Pat Taub
Agnes Varda Leaves Us
My heart is heavy having learned this morning that the enormously talented and break-through French filmmaker Agnes Varda died at age 90. She was the only woman director in the 1950’s French New Wave movement whose blend of fiction and nonfiction transformed films. Agnes’ playful twist on life made me a huge fan.
Netflix carries two of her best works, The Beaches of Agnes, her life story made when she was 80 and her last film, Faces/Places, a delightful collaboration with fellow French filmmaker, JR.
Agnes, center, directing a scene from “Agnes at the Beach”
Us,the Movie
This week I saw Jordan Peele’s new film, Us. I was enthralled by his prior movie, Get Out, moved by its brilliant take on race relations. I was less taken with Us. While highly creative, I found it too ambitious and confusing, but I was blown away by the lead, Lupita Nyong’O. Her range is stunning. She clearly deserves an Oscar bid.
Lupita Nyong’O as the terrified mother in “Us”
March Madness
For the non-sports watchers, March Madness refers to the college basketball playoffs, which fill most of the month, culminating in the playoff game in early April. For me, the thrill is seeing an upset, a Cinderella team emerge, but this year the top seeds have held on, making the season too predictable. However, I love to watch Duke’s spectacular freshman player, Zion Williamson who’s destined to be a big NBA star.
The Women’s War, a Novel
For my return trip home to Portland, I downloaded the novel, The Women’s War by Jenna Glass. It’s historical fiction set in a medieval country ruled by men (naturally) where cast-off women are cloistered in an abbey. They learn magic, using it to empower themselves and to seek revenge. This is as far as I’ve gotten but the promise of total absorption on my flight home is most welcoming.
Feeling Politically Fired Up
My winter escape to Palm Springs has been delightful while making me feel a bit guilty about taking time off from the world’s problems. I’ve followed the news, feeling my heart sink over the recent bombings of Gaza, the attacks on Omar Ilhan and the depressing updates about our planet’s growing perils. I’m now feeling fired up to lend my voice to climate rebellion.
