Fifth Avenue, 5 A. M. by Sam Wasson

Fifth Avenue, 5 A. M. by Sam Wasson 

Release Date - June 22, 2010

Publisher Website - Harper Collis Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 231 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**borrowed from the library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Audrey Hepburn is an icon like no other, yet the image many of us have of Audrey—dainty, immaculate—is anything but true to life. Here, for the first time, Sam Wasson presents the woman behind the little black dress that rocked the nation in 1961. The first complete account of the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. reveals little-known facts about the cinema classic: Truman Capote desperately wanted Marilyn Monroe for the leading role; director Blake Edwards filmed multiple endings; Hepburn herself felt very conflicted about balancing the roles of mother and movie star. With a colorful cast of characters including Truman Capote, Edith Head, Givenchy, "Moon River" composer Henry Mancini, and, of course, Hepburn herself, Wasson immerses us in the America of the late fifties before Woodstock and birth control, when a not-so-virginal girl by the name of Holly Golightly raised eyebrows across the country, changing fashion, film, and sex for good. Indeed, cultural touchstones like Sex and the City owe a debt of gratitude to Breakfast at Tiffany's.

In this meticulously researched gem of a book, Wasson delivers us from the penthouses of the Upper East Side to the pools of Beverly Hills, presenting Breakfast at Tiffany's as we have never seen it before—through the eyes of those who made it. Written with delicious prose and considerable wit, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. shines new light on a beloved film and its incomparable star. 

5th Avenue, 5 A.M. refers to the location and time in which THAT infamous Breakfast at Tiffany's scene was filmed. The iconic shot of Audrey Hepburn in that little black dress helped launch a few careers and definitely launched the fashion trend of the LBD (aka the little black dress). This book gives a snapshot of filming this movie while also giving a few details about the people behind it.

If you are looking for an in depth look at Audrey Hepburn's life this is not the book for you. This is a snapshot of a very specific chunk of time. It walks through the big events that shaped the creation and filming of the movie while sometimes giving pertinent background information on the people involved. 

Audrey is given plenty of attention and the author does not shy away from the sadder elements of the story. He mentions Audrey's miscarriages and marriage troubles because it impacted her while filming. Also discussed are the tensions on set thanks to nobody liking George Peppard. 

The story of the dress and Audrey's relationship with Hubert de Givenchy starts before Breakfast at Tiffany's. The book captures the moment when Audrey is sent to get clothes for the movie Sabrina and it launches a professional relationship that changes fashion. It is definitely the stuff of goosebumps when you realize how iconic and influential Audrey's style via de Givenchy was.

It was fascinating getting to know the details behind the filming of the infamous party scene. It, quite frankly, sounds exhausting and the opposite of fun but it certainly looks good on camera.

Those Mickey Rooney scenes that everyone finds problematic are referenced. Turns out they were included as a means to make the movie funnier. It does not translate as the entire bit is not funny in the slightest. I have always found those scenes out of place with the rest of the movie and really wish they would have taken them out. The context given here does not make them fit any better or make them any less problematic.

Truman Capote is given his share of space within these pages. I find it fascinating that he hated the movie and did not visit the set even once. He was not a fan of Audrey Hepburn's casting at all which baffles me because it is now one of her most well recognized roles. I definitely want to do a deeper dive into Truman and his 'Swans' now and learn more about all these women who claimed to be the inspiration for Holly Golightly.

A well researched look at a piece of American film culture. I am fairly certain that nobody on the set knew exactly what they were creating while filming Breakfast at Tiffany's and that makes the behind the scenes gossip even more interesting. It is also a testament to the talent involved because of the careers that springboarded from this movie. I highly recommend this if you are a fan of the film or just a fan of Audrey Hepburn. Just make sure you have time to watch the movie afterwards because you will definitely want to.

Lords of Chaos by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind

Lords of Chaos by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind

Release Date - November 1, 2003

Publisher Website - Feral House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 391 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**purchased**

**content warning for talk of murder and suicide**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Growing up under his punk rocker dad's spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn't in front of a crowd, it's on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.

Vada's got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom's boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil's music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley's prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor's summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out-of-this-world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her? 

