While the world burns, it is
important to jot down fleeting moments of happiness and remember what made you
smile. Here is some stuff that cheered me up in January.
A-dam Great Monologue
A-dam Great Monologue
Saturday Night Live returned from its winter break. Helming the first show of the decade was three-time host Adam Driver. It being his third appearance, the writers by now really understand how to best channel his intense energy. Nowhere was this more evident than his standout monologue. It has now been a few days since the episode aired and I have not stopped thinking about at this incredible set piece.
Copyright:
NBC.
However, the actor shows that trust is well-earned. Driver is in total control as he makes light of his unapproachable persona, delivering jokes with a deadpan that statues would envy. I felt such giddy glee when he eyes up the camera while walking straight up to the lens while attempting to smile. His performance was sufficiently grounded that it convinced at least one internet commentator that Adam was actually genuinely deliberately stringing out the monologue to ensure a sketch got cut.
JoJohansson Rabbit
Scarlett Johansson has got an Oscar nom for Jojo Rabbit. The nod from the Academy is absolutely justified: Scarlett’s performance is a delight. As Rosie Betzler, the mother of the titular Nazi-fanatic, she is the warm heart of the film. Determined to put on a happy face, she strives to ensure her boy keeps a shred of his childhood innocence. She wants to be a source of joy.
What I did not notice, and only realised through reading reviews afterwards, is that, though concerned about his zealousness, her character never forbids it. Her fear of losing Jojo to war prevents her from coming down too hard on him and risking driving him away from her. This tragic undercurrent makes it a nuanced role (and one that Scarlett absolutely pulls off).
G-g-g-ghosts?!?
January always sees me finish reading the books I got at Christmas. This time round, the final tome on the pile was Frances Hardinge’s A Skinful of Shadows. I had intentionally saved this gift from my sibling until last because I relished the prospect of tackling something outside of my comfort zone. As a supernatural adventure set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, it is definitely very different fare from my usual literary diet of crime novels and comedian’s memoirs.
The novelty of perusing something I would not have chosen for myself was certainly part of why I found this book exciting, but its highly inventive story is also a source of joy. I will not spoil the plot beyond what is provided on the blurb, but the protagonist’s ongoing struggle to wrangle the spirit inside her head is part of an eerie superpower I certainly have not encountered in any fiction before.
Rarely
the highlight of any given show, but nonetheless a crucial bit of business, the
chat to the audience aims to reassure viewers that this week’s star will be
fun. The cast or extra guests may pop in to play supporting parts, but the
focus is primarily on the special MC. It is therefore an incredible sign of
confidence in Driver that the show gave him almost a full five minutes onstage
accompanied only by the house band, the audience, and a single prop. That sort
of solo screen time for SNL monologues is usually
reserved for stand ups and show alumni.
However, the actor shows that trust is well-earned. Driver is in total control as he makes light of his unapproachable persona, delivering jokes with a deadpan that statues would envy. I felt such giddy glee when he eyes up the camera while walking straight up to the lens while attempting to smile. His performance was sufficiently grounded that it convinced at least one internet commentator that Adam was actually genuinely deliberately stringing out the monologue to ensure a sketch got cut.
JoJohansson Rabbit
Scarlett Johansson has got an Oscar nom for Jojo Rabbit. The nod from the Academy is absolutely justified: Scarlett’s performance is a delight. As Rosie Betzler, the mother of the titular Nazi-fanatic, she is the warm heart of the film. Determined to put on a happy face, she strives to ensure her boy keeps a shred of his childhood innocence. She wants to be a source of joy.
What I did not notice, and only realised through reading reviews afterwards, is that, though concerned about his zealousness, her character never forbids it. Her fear of losing Jojo to war prevents her from coming down too hard on him and risking driving him away from her. This tragic undercurrent makes it a nuanced role (and one that Scarlett absolutely pulls off).
G-g-g-ghosts?!?
January always sees me finish reading the books I got at Christmas. This time round, the final tome on the pile was Frances Hardinge’s A Skinful of Shadows. I had intentionally saved this gift from my sibling until last because I relished the prospect of tackling something outside of my comfort zone. As a supernatural adventure set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, it is definitely very different fare from my usual literary diet of crime novels and comedian’s memoirs.
The novelty of perusing something I would not have chosen for myself was certainly part of why I found this book exciting, but its highly inventive story is also a source of joy. I will not spoil the plot beyond what is provided on the blurb, but the protagonist’s ongoing struggle to wrangle the spirit inside her head is part of an eerie superpower I certainly have not encountered in any fiction before.
The
book overall is a lovely romp with twists and comic moments. I looked
forward to settling down with it each day before bed.
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