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.
New month, new art to come! But for now, here’s what I was up to last month:
Bacurau 2019
This film is very dark and violent, but it’s also strangely uplifting. Definitely tough to watch at parts though, so proceed with caution!
Bonsai by Alejandro Zambra
A recommendation from Oscar that I finished in about an hour. It’s a melancholy little book recently translated by Carolina De Robertis, and it’s exploration of the lives of two young people is perfectly touching.
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
I zipped through this strange romp of a book, the first Vonnegut I’ve ever read, and I get what the hype is about. The prose is wonderful and precise, and the story is strange and imaginative.
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark 1988
Why did no one tell me how incredible Elvira is??? Halloween may have come and gone, but this spooky classic should be revisited all year round.
Extracting the Stone of Madness by Alejandra Pizarnik
Oscar gifted me this incredible collection of poems, and I honestly can’t believe that Pizarnik isn’t as celebrated as Plath or Baudelaire. These are absolutely stunning poems, wonderfully translated by Yvette Siegert, and I can’t recommend them enough.
The Handmaiden 2016
While rough at parts, this Korean lesbian love story blew me away. It’s beautifully shot, has a wonderfully twisting plot, and one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever seen.
Over the Garden Wall 2014
This is a mini series produced by Cartoon Network that was beautifully crafted and left me feeling warm and hopeful. Highly, highly recommend this, especially if you need something to watch with kiddos.
Psycho 1960
I saw this movie for the first time at Village East on Halloween night, and it was everything I’d been promised it was. Thrilling and strange, this film really is the perfect example of a thriller.
Speed Racer 2008
So colorful! So weird! Not what I would expect from the Wachowskis, but I’m here for it!
TÁR 2022
If you have the chance to see this film, take it. Cate Blanchett gives an amazing performance as a conductor at the height of her career. It’s a masterpiece.
Web of Venom: Carnage Born #1 by Donny Cates
I received this violent, lovely comic from a mystery bag of comics sold by Forbidden Planet. This is a truly excellent way to discover comics, I’ve learned, and this is one of the better things I found. It’s dark and bloody with some truly excellent art. Plus, cults! I love cults.
Werewolf by Night 2022
Marvel should do more things like this! Aside from the fact that I love love love Gael Garcia Bernal, this 30s-esque horror short film is just delightful. Worth watching, for sure.
Love and gratitude, friends. Let me know if you happen to watch any of these and what you think of them.
Kameron Ray Morton 