In the late 1980s/early 1990s a group of Norwegian young men created a new type of music and plenty of newspaper headlines. They are now known for church burnings, a suicide, and multiple murders just as much as they are for their music. Lords of Chaos breaks down not just the murder of Øystein Aarseth but the entire scene.

I was already pretty familiar with the case thanks to the well researched three part series from the guys over at Last Podcast On The Left (episode 285 if you want to listen) and the equally captivating movie adaptation of this book. I couldn't help but compare the three to each other. The podcast and movie firmly focus on Aarseth's murder while the book more fully examines the scene as a whole.

The biggest difference is that the book digs more into the beliefs the people in this group had and how they may have created the conditions that led to the church burnings and deaths. The book focuses on the fact that some of the people involved in the black Metal scene were also racists much more than the movie does. They make a pretty good case for there being some overlap there and how this fact may have played a role in the larger picture at the time. It breaks down all these connections in a way that instantly allows the read to connect all the pieces. It also looks at various members religious beliefs and how Satanism may or may not have played a role.

The pacing felt a little uneven for me. The beginning breezes by and it stagnates a little in the middle and end sections. It felt repetitive at times as we kept hearing the same thing from various members of this scene said just in different ways. This may hammer home the point the authors are trying to make but left me a little underwhelmed as a reader.

There is also the question of how much the reader should believe. The movie based off the book touts that it is “based on truth, lies and what actually happened." Which should tell you everything. There is a mythology there to some of the actions attributed to various key players. You have certain people believing one thing that others swear is a lie. Lies are certainly plausible because for many people involved it was an act and they did and said things to make themselves seem a specific way. Nobody knows for sure if members of the band Mayhem really wore pieces of their fellow band member's skull as necklaces after he committed suicide or if they were pieces of animal bone. This entire thing is filled with things like this that may be overblow. Related is the scrutiny that should be given to the people being interviewed. The authors did a lot of research and interviews and they present these in a very unbiased, straightforward way. They let the subjects of their interviews speak for themselves without injecting opinions or commentary themselves. This means that there are going to be things that many readers will not agree with. Some have questioned why these people should be even given a voice but I think the message the book is presenting is a worthy one - even if I wanted to scream every time a murderer talked about their victim. It was rage inducing to have them say whatever they wanted about the victims because they are not around to tell their side of things thanks to the whole being murdered thing. I don't personally find anything a murderer says about their victim very reliable. 

This book basically left me with the same mindset that I had after watching the movie. These were a bunch of bored young men who were trying to one up each other. They ran wild and things basically turned into Lord of the Flies. It is a fascinating look at a specific point in music history and at a true crime case that leaves you with plenty to to think about. I recommend this for anyone wanting a deep dive into the Norwegian black metal scene as it is certainly detailed and thorough.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Gaslight

Gaslight

Director: George Cukor

Length:  114 minutes

Cast: Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Angela Lansbury

Release Date:  May 11, 1944

Synopsis: After the death of her famous opera-singing aunt, Paula (Ingrid Bergman) is sent to study in Italy to become a great opera singer as well. While there, she falls in love with the charming Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer). The two return to London, and Paula begins to notice strange goings-on: missing pictures, strange footsteps in the night and gaslights that dim without being touched. As she fights to retain her sanity, her new husband's intentions come into question.

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Gaslight: to manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity.

While many of us are familiar with the term gaslighting we may not be as familiar with its origins. The phrase originated thanks to the 1938 play Gas Light, of which Gaslight is an adaptation of, and its use of gas lights in tormenting its lead character. 

I picked Gaslight for October's movie because I figured it would fit the spooky season. It does in a way but is much more of a psychological thriller.

I could easily see this being a Hitchcock film. It has many of the same markers of a Hitchcock film along with a similar tone to some of his movies. It certainly has the suspense one associates with his movies.

The tone and atmosphere is owed to its pacing. Paula's confusion and doubt is gradual. It makes the situation a little more believable as a result. Her certainty in herself is chipped away a little at a time making her descent all the more heartbreaking.

Ingrid Bergman is captivating as Paula. She never overdoes her acting which would be easy to do with a role like this. She keeps it restrained but still manages to seem like someone coming unhinged. It is the perfect balance needed for this character.

