Talking about the best books of any given year is easy enough. Or at least I imagine—I’d never be able to do it. For that I rely on those with the patience, resources, and time to seek out the latest literary achievements, year by year, so the rest of us can avoid the slog altogether…. Continue reading
Cormac McCarthy’s latest novel, The Road, was released ten years ago last week. To celebrate its anniversary, I’ve decided to post my culminating project for a B.A. in English—an analysis of McCarthy’s approach to the question of God and suffering in the novel. I’ve tried to edit out some of the academic-ness for general audiences, but I understand it’s… Continue reading
If you must blink, do it now. Wait too long and you’re bound to miss the magic. Miss the magic and you may wonder why your eyes were open in the first place. Soon your blinks come long and slow, and you find things are easier with your eyes fully closed. Before you know it,… Continue reading
There are many things you could say about Claire Boucher. Better known as the multitalented singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist behind Grimes, Boucher has provoked a fair share of talk since her rise to indie stardom in 2012. Her acclaimed album Visions brought with it a harsh media spotlight, examining everything from her Tumblr posts to where… Continue reading
It’s official. True Detective’s second season is a disaster. I’ve waited this long to say so for a few reasons. The first is that, despite its flaws, I still hold season one in high regard. Say what you will about its excessive machismo or unfulfilled expectations, but Marty and Rust gave the season an electrifying… Continue reading
When critics began hailing Pixar’s Inside Out as an instant classic at last month’s Cannes premiere, it was almost too much to hope for. It’s been two years since the studio’s last release and—if we’re honest—a few more since their last quality feature. Not that Pixar is capable of making a “bad” film, of course,… Continue reading
Success doesn’t always make people happier. In the case of Fun., however, it seems to have done just that. This past February, the Grammy-winning three piece released a statement which put the band’s future on hold, at least for the time being. Rather than follow up the smash success of Some Nights and cash in… Continue reading
“Can we go back to Room?” The question permeates Lenny Abrahamson’s latest film, whispered by five-year-old Jack (Jacob Tremblay) in a recurrent plea to his mother. He begs her to return, as if “Room” is the happiest place on earth. The truth is that Room is a shed in some man’s backyard, and that Jack’s… Continue reading