I listen to NPR a lot in case you hadn't picked up on that. Here are two recent interviews, one with Baz Luhrmann about The Great Gatsby and the other with Ezra and Rostam of Vampire Weekend about Modern Vampires of The City. Both great listens and really insightful.
h8ers gonna h8! Or, Haters Are Going To Hate
The thing that irks me the most about the buzz surrounding The Great Gatsby is the critics who have already decided to hate it. Look, if you don't like any of Baz Luhrmann's other films (Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet, Australia, Strictly Ballroom) chances are really really high you aren't going to like this one.
I don't waste my breath on things I don't like. How silly.
For instance, I don't care for the Iron Man franchise. So I didn't see Iron Man 3. I didn't go see it, knowing I wouldn't like it, and then bash it endlessly.
I make excuses for the general public, but when journalists and film critics are guilty of this, I cannot handle it. Yes, it's their job to write about these films, but how hard would it be to say, 'hey FYI I hated Moulin Rouge! so take everything I'm about to say with a grain of salt if you liked it.' Please do not write a piece as if your opinion is the correct opinion, and please do not presume I agree with you. Also, making it known how prepared to hate something you are (be it via Twitter or pre-release pieces) lessens your credibility enormously.
Critics of the world: Take a nap, have a juicebox, and get over yourselves.
*Editor's Note: It is not worth your time trying to convince Faith to see Iron Man 3.
Last Reel-To-Reel
I heard this story on NPR today about a projectionist who has worked at an art house theater for 35 years and will screen its last 35mm film there tonight. So sad.
While you're at it, look at The Waning Art Of The Projectionist for some really great photographs.
Mr. Gatsby
As if I wasn't already excited out of my ever loving mind for The Great Gatsby, now songs from the soundtrack have started to be released. Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey...Sia?! Goodness gracious. Get out of my head, Baz.