The stranger signs of late spring
Nov. 4th, 2025 06:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mab_browneGoddammit but the birds are pooping all over the place. My car, my windows, my car windows. Good grief!
mab_browneFannish 50 S3: Suspense (Noirvember)
Nov. 3rd, 2025 03:07 pmglitteryvSuspense (YouTube)
A 1946 Monumental Pictures film that stars Barry Sulivan as Joe Morgan, Belita as Roberta Leonard, Albert Dekker as Robert Leornard, Eugene Palette as Harry Wheeler, and Bonita Grenville as Ronnie.
It begins with Joe, a drifter from the East Coast, who is now looking for work in Los Angeles. One guy tells him to talk to Mr. Leonard, the owner of an ice capade-type of show. Joe gets a job as a peanut seller. He's kinda 'meh' abt but, whatever. That is until Roberta (Mr. Leonard's wife) does her floor show. Suddenly, Joe is MESMERIZED, TAKEN, DROOLING, GAGA OVER THE HEAD with her. Afterwards, he begins to insinuate himself a little both with Roberta (i.e. pursing her romantically) and with Mr. Leonard (by showing him that he's got what it takes to be the general manager of the show).
After a promotion as Assistant Stage Manager, Joe redoubles his efforts to woo Roberta. Meanwhile, there's a woman named Ronnie who shows up back in Joe's life. It seems they have some history; Ronnie's DETERMINED to try to win him back, I guess?
Despite sounding like some melodrama, this is a 100% noir film. It deffo has the beats (questionable pasts for several characters, business that might or might not be on the level, Roberta AND Ronnie being femme fatales, Joe's obsession with Roberta, and the cinematography presenting the whole mess in fascinating shots.).
HOWEVER, the thing that makes this movie stand out from other noirs is that Belita (the actress portraying Roberta) was an ex-Olympic ice skater. So there are a lot of scenes where she's doing her thing on ice. And, like, at first, it sounds v. gimmicky. How the hell is noir gonna mix with someone skating on an ice rink? IDK what to tell you other that it all works really well, LOL.
The acting, lighting, and dialogue are all good!
I liked Barry Sullivan the most out of the cast. His portrayal of Joe as a guy who is dark in a way that is obnoxious but intriguing. Belita's Roberta is such a mystery. IHNI what her game was until near the end.
Do I have any criticisms?
Out of the 7 ice skating sequences, there were two scenes that I was v. meh abt. I kinda wish they'd been cut from the final edit.
Do I recommend it?
Yes! I know it's a weird premise, but the movie has a tight plot. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. I think the only place it's currently available is YT right now.
Queerness level:
Non-existent, maybe? I'm kinda 🤔at Mr. Leonard cuz there are some vibes I picked up abt him and Joe that made me go "HMMMMMMMMMM".
A 1946 Monumental Pictures film that stars Barry Sulivan as Joe Morgan, Belita as Roberta Leonard, Albert Dekker as Robert Leornard, Eugene Palette as Harry Wheeler, and Bonita Grenville as Ronnie.
It begins with Joe, a drifter from the East Coast, who is now looking for work in Los Angeles. One guy tells him to talk to Mr. Leonard, the owner of an ice capade-type of show. Joe gets a job as a peanut seller. He's kinda 'meh' abt but, whatever. That is until Roberta (Mr. Leonard's wife) does her floor show. Suddenly, Joe is MESMERIZED, TAKEN, DROOLING, GAGA OVER THE HEAD with her. Afterwards, he begins to insinuate himself a little both with Roberta (i.e. pursing her romantically) and with Mr. Leonard (by showing him that he's got what it takes to be the general manager of the show).
After a promotion as Assistant Stage Manager, Joe redoubles his efforts to woo Roberta. Meanwhile, there's a woman named Ronnie who shows up back in Joe's life. It seems they have some history; Ronnie's DETERMINED to try to win him back, I guess?
