This short essay is part of a series called ‘Writing on Writing.’ This series takes a few different forms, and in this post, I’m featuring some of the art that fuels my creativity. Want to see content like this more often? Consider supporting me on Patreon.
Interestingly, I didn’t finish any books last month. Not sure what that’s about, aside from just so happening to be in a bit of a slump. I did, however, watch a lot of movies. Here are the ones I gave five stars–
Drive My Car 2021
This movie was absolutely beautiful. I think it’s way better than the short story it’s based on. Some people think it’s slow, but I wholeheartedly disagree. It was a beautiful, riveting movie that I highly recommend.
Writing With Fire 2021
This documentary about a women-run newspaper in India reminded me that documentaries can really be excellent sometimes. I’d watched quite a few bad ones before getting here, and this one restored my faith in the medium. It’s the right amount of uplifting while still exploring a very difficult, very complex culture.
The Hand of God 2021
This incredible little movie tells the story of growing up without being cliché. It’s a movie that manages to be about film without feeling self-indulgent. Plus, the aunt is hot. I left it feeling good about family and how much they can mean to us.
The Queen of Basketball 2021
This short documentary is literally the best documentary I’ve watched in years. It features a woman basketball player whose personality shines on camera. If you want to watch something but don’t have two hours, this is the thing to watch.
BoxBallet 2020
Another short one here. Some people really hate the animation, but I think it’s delightfully quirky. It’s a sweet little love story that I found incredibly touching.
Flee 2021
I’m now of the opinion that more documentaries need to be animated. Re-creations are overrated. The animation isn’t the most sophisticated, but the story makes up for it.
Cyrano 2021
So I gave this movie five stars, but I’m not sure if my reaction to it was completely rational. I spent the first half being kind of angry, and the second half being in love, then I screamed at the ending, then I gave it five stars. So who knows what that means.
Living In Oblivion 1995
This is a movie about making a movie that also is somehow about a dream in a dream in a dream. Plus, a surprise appearance from Pete Dinklage. A lovely little comedy that is well worth a view.
The Power of the Dog 2021
I’m obsessed with this film. Jane Campion did a stunning job, Benedict Cumberbatch did a stunning job, Jesse Plemons did a stunning job, Kirsten Dunst did a stunning job, Codi Smit-McPhee did a stunning job. Everyone moment is riveting because every single moment has meaning.
What movies are you loving right now? Let me know! And if you want, give me a follow on Letterboxd.
Kameron Ray Morton 