Charles Boyer is chilling as Gregory. He plays it perfectly and while the plot is predictable it is made by these performances. Angela Lansbury was a welcome surprise and a delight in her role as Nancy.

The movie was infuriating at times because we are familiar with gaslighting and how it works. I wanted to scream at my television so many times while watching. I concede however that this probably would have been more revolutionary at the time the play was released. It is a mirror for those who cannot see they are being gaslit when it is happening. 

Overall a strong psychological thriller that I would recommend to any lovers of classic film that may not have seen it.  It is certainly essential viewing for those who enjoy Ingrid Bergman performances. 

#2020PopCultureResolution - It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night

Director: Frank Capra

Length:  105 minutes

Cast: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert

Release Date:  February 22, 1934

Synopsis: Ellie Andrews is a spoiled heiress who has, against her father's will, eloped with fortune-hunting aviator "King" Westley. Jumping ship in Florida to reunite with her new spouse, her impromptu exit leads her to a bus traveling to New York City where she meets cheeky, charismatic news reporter Pete Warne.

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It Happened One Night is one of the few movies that can boast to winning all five of the big awards at the Oscars. It's a prestigious honour that had my expectations really high before watching this one.

This movie is a charming romantic comedy that has elements of a screwball comedy mixed in. I can certainly see why it would have been beloved when it was released and why it might have won the accolades that it did.

Claudette Colbert is sweet in this. She reminds me a lot of Clara Bow in terms of her cherubic face and girl next door appeal. She's glamorous but in a very obtainable seeming way. She does a great job with this role (as evident from her Oscar win). 

Clark Gable's specific appeal has never been something that registered with me. There are plenty of other classic Hollywood actors that I would consider much more handsome. I can, however, appreciate his talent (specifically in this one). I enjoyed his take on this roguish, charismatic character and felt he suited the role perfectly.

The plot is pretty straightforward. A young heiress who recently married against her father's wishes has run off to be reunited with her husband. While making her way to him she meets a (very charming) reporter who agrees to help her in exchange for a story as her disappearance is big news. Anyone who has seen any amount of romantic comedies knows how this is going to end. It is not about the destination with this one, however, but rather the journey. 

The heart of this movie is the chemistry between Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert's characters. I am a sucker for some good banter between a couple and this movie definitely has that going for it. There are some genuinely funny scenes and some delightfully playful moments between the pair. Her exasperation combined with him knowing how to press her buttons worked for these characters. The scene in which he begins to strip in front of her is a perfect example of this. Everything Peter does is done with a wink and that played against Ellie's more sheltered personality is delightful. You know they are going to fall in love pretty much as soon as they meet, but more importantly you believe it.

A romantic comedy is not complete without a happy ending, and that is the case here. The tension within the last parts of this movie is just enough to make the ending all the more satisfying. If you like movies with witty banter, enough drama to make it compelling, and a touch of humour I would highly recommend this. You can't go wrong with this one as a pick me up on a rainy afternoon. 

Who Killed |These Girls? by Beverly Lowry

Who Killed |These Girls? by Beverly Lowry

Release Date - October 11, 2016

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House 
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 528 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

On December 6, 1991, the naked, bound-and-gagged bodies of four girls--each one shot in the head--were found in an "I Can't Believe It's Yogurt!" shop in Austin, Texas. Grief, shock, and horror spread out from their families and friends to overtake the city itself. Though all branches of law enforcement were brought to bear, the investigation was often misdirected, and after eight years only two men (then teenagers) were tried; moreover, their subsequent convictions were eventually overturned, and Austin PD detectives are still working on what is now a very cold case. Over the decades, the story has grown to include DNA technology, false confessions, and other developments facing crime and punishment in contemporary life, but this story belongs to the scores of people involved, and from them Lowry has fashioned a riveting saga that reads like a Russian novel, comprehensive and thoroughly engrossing

Anyone who follows unsolved crimes has most likely heard about the murders that happened at the 'I Can't Believe It's Yogurt' shop. A shocking crime that changed the people of Austin, Texas. This book book focuses on what led to this horrific crime being unsolved.