Despite sounding like some melodrama, this is a 100% noir film. It deffo has the beats (questionable pasts for several characters, business that might or might not be on the level, Roberta AND Ronnie being femme fatales, Joe's obsession with Roberta, and the cinematography presenting the whole mess in fascinating shots.).
HOWEVER, the thing that makes this movie stand out from other noirs is that Belita (the actress portraying Roberta) was an ex-Olympic ice skater. So there are a lot of scenes where she's doing her thing on ice. And, like, at first, it sounds v. gimmicky. How the hell is noir gonna mix with someone skating on an ice rink? IDK what to tell you other that it all works really well, LOL.
The acting, lighting, and dialogue are all good!
I liked Barry Sullivan the most out of the cast. His portrayal of Joe as a guy who is dark in a way that is obnoxious but intriguing. Belita's Roberta is such a mystery. IHNI what her game was until near the end.
Do I have any criticisms?
Out of the 7 ice skating sequences, there were two scenes that I was v. meh abt. I kinda wish they'd been cut from the final edit.
Do I recommend it?
Yes! I know it's a weird premise, but the movie has a tight plot. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. I think the only place it's currently available is YT right now.
Queerness level:
Non-existent, maybe? I'm kinda 🤔at Mr. Leonard cuz there are some vibes I picked up abt him and Joe that made me go "HMMMMMMMMMM".
Fannish 50 S3 Post 48: Jin and his special brand of magic!
Nov. 2nd, 2025 11:38 amglitteryvI'll be dropping context throughout this post (for added understanding), but let me start at the beginning: after SUGA's extremely successful D-Day AND J-Hope's triumphant "Hope On The Stage" world tours, Jin decided to hit the road for his "RunSeokjin_Ep._Tour". It kicked off June 28th, 2005 in Seoul and ended in Amsterdam on August 10, 2025. After that, Jin flew over to the US to work on the upcoming BTS album.
Ppl LOVED the tour's concept. There were several articles abt how brilliant and unique it was. Everyone wanted more BUT, at the same time, the Tannies are hunkered in, writing, recording, and focused on their first full album in years.
However, Jin is THE Chaos King and so, on a literal whim, he asked Jin Crew (his team) to see if there were any availability anywhere to perform an encore show or two.
Which led to the surprise announcement of the 2-Day "RunSeokjin_Ep._Tour_Encore" on October 31st and Novemeber 1st in Incheon, South Korea.
*takes a deep breath and exhales*
Both concerts were, ofc, gonna be livestreamed as per the Kpop system, LOL. Jin mentioned some changes to the show and so we waited.
Trigger/Content Warnings: These are fancams and so they feature a lot of happy screaming. They're all from a concert featuring bright and flashing lights as well as sparks/pyrotechnics.
Day 1
CONTEXT: After losing in a game against ARMYs, Jin walked out wearing a fit from he and Hobi wore each other's costumes during this year's FESTA. So he walked out wearing a white and black suit, Hobi's jester hat on his head.
And then he started performing "Super Tuna" . . . with a full choreo FEATURING HOBI AND JUNGKOOK. You can tell cuz the screaming at the 1:37 mark, hehehe. Also, the video is set to start at the performance (what comes before it is Jin talking abt wearing the costume and how heavy is the hat. There are no subtitles.
Back during the original run, the BTS medley section consisted of Dynamite, Butter, Mikrokosmos, and Spring Day. This time around, the songs have switched. The inclusion of "So What" meant that there was going to be a water fight, heheh. Especially because of Jin and Jungkook's friendly ongoing rivalry.
Day 2
This concert's main surprise began with Jimin cheering Jin on as he ran around the venue and then the vibes got better when Taehyung went onstage and sang for the first time in 2 yrs. He sounded amazing.
Afterwards, Jin walked him back out for his piano performances because, according to him, Taehyung was crying due to being so happily overwhelmed. ;___;
And then, during the medley, chaos reigned: Jimin sounded great, Taehyung walked on stage wearing his backpack (and also forgot some of the lyrics), all three sang an improvised version of "Spring Day", and it was softly chaotic.
