THE FEBRUARY SELECTION
A belated monthly round-up
MOVIE: Pricilla by Sofia Coppola
Having two young kids makes it extremely difficult to find time to watch a full-length movie. However, I happened to have a nasty bought of the flu and thus secured alone time to pursue this lofty venture - an activity that I used to not only take for granted but indulge in as a film snob in my teens and subsequent screenwriting graduate student in my late 20s.
The choices were daunting as I am pickier than ever with the limited time I have. I also have acquired an aversion to anything scary or too “dark” since having children. I’ve heard this from a lot of mothers. We have enough fears and irrational anxieties now that we are responsible for someone else’s life, no need to exacerbate the shadow within, thank you!
I ended up choosing to watch Sofia Coppola’s Pricilla. This was a decision based on the fact that I worked with Priscilla Presley during my time as a brand manager. The company I worked for helped usher in a limited-edition furniture line, and Jewelry for QVC.
During a couple of years, I was able to get to know Pricilla on a professional level and was happy to discover a classy, extremely smart woman with strong convictions. She was also very guarded but once you established trust, she opened up and was surprisingly funny and very engaging. She even told some great Elvis stories!
On to the movie:
While I do love a languid stroll through Sofia Coppola’s girlhood lanes (I think she’s a master at creating a distinctly feminine cinematic journey). I found this adaptation of Presley’s autobiography Elvis & Me a little slow and ultimately lacking the obvious drama in this oft-told love story. Perhaps Coppola was intentionally distancing her project from the first adaptation’s campy mini-series but in the process lost some of the story’s flesh and blood.
Caveats aside, this is an important project coming on the heels of Baz Luhrmann’s, Elvis. This perspective of a girl caught in Elvis’ orbit has earned its place in the conversation. It’s also worth noting that Priscilla was an executive producer on Coppola’s film and signed off on the final cut. The story doesn’t shy away from the creepiness factor of the age difference and Elvis’ obvious grooming of a young teen but it also doesn’t necessarily vilify Elvis either. It’s told through Priscilla’s eyes, during the time she was with him, and is framed with that period’s values and perspective limitations in mind. Ultimately, this movie is about loneliness and discovering independence.
MUSIC: Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey
I love it when an album graces your presence and changes your preconceived notions of an artist. That was this album for me. When I first discovered Lana with her iconic single “Video Games”, I was mesmerized by her hauntingly aching voice. Then came the piercing, “Young and Beautiful” and I knew she would break my heart if I got too far into her music — so for that reason, along with naively believing the misogynist “industry plant” chatter — I dismissed Del Rey. Until this past year. I know I am very late in the Lanafandom but will now go to bat for her insightful feminine lens and evocative songwriting catalog despite my husband and boys making fun of me.
The Grammy-nominated Ocean Blvd is Del Rey’s 9th studio album and features her signature cinematic soaring vocals along with the introspective lyricism first showcased in critical darling, Norman F*cking Rockwell. The sweeping album is vulnerable while delving into a hopeful spirituality only hinted at in past work. Song highlights include the gorgeous gospel-inspired opener, “The Grants”, a tortured story turned trip-hop stunner, “A&W” and the titular song which references include: The Eagles, John Lennon, and Harry Nilsson.
STYLE: Wide-Legged Pants
I never thought wide-legged pants would be flattering or something I’d normally gravitate to. That said, I hope this trend isn’t replaced by the dreaded skinny jeans anytime soon. These redefined “mom jeans” are flattering, comfy, and classy.
and Jones Road’s Miracle Balm
I am not getting paid to advertise for this product. The links are not affiliated. This balm from the Bobbie Brown collection is divine! I have sensitive skin and it has never caused me to break out. There are many colors to choose from including a sheer option that helps liven up and hydrate your natural tone.
FOOD: Authentic Swedish Meatballs
I’m sure we’ve all had IKEA's famous dish at some point in our post-college years as we perused the love-it and hate-it affordable do-it-yourself furniture warehouse. However, have you ever tried making this easy dish at home? It’s an all-ages crowd-pleaser, and a fun tradition in my home since we have a recipe from my late half-Swedish maternal grandmother. I found a good, close recipe here.
TV: Feud: Capote vs The Swans
Do you ever watch a movie or show and think to yourself, “My past self would have eaten this up!” That’s how I feel about Ryan Murphy’s latest Feud installment. I think this reaction is a good thing. It signals growth. It’s hard to watch cruelty and debauchery and justify it anymore. And there is a lot of both in this project.
Thankfully, Gus Van Saint’s direction adds gravitas to the melodrama. Why recommend? The core element that keeps me watching Capote vs The Swans is the excellent acting. As a former thespian, I love watching these mature women shine. All of the featured ladies have fun dramatic moments that are usually reserved for the ingénues. It’s so nice to see Diane Lane cast in a meaty role as she’s proven herself time and time again. Naomi Watts is superb as one of the only sympathetic characters, and Jessica Lange steals the entire show with brief cameos as one would expect.