It's been a particularly good decade for the Coens (if you forget and forgive Burn After Reading). Everyone is slapping the "mature" label on this latest effort, which though deserved, is like saying No Country For Old Men is a "western," and stopping there. Yes, but?
A Serious Man is also really funny. It's like you're watching emotional slapstick. And this thing I adore about the Coens - they cast these Norman Rockwell type faces who you instantly fall for.
As for maturity, it raises some interesting (sincere) questions about faith and doubt, and respects its audience enough not to hit it over the head with obvious answers or nonanswers.
If the litmus test of a great film is repeatability, then this one wins out - it's the only Awards-season contender I'd actually like to see again.
Honorable Mentions Moon Star Trek Up Where the Wild Things Are 2012
Not really worth mentioning Every other movie of 2009?and I saw a mass of them. Hopefully next year will be less boring.
Love is the word. Unsettling is another word. Purkinje is another word; it doesn't have anything to do with this post, but nevertheless, it is a word, and quite a weird one at that.
I describe this show to people as the next British anti-sitcom. Jared describes it as "Live-action Simpsons."
Whatever we're calling this spade, I think it's the best thing on since the BBC Office. I watched all 3 seasons in a couple weeks. Be warned: you might want to turn it off at first. Subtle it is not. It's almost jarringly over the top. The first few episodes are a bit clunky. I recommend skipping episode 1 altogether and starting at 2. I also recommend forming a crush on that tall drink of water on the left.
Honorable Mention LOST
I gave this a much-deserved second chance this year, and sailed through seasons 1-5 in no time. (Thank goodness for Netflix Instant Play.) Chances are, if you're reading this you don't need the sell. You know it's an incredible mind boggle. Time travel! Smoke monster! Shirtless Sawyer!
Not really worth mentioning Mad Men
I gave this a less-than-deserved second chance this year and watched all of Season 1. I thought having worked as a Mad Woman (can I call myself that) at Ogilvy I would find it interesting. Nope. It's full of pretty, boring things. Including the characters. And a handicapped story that never really learns to walk.
remember that one experiment of mine? (You know, the one I haven't touched for a year). That's not the point.
The point IS, that fancy-scrappy francophile sister of urban outfitters ripped me off.
VS
shock and horror.
you know, i too fell in love with anthropologie in 2002, like the whole rest of the female world. but for the past 3 or 4 years every time i enter those gilded doors, i have a look at the clothes and more often than not think, i could make that.
and Re: your "about that time" earrings, i did make that.
i would demand in-kind compensation, but honestly, i'd rather get wardrobed from jcrew. i'm starting to think anthropologie is past its prime.
I'm actually not a huge fan of turkey. I just like the ceremony. Of the whole day, I guess.
I like waking up late to maple nut wedges (which are missing their gooey centers, thanks to Alexis). I like going through all my high school formal dresses and trying them on to see if they still fit (they all do - even if they are too horribly outdated and too taffeta to ever wear again). I like playing SEGA in the cool basement for a few hours. Sonic the Hedgehog, Aladdin, NBA Jam. I like filching a crescent roll or two before they're formally offered. I even like the exhausting dinners themselves. Fighting and not fighting with family. I like rolls. I like dark meat. I like mashed potatoes. No, I love mashed potatoes.
It's a bit different now that I'm married. Better in some ways, not in others.
Sleeping in. Sleeping in. Sleeping in. Reading a book that seems at first weird, and then perfect for Thanksgiving. Eating a low-key breakfast (no maple wedges). Going to an 11am showing of 2012, which isn't perfect but engages you for the full 2 hours, 40 minutes. Coming home to snack on leftover Kneaders. Dancing around to Gene Autry Christmas records. And then preparing the turkey. Fastidiously following the recipes. All of which were ripped out of the Nov. issue of Cooking Light. SAUTEED CARROTS WITH SAGE. HARICOTS VERTS WITH WARM BACON VINAIGRETTE. BUTTERMILK-PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES. HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE. CLASSIC ROAST TURKEY.
Thinking the thought: isn't it weird that so many people are eating the same exact meal today?
Taking the turkey out after 2 hours, 40 minutes (you could have watched 2012 again in that time, had you the inclination. Or wiser yet, 2001). Smelling the sage. Running your hand across the skin, thinking, "was I supposed to have basted this?" Thinking, "have I ever read something where baste wasn't used as a verb relating to poultry-preparation?" Thinking, "I should try to use baste in something I write this week in a new connotation." Setting the table. Realizing the turkey still has to be carved. Not knowing how this is done. From the look on his face, knowing Jared does not know how this is done.
Googling. Watching some videos. For too long. For two hungry.
And then, going for it, our own way.
wow. did you catch all those jokes? you are WELCOME.
what i have learned:
skip the online video tutorials, even Martha. it's a turkey, for crying out loud. just get a knife and have at it.
turns out carving a turkey (and watching someone carve a turkey) has one serious side effect - dad jokage.
I will wear this L.A.M.B original, and be accompanied by my bridesmaids: Love (Corinne), Angel (Adrienne), Music (Casey), Baby (Lindsey/Kendra).
This [cake] is banana! B-A-N-A-N-A!
This [sake] is non-alcoholic. N-O-N-A-L-C-H-Y!
What I have learned:
If the price-gouging and ugly dresses and vendor pressure and fighting over your guestlist and overall absurdities of wedding planning are too much for you, consider a Harajuku wedding, like me! It's made me so much happier and relieved so much stress!
I just hired a Japanese exchange student, Akiko, who has been an angel (not Angel, as we've established that is Adrienne C). She's taken care of all the details in the most organized and stereotypical of fashions. And all within a matter of days. Her secret? She wisely told vendors it was for a "themed party," not for a wedding. What a smart girl!
And she's even hired a band who can do an awesome rendition of this song (which is, let's be honest, killer. Girl. Crush).
A Serious Man
