These are uncertain times we live in. The COVID-19 pandemic, and widespread closures of businesses and “self-isolation” we’re experiencing, is unlike anything I have ever seen in my 42 years on Earth. And, as someone with respiratory issues, and the husband of a wife with diabetes, we are taking this seriously, and trying to remain in the house as much as we can. She is taking time off of work because she does not feel comfortable going in, and I am not working as well, although that is because of the movie theatres closing up. What my future looks like at that job is unknown right now, and, after over 18 years, that is a bit surreal. But, I am going to make the most of this time, partially to start mapping out what my personal future holds, partially because I’m going to dive into Sonic Cinema, and movie watching.
Because of my precarious financial situation, I am keeping the Patreon going for the time being, and not pausing billing. I know a lot of people are pausing billing, and I understand why, but without my main source of income, and not knowing when that will return, it’s a choice I feel as though I have to make. That said, this extended time away from work will allow me to bring some extra content for that, along with regular Sonic Cinema reviews and podcast episodes. The Atlanta Film Festival has been postponed, but I have plenty to screeners to keep me company.
Thus far, my movie watching has had no rhyme or reason for it, exactly- I’m more just following whims at this time, although I have reviewed some “theatrical releases” for this week that will no longer be coming out- especially keep a VOD release watch out for “Corpus Christi”, which was an Oscar nominee this past year, and really hit me hard. One thing I am committing to watching is the “Lonesome Dove” miniseries series, which I have held for a few years from my father-in-law; I’m not sure if I will do a write-up on it yet, but I’m glad I’m getting to it finally. I have a couple more “Lone Wolf and Cub” movies to watch, which Patrons will get to have me discuss in April, as well as my regular “Repertory Revues.” There will be plenty of content for you here.
I’d like to end this post with a list of streaming options I’d recommend for you, and where you can watch them. I will start out by saying that Criterion Channel is featuring the works of Andrei Tarkovsky, which I cannot recommend enough; you can hear my thoughts on each of his films with filmmaker Chris Esper here. If you are interested in some philosophical sci-fi, Hulu has a terrific film that was one of my favorites from last year in “Aniara”, as well as Barry Jenkins’s beautiful “If Beale Street Could Talk”. Amazon Prime carries many of A24’s films, including the wonderful “The Florida Project”. Disney+‘s “The Mandalorian” is a terrific live-action series, and I cannot recommend “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels” enough for “Star Wars” fans. On Netflix, there’s some great original movies that have been nominated for Oscars, but I want to point to the intriguing Errol Morris docu-drama, “Wormwood”, from a few years ago as something I think is particularly binge-worthy. Also, on all streaming platforms, check out Princeton Holt’s “2050”, which you will have to rent, but it’s a great sci-fi indie well worth checking out.
With that, I will leave you. Everyone be safe out there, and happy moviewatching- there’s a lot of options, even if they aren’t playing in theatres right now.
Viva La Resistance!
Brian Skutle
www.sonic-cinema.com