The first thing that should be highlighted about this book is the care that was taken to give each of the victims a voice. Page space is spent giving the readers a chance to get to know who these young women were. We learn things about each of them and also see how much life they still had yet to live. The author hammers home the potential these girls never got to grow in to.

There are a lot of details within these pages. It is well researched and presented in an unbiased way. I appreciated the 'just the facts' approach. There are other elements sprinkled in like the obvious sympathy for the parents of the victims, frustration at some of the missteps made by police, and concern over the way the accused were treated. It is just balanced by fair and sourced information.

A majority of the book focuses on the young men who were convicted of the crime and eventually had their convictions overturned. There are many who feel these young men were wrongfully convicted and that the real murderers are still just there. There are, however, people who feel that they are guilty and that the convictions being overturned is the miscarriage of justice. It reads like all the information is being presented and it is not hard to see why the convictions were overturned. It is an all too familiar story and one especially not helped by the condition of the crime scene.

I would recommend this to anyone who knows very little about this case. Fair warning that the details of the crime are horrific. The boom does not glorify those details but does not shy away from presenting the facts either. It gives a thorough overview of all of the details including the court cases. It is a haunting case that you cannot help but desperately hope gets solved. The victims, and their families, deserve justice after all this time.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Humoresque

Humoresque

Director: Jean Negulesco

Length:  123 minutes

Cast: Joan Crawford, John Garfield

Release Date:  December 25, 1953

Synopsis: A wealthy women falls for an ambitious violinist, but their love affair may be more than she can afford.

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Wikipedia describes humoresque as 'a genre of Romantic music characterized by pieces with fanciful humor in the sense of mood rather than wit.' which makes it a perfect title for a romantic melodrama revolving around the romance between a violinist and his wealthy patroness (even if there is not much humour in the movie itself).

Joan Crawford is known for movies like this. It is a decent fit for her acting skills and makes use of her glamour and star quality in a way that works for both the character and the movie.

John Garfield also gives a decent performance as a gifted violinist who falls for his married patroness. The entanglements that this causes are the crux of the story and his character. There is a bit of an age gape between the two (with Joan's character being older) and his casting also works in this regard.

The music is the centerpiece of the film. Beautiful and lush at times, it offers a perfect backdrop to the troubled romance. The music drives even the romance in a lot of ways. The scene in which Paul and Helen first meet is driven by music with her coolly watching him perform while smoking a cigarette. We can sense her interest and through her outward cool detachment. 

The movie ends up being fairly predictable but still rather enjoyable. It is the performances that managed to make this one for me in the end.

Much can be said about the ending and the viewers opinion on it. I have seen it touted as both the greatest ending in history and the worst. I think it is a ending that fits the story arc even if it perhaps not the ending you want. You understand why Joan Crawford's character might think she is (allegedly) holding John Garfield's Paul back even if you don't agree.

This ended up being a fairly straight forward melodrama. It is not one that will make my best of list but it is a solid watch and certainly a must see for those who are interested in Joan Crawford's work.

Monthly TBR and Wrap Up

It is August! The end of summer is quickly approaching. I am normally excited about the return of autumn and everything pumpkin spice. This year feels different though and I just hope we get through the rest of it as quickly as possible.

Before I get into what I am hoping to read in August I have to wrap up July. July was a pretty decent reading month even if I didn't read everything I wanted to.

The books that were on my list are:

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (goodreads)
Who Killed These Girls by Beverly Lowry (goodreads)

Plus I had some ebooks on my list:

You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson (goodreads)
Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy (goodreads)
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn (goodreads)
Mayhem by Estelle Laure (goodreads)

Here is what I managed to read in July:

Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy (goodread)

You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson (goodreads)

Empire High Untouchables by Ivy Smoak (goodreads)

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin (goodreads)
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (goodreads)

Who Killed These Girls by Beverly Lowry (goodreads)

The Last Book On The Left by Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski (goodreads)

My #2020PopCultureResolution book for July was Who Killed These Girls by Beverly Lowry and the movie was Penny Serenade. My review of the movie was already posted if you were interested in checking that out.

Here is what I hope to read in August:

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)

Life and Death by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)

And not pictured is my #2020PopCultureResolution pick for August:

The Stranger Beside Me by Anne Rule (goodreads)

As you can see they are mostly the Twilight books. I am hoping to get through them quickly so I can read Midnight Sun.