Such as the moment when Jin made suggestions of what else they could sing together, Jimin goes "can we do that?" only for Jin to say "hell yeah, we can do anything you want to do!" MEANWHILE, the production team is trying to find the soundtrack for "Spring Day" and failing to do so. Only for the live band to start playing a version of it, heheheh.
Even though I had to wake up shortly before 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, everything was worth it. I cried, laughed, and squeed online alongside other fans. CANNOT WAIT FOR 2026 AND THE REUNION TOURRRRRRR!
Ppl LOVED the tour's concept. There were several articles abt how brilliant and unique it was. Everyone wanted more BUT, at the same time, the Tannies are hunkered in, writing, recording, and focused on their first full album in years.
However, Jin is THE Chaos King and so, on a literal whim, he asked Jin Crew (his team) to see if there were any availability anywhere to perform an encore show or two.
Which led to the surprise announcement of the 2-Day "RunSeokjin_Ep._Tour_Encore" on October 31st and Novemeber 1st in Incheon, South Korea.
*takes a deep breath and exhales*
Both concerts were, ofc, gonna be livestreamed as per the Kpop system, LOL. Jin mentioned some changes to the show and so we waited.
Trigger/Content Warnings: These are fancams and so they feature a lot of happy screaming. They're all from a concert featuring bright and flashing lights as well as sparks/pyrotechnics.
Day 1
CONTEXT: After losing in a game against ARMYs, Jin walked out wearing a fit from he and Hobi wore each other's costumes during this year's FESTA. So he walked out wearing a white and black suit, Hobi's jester hat on his head.
And then he started performing "Super Tuna" . . . with a full choreo FEATURING HOBI AND JUNGKOOK. You can tell cuz the screaming at the 1:37 mark, hehehe. Also, the video is set to start at the performance (what comes before it is Jin talking abt wearing the costume and how heavy is the hat. There are no subtitles.
Back during the original run, the BTS medley section consisted of Dynamite, Butter, Mikrokosmos, and Spring Day. This time around, the songs have switched. The inclusion of "So What" meant that there was going to be a water fight, heheh. Especially because of Jin and Jungkook's friendly ongoing rivalry.
Day 2
This concert's main surprise began with Jimin cheering Jin on as he ran around the venue and then the vibes got better when Taehyung went onstage and sang for the first time in 2 yrs. He sounded amazing.
Afterwards, Jin walked him back out for his piano performances because, according to him, Taehyung was crying due to being so happily overwhelmed. ;___;
And then, during the medley, chaos reigned: Jimin sounded great, Taehyung walked on stage wearing his backpack (and also forgot some of the lyrics), all three sang an improvised version of "Spring Day", and it was softly chaotic.
Such as the moment when Jin made suggestions of what else they could sing together, Jimin goes "can we do that?" only for Jin to say "hell yeah, we can do anything you want to do!" MEANWHILE, the production team is trying to find the soundtrack for "Spring Day" and failing to do so. Only for the live band to start playing a version of it, heheheh.
Even though I had to wake up shortly before 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, everything was worth it. I cried, laughed, and squeed online alongside other fans. CANNOT WAIT FOR 2026 AND THE REUNION TOURRRRRRR!
Fannish 50 S3 Post 47: Niagara (NOIRVEMBER)
Nov. 1st, 2025 11:14 amglitteryvAnd so, we arrive at November and the first of several posts abt film noirs I've watched.
Niagara (Hoopla)
From 1953, this film is a surprisingly intense movie.
Ray (Casey Adams) and Polly (Jean Peters) are a married couple who are enjoying their honeymoon some three years after their wedding. The plan is to spend a longish weekend at Niagara Falls AND for Ray to also do a bit of networking with the main boss of his company. ANYWAYS, once they get to the lodge place, they find out that there's another couple staying in the cabin they'd reserved.
