To Joy

Written and Directed by Ingmar Bergman

Film

We have officially entered Bergman’s “proper” era with his third film. Astonishingly about “Joy”, explored through the marriage of two orchestra players. This absolutely ruled. I honestly wouldn’t want to get into this too far because of how great it is. (And I’m a dummy who doesn’t have much to add beyond the text and “obvious” thematic material included)

Crushing

Sophie Burrows

Comic

Don’t have much to say, except that this was a nice light read dealing with alienation and isolation in the modern day.

Alienated

Written by Simon Spurrier, Art by Chris Wildgoose

Comic Mini-Series

This is an odd series. It has compelling approaches to well worn coming of age tropes paired with great writing and reincorporation when it counts, but equally has many stumbles in terms of nuts and bolts dialogue. Yet somehow it just works and I can’t explain it. The art is stellar, heh, when it comes to the more fantastical elements and provides an excellent contrast to the more washed out “pure” reality the characters find themselves in most of the time. I think what might made it stick is the fact that while clearly being critical of the characters actions and perspectives, it never denies where they come from and instead tries to steer them into more productive directions. I have a good track record with Spurrier and I hope to see more from him in the future :)

Oh yeah uh it goes to some dark places and I appreciated the surprise but uh maybe be warned if you go into this.