I also have some ebooks I am hoping to get to:

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles (goodreads)
The Comeback by Ella Berman (goodreads)
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn (goodreads)
Mayhem by Estelle Laure (goodreads)

My August #2020PopCultureResolution choices are The Stranger By Anne Rules (as mentioned above) for the book and Humoresque for the movie. Looking forward to both them.

What books are you reading this month? Have you read any of the ones on my list? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Halfway Point

As we are halfway through the year I thought it would be a good time to check in with my progress on my #2020PopCultureResolution. 

I have so far managed to read every book and watch each movie that I set out to. I am enjoying it so much that it will return in some capacity next year (same format but the genres are changing).

First up are the books I have read so far. Each links to my review if you are interested.



January -  Seduction: Sex, Lies, and Stardom in Howard Hughes's Hollywood by Karina Longworth

February - The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

March - The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

April -  Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

May - In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

June - All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson by Mark Griffin

I enjoyed all of them to varying degrees, and could not pick a favourite between Seduction, Catch and Kill and In Cold Blood. They are all captivating reads that will probably make my Best Of list at the end of the year. Only The Devil In The White City stood out as a bit of a disappointment and that was more for my expectations than anything else. It is a well written read that I am sure others will enjoy immensely.

Next up are the movies that I have watched so far. This has widened the list of movies I want to see and introduced me to some actors whose work I want to continue to watch and directors I am looking forward to working my way through their filmography. They all link to my review.

January - A Place In The Sun

February - A Streetcar Named Desire

March - An Affair To Remember

April - Sabrina

May - Niagara

June - Rear Window

Just like when talking about the books I would have a hard time choosing a favourite. Rear Window is, objectively, the best made of all of them, but A Streetcar Named Desire is certainly right on its heels. All of them are worth the watch though and have sparked a renewed interest in classics for me and I cannot wait to experience more of them.

Here are my initial reactions as shared on Instagram:

I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months brings. There are certainly some choices I am very excited about coming up. I look forward to checking in at the end of the year to see if I could possibly choose a favourite from each list but I am fairly certain it is going to be impossible.

Have you read any of these books/watched any of these movies? If so what did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments. If you are also filling in some of your own pop culture blind spots this year let me know what you have been reading/watching/etc.



#2020PopCultureResolution - Penny Serenade

Penny Serenade

Director: George Stevens

Length:  117 minutes

Cast: Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Edgar Buchanan

Release Date:  April 24, 1941

A woman on the verge of divorce recalls her heartbreaking attempts to adopt a child.

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One of the things I have enjoyed most about my #2020PopCultureResolution event is discovering actors and directors whose work I am really enjoying. Cary Grant falls into this category so I was particularly excited to check out this month's pick of Penny Serenade.

Penny Serenade revolves around a couple on the brink of divorce. We look back, via flashbacks, on the events of their relationship and what brought them to their current state. It is a movie that is guaranteed to make you cry and probably more than once. Its drama is steeped in realism that makes it really work on the audience.

Cary Grant is his usual charming self in this one. This is a role that he seems well suited for. His chemistry with Irene Dunne is what holds every other aspect of the movie together. You buy that they love one another.

There is a feeling of nostalgia throughout this movie that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I think it stems from the journey of romance, marriage, parenthood that this couple takes being recognizable. This type of story arc was (and often still is) steeped in to the media we consume. You feel for this couple and their pain because you recognize their story. 

The romance starts out so light and joyous. It has a few laughs thrown in and some genuinely swoon worthy moments that Cary Grant sells completely. Its these moments that make the sadder, more heartbreaking parts of their journey felt all the more sharply. Their initial meeting is a particular stand out moment.

As sad as this movie is, I ended up feeling buoyed with hope by the time the credits rolled. It is therapeutic in a way and it is a perfect movie to put on when you want to have a good cry. I would only offer thr spoiler warning of

a death of a child due to illness

for those who need it.

A classic for so many reasons and one that I found holds up as worthy of a watch today. It is currently my favourite Cary Grant movie and I do not see anything unseating it from that throne any time soon.