Rose (Marilyn Monroe) manages to convince everyone to allow them stay a bit longer in the cabin because George (Joseph Cotten), her husband, is recovering from something after leaving the hospital. FWIW, there's a lot of tension between them. It's not clear how long they've been married, but George is not okay. Meanwhile, Rose treats him with a lot of contempt. The rest of the time, she likes to poke at his jealousy for funsies? Their dynamic is v. odd.
Ray and Polly do the tourist-y things, generally having a good time. During one of the excursions, Polly happens to find out that Rose is stepping out on George with someone else…
It had been at least 15 yrs since I first watched this movie. In all truth, I don't think I paid that much attention the first time around since I only had the vaguest of memories abt the plot this time around. The more I watched, the more I started to remember.
This is a FANTASTIC MOVIE FROM BEGINNING TO END. It's extreeeeeeeeeeeeemely noir: v. suspenseful, and gorgeously photographed. Marilyn Monroe was at the height of her power as a sex symbol. However, her role in this movie is the opposite of her happy-go-lucky, coquettish and ditzy persona. Rose is manipulative and will do whatever she needs to do to get ahead. So, if you're someone whose exposure to her filmography has only been the comedies (The Seven-Year Itch, How To Marry a Millionaire, etc), this is a movie that shows the depth of her acting talent.
OFC, Joseph Cotten NEVER made a bad movie. George is super complex yet easy to feel sympathy for.
The MVP is Jean Peters as Polly. She is a character who is kind and smart. At times, she shows lets some of her steeliness/backbone show and I applauded her for that. Especially at times when she's repeatedly dismissed by people (including her husband Ray who should've known better.) That said, it is because of her kindness that she's able to persevere. Peters was soo good that I want to check out other movies she's in.
As for the rest of the cast, everyone's fine?
Again, since the movie was filmed in Technicolor, the cinematography is AMAZING. Everything just pops off the screen. The movie itself is so engaging that, even when there are long scenes with little to no dialogue, viewers can't take your eyes off the screen. It's THAT good.
Do I have any criticisms?
There's a B plot abt Ray's boss (Mr. Kettering) who was obnoxious AF. Kudos to Don Wilson (the actor who portrayed him) for getting on my nerves, I guess. LOL. I think my annoyance was compounded by the fact that I really didn't care abt Ray. He was SUCH a loser.
I also don't know how I feel abt some parts of the ending (specifically the climax.)
Do I recommend it?
Hell fucking yeah! This movie has everything working so well that even the Mr. Kettering scenes weren't enough to deter me. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5.
Queerness level:
It's so low that one would have to jump thru many logic loops to come up with crumbs. :(
Niagara (Hoopla)
From 1953, this film is a surprisingly intense movie.
Ray (Casey Adams) and Polly (Jean Peters) are a married couple who are enjoying their honeymoon some three years after their wedding. The plan is to spend a longish weekend at Niagara Falls AND for Ray to also do a bit of networking with the main boss of his company. ANYWAYS, once they get to the lodge place, they find out that there's another couple staying in the cabin they'd reserved.
Rose (Marilyn Monroe) manages to convince everyone to allow them stay a bit longer in the cabin because George (Joseph Cotten), her husband, is recovering from something after leaving the hospital. FWIW, there's a lot of tension between them. It's not clear how long they've been married, but George is not okay. Meanwhile, Rose treats him with a lot of contempt. The rest of the time, she likes to poke at his jealousy for funsies? Their dynamic is v. odd.
Ray and Polly do the tourist-y things, generally having a good time. During one of the excursions, Polly happens to find out that Rose is stepping out on George with someone else…
It had been at least 15 yrs since I first watched this movie. In all truth, I don't think I paid that much attention the first time around since I only had the vaguest of memories abt the plot this time around. The more I watched, the more I started to remember.
This is a FANTASTIC MOVIE FROM BEGINNING TO END. It's extreeeeeeeeeeeeemely noir: v. suspenseful, and gorgeously photographed. Marilyn Monroe was at the height of her power as a sex symbol. However, her role in this movie is the opposite of her happy-go-lucky, coquettish and ditzy persona. Rose is manipulative and will do whatever she needs to do to get ahead. So, if you're someone whose exposure to her filmography has only been the comedies (The Seven-Year Itch, How To Marry a Millionaire, etc), this is a movie that shows the depth of her acting talent.
