Freeze frame
On our recent trip back from Europe, Delilah and I got a chance to see Wes Anderson's latest full-length film, Asteroid City. Wes Anderson movies are a little hard to pin down in terms of whether someone will enjoy them, whether they're "good", or even cohesive in some of the more abstract cases (like this one). People seem to have differing views on Anderson's movies in general, but I think there are at least two reasons why his movies are worth watching.
First, I think Anderson's films are good fodder for discussing interesting themes. A few different themes could be pulled from each of his movies, and they're enjoyable to discuss even if not necessarily in the way that Anderson originally intended. In Asteroid City, for example, the role of a family reacting to their wife and mother's death is so outside the ordinary dramatic reaction that it's almost like the subtext taking the stage over the kind of reaction we'd normally get in a movie. There's a lot of fodder for interpretation.
Second, while Anderson's visual style may not be for everyone, I find his movies wonderful to look at. Few directors these days have a distinct visual style, but Anderson definitely does. What stood out in Asteroid City was that every frame seemed like it could have been a photograph. As if Anderson had taken up street photography but forgot to take pictures and shot film instead (though he created the sets, so nothing is really candid.) If the movie were to be paused, every scene seems as though it could be encountered as a photograph. Even if the plot is opaque or the characters obtuse, the film is visually pleasing to behold.
Speaking of Wes Anderson, his style is so unique that a few people have taken to using generative artificial systems to create movie trailers in his distinct style: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Avatar are only a few examples. Sometimes I wonder if in the future this would be something done in real-time to a video (or game, or maybe even music), where a distinct style from the past is layered on top of something that already exists. It's definitely not going to be the end of controversy.
These vintage car baby seats are terrifying, and I agree with the article's sentiments about:
In hindsight, these early designs serve as poignant reminders of the incremental nature of progress.
It's a short newsletter this week, as I'm still reeling and recovering from the trip. There's an interesting feeling from coming back from an extended time away, like sliding a foot back into a sock that's already been worn, both familiar and uncomfortable at the same time. The final thing I recommend that I enjoyed and would recommend this week was a video on why you should use your nicest things, every day.