All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin

All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin
Release Date - December 4, 2018

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 469 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The definitive biography of the deeply complex and widely misunderstood matinee idol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Devastatingly handsome, broad-shouldered and clean-cut, Rock Hudson was the ultimate movie star. The embodiment of romantic masculinity in American film throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Hudson reigned supreme as the king of Hollywood.

As an Oscar-nominated leading man, Hudson won acclaim for his performances in glossy melodramas (Magnificent Obsession), western epics (Giant) and blockbuster bedroom farces (Pillow Talk). In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Hudson successfully transitioned to television; his long-running series McMillan & Wife and a recurring role on Dynasty introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.

The icon worshipped by moviegoers and beloved by his colleagues appeared to have it all. Yet beneath the suave and commanding star persona, there was an insecure, deeply conflicted, and all too vulnerable human being. Growing up poor in Winnetka, Illinois, Hudson was abandoned by his biological father, abused by an alcoholic stepfather, and controlled by his domineering mother.

Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Hudson was determined to become an actor at all costs. After signing with the powerful but predatory agent Henry Willson, the young hopeful was transformed from a clumsy, tongue-tied truck driver into Universal Studio’s resident Adonis. In a more conservative era, Hudson’s wholesome, straight arrow screen image was at odds with his closeted homosexuality.

As a result of his gay relationships and clandestine affairs, Hudson was continually threatened with public exposure, not only by scandal sheets like Confidential but by a number of his own partners. For years, Hudson dodged questions concerning his private life, but in 1985 the public learned that the actor was battling AIDS. The disclosure that such a revered public figure had contracted the illness focused worldwide attention on the epidemic.

Drawing on more than 100 interviews with co-stars, family members and former companions, All That Heaven Allows finally delivers a complete and nuanced portrait of one of the most fascinating stars in cinema history.

Author Mark Griffin provides new details concerning Hudson’s troubled relationships with wife Phyllis Gates and boyfriend Marc Christian. And here, for the first time, is an in-depth exploration of Hudson’s classic films, including Written on the Wind, A Farewell to Arms, and the cult favorite Seconds. With unprecedented access to private journals, personal correspondence, and production files, Griffin pays homage to the idol whose life and death had a lasting impact on American culture.

After watching Ryan Murphy's Hollywood I was particularly excited to read All That Heaven Allows. I was intrigued by that television's fiction version of a Hollywood star I knew little about. This book offers a look at the life and career of Rock Hudon that, perhaps fittingly, keeps the reader at arms length.

My biggest takeaway from this book is that Rock Hudson was a kind, flirtatious man who loved acting and had a strong drive to succeed. He was shaped by his manager Henry Wilson (who is infamous for being awful) into a glamorous movie star but never lost his small town boy nature.

The author, Mark Griffin, is meticulous when it comes to Rock Hudson's career. He goes through each role Rock played and offers some anecdotes about each one. It is sure to please the fans of his film career as that is where most of the details are held. This had the double edge sword , however, of eventually feeling repetitive. It may have given a through account of his career but it left me wanting to know more about the man behind those performances.

Rock Hudson wanted to hide a lot of himself from the public. He was open with those in his circle but was mostly a private person. This is particularly true with his sexuality. It way have been an open secret in Hollywood that Rock Hudson was gay but it was not something the general public knew. Rock Hudson is perhaps most associated with the AIDS crisis for most people as he was one of the first celebrities to be diagnosed and die from the virus. This book, I felt, did a decent job at not giving that fact the focus of the book. It feels more like a celebration of his career than a look at his death.

Those looking for a salacious sexual tell all will not find that here. Rock's various relationships (and some casual hookups) were peppered throughout but they are mostly included to give nuance to Rock's mindset and other events that were happening.

I left this book feeling like I knew more about Rock Hudson than I did before starting it and so in that respect the author has succeeded. However, I feel this is a surface, brief outline portrait of a man who was surely more complex than what is painted within these pages. Those wanting an overview of his career are going to be satisfied but those wanting more of a picture of the man behind the movie star will probably end up reading another biography after. I personally finished wanting to watch more of his movies, and something tells me that Rock Hudson himself may have wanted it that way.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Rear Window

Rear Window

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Length:  115 minutes

Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma  Ritter

Release Date:  September 1, 1954

Synopsis: Professional photographer Jeff is stuck in his apartment, recuperating from a broken leg. Out of boredom, he begins to spy on his neighbours and comes across a shocking revelation.

