(perhaps that would be a better name for the blog!)
Recently I watched A Complete Unknown with my dad and sister. It was good, not great. There was a lot of classics 60s folk music, to my surprise and delight. I’m quite fond of folksy Dylan and don’t really care that much about his later work. There was a lot in this film about folk music and the preservation thereof, which I appreciated. I learned very little about Bob Dylan. I learned that Timothee Chalamet can actually play guitar…like, good. So good I was certain they were using a body double. Paul, Wonka, and Bob… what will he do next?!
It was after rediscovering Bob Dylan’s lyricism that I decided to pick up Leaves of Grass to get more acquainted with the tradition of American poetry. The last time I tried to read Walt Whitman, his long introductory essay scared me away. This time I persevered—and how glad I am I did. The poetry is incredible. Sure, I don’t subscribe to his pagan philosophy. But I love the melody of his writing and the boldness with which he connects different threads in the fabric of society… diverse people, places, and experiences. It’s quite beautiful. At least, “I Celebrate Myself” is. I haven’t finished the first poem yet (!).
I started War and Peace two weeks ago. I’m not really feeling in the mood for it now. Sometimes I annoy myself…
Later this week, my parents and I are going to watch The Count of Monte Cristo, a French film from last year. I can’t remember the last time I was so stoked to watch a costume drama—this looks absolutely incredible. I’ve not read the whole book so going into it almost ignorant, which will make it even more fun. Pierre Niney also stars in one of my favorite movies, Frantz (2016).
Classics Considered 
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