible round-up and unabashed positivity of this! I'm subscribing.