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When asked about Alfred Hitchcock movies most people will immediately name Psycho as their favourite of his movies. I predict that for many it might be the only one of his films that they have seen.

My knowledge of Hitchcock movies is limited and I have more than a few that I still need to watch. I started closing that gap in my classic Hollywood education with Rear Window. It's a movie about voyeurism, and how curiosity can often lead us into danger.

There is a tension that is palpable almost immediately. The plot is rather simple but is used to great effect. James Stewart's Jeff is confined to his home due to an accident that has rendered him immobile for the time being. He passes the time peering into his neighbour's apartment through their windows. It is a pastime that turns dangerous when he suspects one of his neightbours may have killed his wife.

It goes without saying that this is masterfully directed film. There is a reason that Hitchcock's work has influenced so much of modern cinema. I was riveted from pretty much the first frame.

James Stewart has quickly become one of my favourite leading men from Hollywood's golden age. He's as fascinating to watch in this as he is in any other movie I have seen him in. He exudes a certain charm and that makes his chemistry with his costars shine all the brighter.

This movie marks the first time I have seen Grace Kelly in anything. Her wardrobe is incredible. It is probably one of the things that will stand out for most people about her performance in this film. She makes the most out of the role of Lisa that she can. Sadly, many of the women in this are used as a means to prop up the male character or objectified via his voyeurism. I may not be clamoring to see all the rest of her movies but I can see why she would have been the Hollywood Blonde for a moment. She also seems perfect for the role of Hitchcock's muse. There is a sophistication and a coldness to her that works especially well here.

One of my favourite elements of the movie is that we, the viewer, become complicit in Jeff's crimes of voyerism. We also peep into the lives of his neighbours and get our just desserts along with Jeff when he is forced to watch his actions potentially lead to horrific (and personal) consequences. A movie impacting the audience this way and making them feel a bit of that discomfort in their own participation is always something that resonates with me. I find it causes you to think about what you are consuming in a new way.

Hitchcock's use of the 'less is more' style of horror and scares is always so unsettling to me. The camera flashes that come towards the end of the movie sent my heart racing because of the precipice it leaves you on. It is like a rollercoaster and you are waiting for the drop. Anything could happen in those moments in between and that is what Hitchcock is so good at. He doesn't need gore because he trusts the audience's brain to fill in something worse anyway.

I can definitely see why many refer to this movie as Hitchcock's masterpiece. This is one of, and perhaps will be, my favourite movies from this whole experiment. It may even be my favourite Hitchcock movie. Sorry, Psycho.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Release Date - February 1, 1994 (first published in 1965)

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 343 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**borrowed from library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

On November 15, 1959, in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas, four members of the Clutter family were savagely murdered by blasts from a shotgun held a few inches from their faces. There was no apparent motive for the crime, and there were almost no clues.

As Truman Capote reconstructs the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers, he generates both mesmerizing suspense and astonishing empathy. At the center of his study are the amoral young killers Perry Smith and Dick Hickcock, who, vividly drawn by Capote, are shown to be reprehensible yet entirely and frighteningly human. In Cold Blood is a seminal work of modern prose, a remarkable synthesis of journalistic skill and powerfully evocative narrative. 

In Cold Blood is often referenced as the true crime novel to read. It routinely makes best of lists, and is considered an absolute classic. It is undoubtedly one of the first in its genre and laid the foundation for many books that followed. I was happy to discover that it really is as good as it is made out to be.

I find nonfiction books to be harder to review. You cannot critique the characters as they are real people and that just feels weird. You can, however, talk about the writing and the way the book is put together. Truman Capote was, to me, a very talented writer. He manages to make every facet of this story compelling and rich with detail. This, inevitably, becomes not just a story about the murders, or the people involved, but a snapshot of a particular piece of America. It is just as much a story of the town and how it is impacted by the murders and the aftermath as it is about the murders themselves. Capote brings the townsfolk to the forefront of the story in a way that gives it a little extra heart.

