Hi everyone!
Yes it’s been a while. I found it difficult during the strike to publish this newsletter. There were a lot of things going on. But now that the strikes are over, hoping to get back into the groove!
What I Wrote
Certainly due for an update here! During the strike, I didn’t even want to write here about things I was working on for myself. But I started a new original pilot! Haven’t written one in years because I haven’t needed a new sample and the goal was to get paid to write my next one. However, a pilot felt like an achievable goal over the strike. More so than a novel which is both a larger and newer endeavor for me. Turns out my instincts were correct because, surprise surprise, during a strike there’s not a lot of free time . I only had a few hours during the week to sit at my laptop, between picketing, parenting, captain-ing, and being physically and mentally and emotionally exhausted. And writing a single script felt like a thing I could do because it’s what I do. Well, I’m still working on it. And I have to have a lot of compassionate talks with myself about how it’s ok that I didn’t finish it yet. Nothing good that I’ve written has ever come quickly. I’m a slow reader and a slow writer compared to others and that makes me feel bad sometimes, but you know what? I’m also an Ivy League graduate with a degree in English literature and a working screenwriter in Hollywood. So guess it’s fine to be in the slow lane. After all, the turtle won the race.
So here’s my slate:
College pilot - a new original set at an ivy centered on a Black freshman girl. I’ll just say revenge plots are present.
Scarlet (Studio Feature) - we’re still in it! Working on my second rewrite. I’m really enjoying the process and not at all stressed about it like I was this time last year, I think because now I know studio liked my last draft and really supports the direction we’re headed.
Pretty Little Wife (Amazon Pilot) - my writing partners and I are on outline! It’s happening!
Remember when I said my one resolution this year was to finish my novel? Well, whatever. I’m going to finish other things by end of year and that’s good enough for me.
What I Watched
I mean… a lot. It’s been 5 months. Some recent highlights, all of which I recommend and have missed being able to discuss!
Oppenheimer (x2 in IMAX. ahem: nerd!)
Barbie
Eras Tour
Killers of the Flower Moon
The Killer
Caine Mutiny Court Marshal
Klute
Day of the Jackal
Sneakers
Joy Ride
Working Girl
Mindhunter (rewatch)
Gosford Park (rw)
Henry Sugar
Hijack
Wheel of Time, S2
Shadow & Bone, S2
Househunters International
Some thoughts on some of the things I watched:
Oppenheimer - Damn, I’m such a Nolan sucker. I brought hubby the second time and he was a little eye-rolly at the politics and message. Fine. But, cinematically, I am in awe and will forever aspire to telling stories with the momentum Nolan does.
Barbie - Funny, honest, courageous. Progressive, sure, but not radical. And thus, didn’t really leave me feeling moved or slapped in the face with profundity. And that’s fine. But, left me a little cold. Okay, it left me angry. Like, Ken goes becomes an incel and doesn’t really have to apologize?! And Barbie land just goes back to how it was before? Is that an arc?? Was it a utopia worth preserving? Or did it have flaws worth investigating and thus shouldn’t it have been altered by the end in some way?
Eras Tour - I mean, I had a blast. Would go again. Only complaint is that the audio bleeds into other theaters. I want Taylor in my Taylor movie, not in my other movies.
Killers of the Flower Moon - Oh man. I don’t know what to say. I get overwhelmed when I try to collect my thoughts. Masterpiece. Yes, very long. But, it’s soooo up my alley, I was just so grateful for it’s miraculous existence. My favorite parts were the storm and the penultimate scene.
The Killer - Okay. I both loved and didn’t love this movie. I love Fincher. Michael Fassbender is the most beautiful man alive ever. It was hilarious and crisp. But the end left me really cold. I kept waiting for an arc, like for the character to end up somewhere different than where he started. Maybe it was there, but was just super subtle? But I also felt like he was a super hero. Untouchable. There were never any serious obstacles. No one was coming for him to disrupt his revenge ambitions. No threat of derailing it. Story-wise, meh, but in terms of everything else, I had a blast and was just so so so so so happy to have Fassbender back in my dreams - er - on my screen.
Joy Ride - Had a blast seeing this in theaters with friends. Had more fun than Barbie.
Working Girl - Had never seen! Did enjoy from my bed while Covid-ing.
Mindhunter - rewatching for research, for Fincher primer, and for background viewing. Yes, I’m a sicko.
Gosford Park - I think about this movie all. the. time.
Henry Sugar - Loved this. Excited to watch the other Anderson shorts. Have not seen
Hijack - Partner and I binged in 2 days. We had a blast. Great brain/logic/authenticity vacation.
Wheel of Time, S2 - Damn. Worth the 2 year wait for this show to come back. It really delivered.
Shadow & Bone, S2 - Same re: above. Started off a little slow, but by ep 3 finds its legs and sucked me in. In this show and WoT, I just fall hard for these characters. So so hard.
Did you see any of these? Do you have thoughts on these or anything you’ve seen lately? Please please share!!
What I Wore
Oh man. Really missed this section. Here are some lewks, in no particular order.
What I Bought
My navy blue alo airlift leggings! Patiently waited for a correctly-priced (for me $60) second-hand pair from Mercari. I’m really into wearing blues right now. With other shades of blue or with tan. I even stole the blue Le pliage diaper bag back from the toddler and it’s mine now.
Also, this hat was my favorite (and ironically, cheapest) wardrobe purchase in Italy.
Okay, But How Are You??
Would love to know how things have been if you’re reading this and we don’t already chat offline. Anything you’d love to see covered in a future newsletter?
Alright! That’s that. I’m going to do another gift guide gift guide and share gift recs in the next letter or two. Can you believe it’s already the end of the year?! Sheesh. Try to stay cozy and not too anxious about it all! (Not too early to listen to Christmas music or wear cashmere or eat pie or latkes.)
Until next Letter,
K.
Gonna rec Deadloch on Am*zon: it’s like if Broadchurch were a comedy. Binged it way too quickly!