14 Comments

What a great list. We underestimate the value of a "binge-gift." Someone recommends a show we hadn't thought of watching or re-watching and thanks to them we have tens of hours of entertainment. That's a pretty amazing gift.

My wife and I are re-watching The Killing from a dozen or so years ago. It's much more entertaining to binge than to watch every week as it was originally shown.

I think it holds up great. I like everything about it, especially the relationship between the two lead detectives. We're watching the American version not the original one.

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A few days ago I was thinking of watching that one again. I decided not to only because I’d re-watched once before. It’s a great show—maybe I WILL watch it again.

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Aug 15Liked by Susan Bordo

I have to tell you, I was annoyed by The Gilded Age. Not because the sets, or the dialogue. The entire production was scrumptious. But I simply could not abide the "rich" and "old NY." These people just seemed too...I don't know, they were just "too extra," as the kids say today.

Loved Manhunt, btw. A terrific part of history no one really every talks about and no one ever really talks about Stanton.

The New Look was scrumptious. But, I seriously had to do research about the Chanel brand after watching that. I couldn't abide that she was such a Nazi. I knew Chanel was a collaborator but had no idea it was so bad. I found out it is actually owned by a Jewish family and Largerfeld did alot to atone for CC's sordid history. So now I could go back to using my Chanel #5 and face creams that I love. That was a real relief. (seriously)

Happy Valley was my introduction to british streaming services. ACORN and BRITBOX are my go to. This was an exceptionally wonderful show. All 4 seasons.

Midnight in Paris is just fun. But you do have to have some idea who the people are that he meets...or it will be lost on you. (if you are going to worry about the personal lives of everyone in a movie, you will never watch anything ever again)

I usually like Bridgerton, but this time I skipped some episodes. I don't know. It's not that it is wearing thin. There is just that undercurrent of mean I can't hack at the moment.

Age of Innocence..well it doesn't really get any better than that movie.

Thank you for this wonderful list and being so generous with listening to my chatter.

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Aug 15·edited Aug 15Author

I enjoy your “chatter” very much! Don’t ever stop! Oh, had to go back and edit because I forgot to tell you that I also had to research Chanel, because I use some product of theirs. Was very pleased with myself, though, that I mostly use Dior stuff. So silly because probably half the stuff I use has shady past of some sort!

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Aug 15Liked by Susan Bordo

I can't reply in depth and detail to all of Susan's recommendations - in part because I haven't seen all of them.

I will second her nominations of the following, well worth viewing and studying:

UNDER THE BRIDGE

LADY IN THE LAKE

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

DON'T LOOK BACK

On the TV PRESUMED INNOCENT, I'd agree that Jake G. delivers a different version of the Harrison Ford movie character but, overall, the movie is MUCH better than the streaming seris and is also closer to the original book.

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Aug 15Liked by Susan Bordo

Susan, I first followed you for your politics and I’m so glad to stumble on your movie maven-side. When my husband worked in radio, he did a bit where he was called the movie Meister. What a pleasure to read your work. I’m saving this for a few I missed. thank you and I will look forward to more! How many times have you watched Bad Sisters? 😉Ashkenazi Girl here, too. 🥰

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Just saw you subscribed. Welcome!! Bad Sisters? Probably have seen it four times. Have meant to write about it, but not gotten around to it. Delicious series, and I love the actresses!

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Susan, I loved "Poor Things", so I just went to see "Kinds of Kindness", and WHAT a piece of work that is! I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

I loved "The Serpent Queen" S1 and am enjoying S2.

I did not like "Fallout", and I'm preparing a review of that for here.

I liked "Challengers", which I reviewed here a few weeks ago. Also, I'd like to recommend "La Chimera", another film starring Josh O''Connor, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14561712/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

You haven't mentioned Shogun, which is very well-written and has so much else going for it.

And finally, I rewatched "The Panic in Needle Park", Al Pacino's first film role and was amazed by the subtlety of his acting even then.

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“Kinds of Kindness” still just in theatres, right? Probably not yet here in Lexington. Have to say I’m not a fan of “Poor Things.” Did you read my review? https://open.substack.com/pub/susanbordo/p/im-just-susan-and-these-are-my-picks?r=384ha&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Haven’t watched “Fallout” yet but plan to. Or maybe your review will dissuade me!!

Haven’t watched “Challengers” yet either. I’m off my usual up-to-date viewing because of my election posts.

You’ve made me want to re-watch “Panic in Needle Park.”

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Panic is a very sad film. A femininist reading of it -and I don't know how else it can be read--is especially heartbreaking. I missed your review of 'Poor Things'. Reading it now.

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P.S. Just subscribed to you.

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Thank you, Susan.

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Ugh, Cynthia nixon? I’m still hoping she’ll starve herself to death (oops can’t believe I just said that but I feel safe here 😉) otherwise great list and descriptions…thank you!

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You’re safe here. This is a free zone for Nixon/Bernie/etc. hate.

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