OFC, Joseph Cotten NEVER made a bad movie. George is super complex yet easy to feel sympathy for.
The MVP is Jean Peters as Polly. She is a character who is kind and smart. At times, she shows lets some of her steeliness/backbone show and I applauded her for that. Especially at times when she's repeatedly dismissed by people (including her husband Ray who should've known better.) That said, it is because of her kindness that she's able to persevere. Peters was soo good that I want to check out other movies she's in.
As for the rest of the cast, everyone's fine?
Again, since the movie was filmed in Technicolor, the cinematography is AMAZING. Everything just pops off the screen. The movie itself is so engaging that, even when there are long scenes with little to no dialogue, viewers can't take your eyes off the screen. It's THAT good.
Do I have any criticisms?
There's a B plot abt Ray's boss (Mr. Kettering) who was obnoxious AF. Kudos to Don Wilson (the actor who portrayed him) for getting on my nerves, I guess. LOL. I think my annoyance was compounded by the fact that I really didn't care abt Ray. He was SUCH a loser.
I also don't know how I feel abt some parts of the ending (specifically the climax.)
Do I recommend it?
Hell fucking yeah! This movie has everything working so well that even the Mr. Kettering scenes weren't enough to deter me. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5.
Queerness level:
It's so low that one would have to jump thru many logic loops to come up with crumbs. :(
Fannish 50 S3 Post 46: Alexander McQueen, his genius, and his disastrous life
Oct. 31st, 2025 01:39 pmglitteryvFull disclosure: I've been a fan of McQueen's designs since the launch of his label circa 1992 (or 30+ years nowadays. What the fuck is time?). I remember the fashion spreads, the shows, reading abt the messiness of McQueen's life and also abt his brilliance as a designer from the 1990s thru his death in 2010. He was one of the few designers whose work I always checked out no matter what. That said, Understich is an even bigger fan of his to the point that they posted two magnificent video essays abt the label and the man himself.
FWIW, I do think that, at times, Understitch does lessen their criticism abt certain things that McQueen did while, at the same time, I've yet to find such a thorough dive into his life and work. Seriously, the depth of research Understitch did here is astonishing. I'm doing a slow-clap-to-standing-ovation for realsies.
Trigger/Content warnings: Both essays, but especially the one focusing on McQueen's life tackle v. frank discussions of substance abuse (including attempts to remain sober & relapsing); self-harm; mentions of CSA; mentions of parental illness and death; several people committing suicide; friends of McQueen having terminal illnesses; bullying (from McQueen toward others); McQueen having unprotected sex despite his HIV+ status (PrEP was launched into the market two full years AFTER McQueen's death).
A 46-minute video essay that mostly centers the fashion aspect in McQueen's life over the man himself. That said, this video does shed some light on his tumultuous life. Understich's fannishness abt the collections is v. clear. That does help in explaining themes that aren't as clear to the casual viewer or baby fashionista. Whether or not it might seem frivolous to some, fashion design IS an art. One that v. few (such as McQueen) have been able to explore to its fullest while, at the same time, presenting clothing that many will love to wear. There was a type of anger and general disdain for the mundane in McQueen's designs. And, at least when he was alive, a symbiotic relationship between his collections and the artisty & grandiosity of his actual!shows. He had a vision and kept it going even as his soul got torn apart by his substance abuse and pain.
This hour and 11 minute video essay explores McQueen as a person: from his painful childhood to the mix of bravado and insecurity as he stepped into the fashion world seguing into the professional triumphs and terrible lows in his personal life.
