Culture Corner
The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for television, movies, novels, music and more
By HELENA BIRBROWER — arts@theaggie.org
Book: “11/22/63” by Stephen King (2011)
A combination of science fiction, history and romance, “11/22/63” follows Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who teaches GED courses to supplement his income. When Jake assigns a personal essay, he becomes deeply moved by one student’s response. The student, a disabled adult, writes of a traumatic night that fundamentally changed the direction of his life. Jake becomes obsessed with the idea of “watershed moments” — disproportionately minute occurrences that change the outcome of the future. When Jake stumbles upon the opportunity to travel back in time, he is tasked with preventing a different watershed moment: the Kennedy assassination on Nov. 22, 1963. Along his quest to change history, Jake finds corruption, violence and hate, but he also finds love, purpose and an appreciation for the present. This novel feels like a late October day — it’s nostalgic, emotional, warm, romantic and just the tiniest bit spooky. Plus, if you’re a fan of the “It” franchise, there might be a treat hidden in “11/22/63” for you.
Album: “Crosby, Stills & Nash” by Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969)
“Crosby, Stills & Nash” (CSN) was the debut album of the iconic folk-rock band of the same name. The group focuses on poetic lyricism and intricate three-part harmony, creating an intimate, contemplative sound. The album opens with “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” an upbeat, cheerful melody. However, its lyrics contradict the cheerful tone, describing heartbreak and emotional anguish. As the suite progresses, this dissonance subsides — the speaker recovers from their grief and details their newfound freedom.
About halfway through the record is “Hopelessly Hoping,” a beautifully melancholy love song that uses alliteration and double meaning to illustrate the ache of miscommunication and distance within a relationship. The chorus reads: “They are one person / they are too alone / they are three together / they are for each other.” If CSN sounds familiar, it might be because you are a fan of indie rock trio Boygenius, which was heavily influenced by CSN. From the basic structure (three artists with individual careers joining together to create music), to specifics, like the cover of their 2018 EP “boygenius,” which is a direct homage to the cover of CSN’s 1969 album, the allusions are clear. This record is perfect as we transition into the colder months — its emotional warmth helps keep out the chill and its poetic verse meshes with the rain and fog.
Movie: “Thelma & Louise” dir. Ridley Scott (1991)
“Thelma & Louise” is many things: it is an exploration of the depth and power of female friendships, it is a love letter to feminism, it is a hilarious satire and it is a heartbreaking tragedy. The film follows close friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon). The two women couldn’t be more different — Thelma is an unassertive housewife, and Louise is an independent working woman — but they love and appreciate one another despite their differences. When Thelma’s husband refuses to allow her to attend a weekend vacation with Louise, she decides to go against his wishes. The two women begin their trip, but when unforeseen circumstances interrupt their plans, they are forced to improvise. Throughout the film, Thelma and Louise are forced to navigate a world not built for them; encountering misogynistic disrespect and abuse on numerous occasions. Despite these insults, by the conclusion of their road trip, the two women have undergone a complete transformation. “Something’s crossed over in me,” Thelma says in the movie. “I can’t go back. I just couldn’t live.”
Written by: Helena Birbrower — arts@theaggie.org