The question that tends to be on everyone's mind after something like this happens is the why. People want to make sense out of the horror and devastation. They want order and having a reason does that. If they know why they can come up with reasons that it won't happen to them. This book answers the why. It tells you the many different things that lead to that night in November. He paints a picture of who Perry and Dick are so completely, and outlines what lead them to the Clutter family's farm in a way that is both terrifying and yet blandly recognizable. These are not monsters, but rather two men who are shown to be all too human. This idea may not seem revolutionary today, but I am sure it was when the book was released.

The care to bring the Clutter family to life was something I noticed right away. It would have been easy to have the entire focus be on Perry and Dick. Capote had access to them that would have provided plenty of material for the book. However, time is taken to ensure we get to know the family who were brutally murdered. The inclusion of Nancy's friend added details about who she was that resonated with me. A typical highschool girl just beginning to discover who she was. There may not have been much focus on the family, but Capote made sure what he did include painted a lasting and striking picture of this family.

There are plenty of rumours about the extent of their relationship between Truman Capote and Perry Smith. There are some who claim that they became lovers. It is evident that they became close during the research Capote was doing, but to what extent is never directly addressed in the book. Capote remains, mostly, detached from the story as a character. His judgement never makes its way into the narrative. His way of writing may read like fiction, but his careful detailing reminds you of the work that went into the interviews and research. He is careful to let that shine here, and not his opinion. The point of all this is to say that if he was in love with Perry I don't think it comes through in his writing. His emotions are kept in check and that, to me, is impressive.

Truman Capote's long, and life changing dive into a horrific crime left its imprint not only on him and the town, but the literary world itself. Many more current true crime books owe their existence to Capote's much praised work. If you're someone with an interest in true crime I highly recommend this one. It's one that I would consider a must read in the genre.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Niagara

Niagara

Director: Henry Hathaway

Length:  92 minutes

Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Jean Peters, Joseph Cotten

Release Date:  January 21, 1953

Synopsis: Rose Loomis (Marilyn Monroe) and her older, gloomier husband, George (Joseph Cotten), are vacationing at a cabin in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The couple befriend Polly (Jean Peters) and Ray Cutler (Casey Adams), who are honeymooning in the area. Polly begins to suspect that something is amiss between Rose and George, and her suspicions grow when she sees Rose in the arms of another man. While Ray initially thinks Polly is overreacting, things between George and Rose soon take a shockingly dark turn.

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I went into Niagara with barely any expectation. I knew it was a thriller and that it was one of the few Marilyn Monroe movies I had yet to see. It is, perhaps, the movie I had the most fun watching for my #2020PopCultureResolution event (at least so far). It's a satisfying, suspense filled film that is well directed. It uses its setting to great effect, and manages to make even the more outlandish elements work for it. The setting itself is almost a character in a way and definitely used for symbolism.

The movie follows a vacationing couple who are finally taking their honeymoon. They run into a another couple and things quickly start to deteriorate from there. This film nails that sense of impending doom. It's like a ticking clock always in the background. It's this element that keeps the movie zipping along. It makes this film's already short run time feel even shorter.

The plot, which revolves around sex, jealousy, and murder, is not anything unique or revolutionary. It's a fairly by the book thriller that has an almost comfort feel to it as a result. You feel the impending danger but it's a known one. It allowed me to drift along with the characters and enjoy it for what it is. The sharp turns are definitely clever, they're just not new. 

The performances in this are all perfectly fine. Nothing stands out as either awful or remarkable. The one exception is Marilyn Monroe. This offers one of Marilyn's first leading roles. She is a pure temptress in this one. Gone is any of the comedic chops she'll showcase in later movies. She's luminous and entirely captivating in a fragile way. She really carries the movie in a way that becomes evident later on in the film. It's often noted as her star making turn and it is easy to see why. 

The ending of Niagara is ridiculous in the extreme. It almost feels like an afterthought. Something tacked on to the end of the film to wrap things up. The first half is taunt and well paced which makes the final act feels all the more ludicrous as a result. Will you still have fun while watching it? Yes, and that is precisely why I enjoyed it so much. If your looking for a fun, thrilling noir style film with a Marilyn Monroe performance that saves the film it is one I would recommend.