Nomadland: A Portrait of Independence
February 23, 2021
When I sat down with my husband to watch Nomadland, released last week on Hulu, I expected a bleak portrait of near-homeless Americans disadvantaged by an ever-widening economic disparity. Co-produced by and starring the brilliant Frances McDormand, I was willing to go on the journey, and connect to the pain of a disenfranchised population.
The film is a multi-layered work with plenty to say. Some will see it as a paean to independent spirit, and the primal appeal of the open road to those who refuse to be settled. And while it’s true that economic hardship creates the underlying conditions of struggle, a few intriguing scenes suggest deeper layers.
Read more...The Enchantment of Ted Lasso
November 24, 2020
Ted Lasso, a new original series on Apple TV+, manages to pull off a near-impossible feat. It is a laugh-out-loud funny comedy imbued with silliness, genuine warmth, moments of poignant pathos, and a special something extra wrapping the show in fascination. The story begins as the indomitable title character arrives in London to coach a premier football club. Embodied as a sheer force of goodness by the brilliant Jason Sudeikis, also one of the series’ creators and writers, Lasso is an upbeat, quirky Division 2 football coach from Kansas City with homespun wisdom. He knows nothing about European football (soccer), but is willing to leap into the unknown and guide the team. Read more...
A Birthday Prayer
June 18, 2020
I woke up early this morning, opened my eyes and noticed the date on my digital alarm clock: June 18th. I felt a flutter of excitement. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve held a special feeling about this day. Is it my birthday? No. Is it the birthday of a loved one? Sort of. June 18th is Paul McCartney’s birthday. He is 78 years old today. I was eight, and already a huge fan, when… Read more...
Slowing to the Soul’s Pace
February 22, 2020
Last night, I finally saw A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood, a film based on a true story, about a cynical and emotionally wounded journalist who was changed by an assignment to write a piece for Esquire about Mister Rogers. I hadn’t rushed to see it in the theaters, even though I am a huge fan of Fred Rogers’ humanitarian work. Read more...
