5AM StoryTalk Coffee Reading: Issue 16
5AM StoryTalk Coffee Reading: Issue 16
A compilation of new and older arts-related articles that you might've missed
On the second Friday of every month, I share a list of arts-related articles (and occasionally podcasts) I’ve recently read that I think you might find illuminating/challenging/inspiring, too.* I don’t necessarily agree with everything in each article/episode, but I don’t need to entirely agree with something to think it’s worthy of my time - and, when it comes to art, I encourage you to embrace the same philosophy.
Today’s links come to you in two different sections: Screen & Screen Industry and Fine Art, Music & Page. There aren’t as many as usual, as I was on vacation/holiday in the States for much of July. These articles are capped off with some recommendations about arts newsletters to read here on Substack.
Thanks for being part of this conversation!
Cole
*Previously, this monthly feature appeared on the first Friday morning PST of every month. It’s shifted this month to make room for 5AM StoryTalk’s newest feature: “In Search of Beautiful Things (and Creative Inspiration)”.
SCREEN & SCREEN INDUSTRY
Credit at last for female screenwriter airbrushed from Hollywood history
By Dayla Alberge; The Guardian
Despite her activism during the golden age of cinema, Mary C McCall Jr was all but forgotten. Now a new book is about to set the record straight.
That Gay Episode: ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ Shows Straight People How to Stand Up for Gay People
By Brett White; Decider
‘Twisters’ Reignites Debate Over Steamy Scenes in Movies
By Ryan Gajewski; The Hollywood Reporter
Social media has been abuzz over a key aspect of the onscreen relationship between Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, and industry analysts are taking notice: "It speaks to our deep conflict with intimacy."
Everything about this article makes me sad.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Akiva Goldsman & Roy Lee On Breakdown In Trust Between Studios & Producers In A Streaming-Obsessed Industry – Comic-Con
By Anthony D'Alessandro and Matt Grobar; Deadline
Team Deakins Podcast: Ethan Hawke - Actor/Director
By Team Deakins
Ethan Hawke is one of my favorite working artists, and this soulful podcast interview is a reminder of why. If you want to read my own thoughts about Hawke, click here.
Perfect Days: Where the Light Comes Through
By Bilge Ebiri; The Criterion Collection
Almost Everything in “Dr. Strangelove” Was True
By Eric Schlosser; The New Yorker
An oldie, but a goodie.
FINE ART, MUSIC & PAGE
A 2000-Year-Old Argument Over the Flute Is the Most Important Thing in Our Culture Right Now
By
;This bitter debate from ancient times helps us understand today's crisis in music and other creative fields.
How Has Music Changed Since the 1950s? A Statistical Analysis
By
;How has music composition evolved over time?
Why I Finally Quit Spotify
By Kyle Chayka; The New Yorker
The platform interface has gradually made it harder to find the music I want to listen to. With the latest app updates, I’d had enough.
Full disclosure: I loathe Spotify.
Paramount Murders MTV News
By
;The Hollywood conglomerates continue to decimate and erase our cultural heritage.
John Steinbeck’s estate urged to let the world read his shunned werewolf novel
By Dalya Alberge; The Guardian
Rejected and hidden away since 1930, an early murder mystery by the Nobel-winning author is ‘an incredible find’.
I was today years old when I discovered Steinbeck wrote a werewolf novel. Mind. Blown.
Three Thoughts on the NYT Top 100: Missing Millennials, Fading Autofiction, the Genre-Bending Era
By
;Looking at some trends in the alleged top 100 books of the 21st century.
No, I'm Probably Not Going to Read Your Covid Novel
By
;I’ve recently decided to return to and update an article I wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald about the deleterious cultural effect of COVID being almost entirely absent from the stories being told on big and small screens. I expect I’ll be referencing this essay from Sherman Alexie when I finally edit it for sharing here.
Wolverine Co-Creator Roy Thomas on His ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Credit: “My Name Should Have Come First”
By Roy Thomas; The Hollywood Reporter
The former Marvel editor-in-chief shares his thoughts after seeing the movie — and responds following a controversy surrounding him getting co-creator credit on the popular character.
This is appalling. He’s not the co-creator. He was an editor. If he didn’t like earning that salary, he should’ve traded it in for a writer/artist’s life.
SUBSTACK RECOMMENDATIONS
I enjoy reading the following Substack newsletters about art. Maybe you will, too. I try to change these up every “reading list”, so there is always something new here.
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If this article added anything to your life but you’re not up for a paid subscription, consider buying me a “coffee” so I can keep as much of this newsletter free as possible for the dreamers who couldn’t afford it otherwise.
This piece shines with its well-curated selection of arts-related articles, offering a refreshing mix of perspectives and insights. The two-section format makes navigating easy, while your commentary adds genuine warmth. It’s a delightful blend of information and thoughtful reflection. Really enjoyed it, thank you.
Thanks for the shout, bro!