Obvs, if you also watch the fashion-centric video essay, this one will seem repetitive at times. However, Understich's examination of McQueen's life will keep you watching. Granted, the majority of the details are quite disturbing, but none feel tabloidesque. This video ends on an intensly bittersweet note as McQueen dies but the company needing to go on. ✨Extreme capitalism, y'all!✨
Again, I do need to point out that the second half of the video is quite downbeat, but such is life sometimes.
FWIW, I do think that, at times, Understitch does lessen their criticism abt certain things that McQueen did while, at the same time, I've yet to find such a thorough dive into his life and work. Seriously, the depth of research Understitch did here is astonishing. I'm doing a slow-clap-to-standing-ovation for realsies.
Trigger/Content warnings: Both essays, but especially the one focusing on McQueen's life tackle v. frank discussions of substance abuse (including attempts to remain sober & relapsing); self-harm; mentions of CSA; mentions of parental illness and death; several people committing suicide; friends of McQueen having terminal illnesses; bullying (from McQueen toward others); McQueen having unprotected sex despite his HIV+ status (PrEP was launched into the market two full years AFTER McQueen's death).
A 46-minute video essay that mostly centers the fashion aspect in McQueen's life over the man himself. That said, this video does shed some light on his tumultuous life. Understich's fannishness abt the collections is v. clear. That does help in explaining themes that aren't as clear to the casual viewer or baby fashionista. Whether or not it might seem frivolous to some, fashion design IS an art. One that v. few (such as McQueen) have been able to explore to its fullest while, at the same time, presenting clothing that many will love to wear. There was a type of anger and general disdain for the mundane in McQueen's designs. And, at least when he was alive, a symbiotic relationship between his collections and the artisty & grandiosity of his actual!shows. He had a vision and kept it going even as his soul got torn apart by his substance abuse and pain.
This hour and 11 minute video essay explores McQueen as a person: from his painful childhood to the mix of bravado and insecurity as he stepped into the fashion world seguing into the professional triumphs and terrible lows in his personal life.
Obvs, if you also watch the fashion-centric video essay, this one will seem repetitive at times. However, Understich's examination of McQueen's life will keep you watching. Granted, the majority of the details are quite disturbing, but none feel tabloidesque. This video ends on an intensly bittersweet note as McQueen dies but the company needing to go on. ✨Extreme capitalism, y'all!✨
Again, I do need to point out that the second half of the video is quite downbeat, but such is life sometimes.
Fannish 50 S3 Post 44: My fave beauty YT channel
Oct. 29th, 2025 12:44 pmglitteryvUnderskin is MY kind of beauty channel: in that they (I don't know what kind of pronouns the person running it uses, so I'm defaulting to "they") look at the creativity, business, and popularity angles. Everything is well-reseached, so even if the titles might be a tad clickbait-y, there's v. little (if any) room for weird/doubtful claims.
They've got videos on a lot of brands (from Fenty to Max Factor, r.e.m beauty, and more.) Here are some of my faves:
This is one is super fascinating to me. Particularly cuz I was a teenager when The Body Shop was considered a good-to-upscale indication at USA malls. In addition to that was the marketing (appealing to cruelty-free and environmentally-centered products at a time where such labels were only a few years from total hippie-dom.) In any case, I love how deep of a look Underskin takes into the implosion of this once super popular brand.
I do consider this video part 1 of why Pat McGrath as a brand has fallen out of favor within the beauty product world. Personally, I've liked some of their earlier products, but (v. mild spoiler for the video essay) I do agree with Underskin in that there's been a v. sad/unfortunate decline on the launches.
One thing I appreciate is how the video focuses on the brand itself and NOT Pat McGrath herself. She remains a v. talented MUA.
And this is what I consider part 2. As the theme has to do with the Louis Vuitton x Pat McGrath collabo (launched back in late August this year. A controversial line that included $160 lipsticks. And there's the (alleged) shared PR packaging which FUCKING YIKES.
I don't want to end this post on a downer/ragebait-y note, so I'm posting abt this cosmetic brand instead. It's also interesting in seeing a brand bounce back after a rather ho-hum, sort-of-plateau moment.
They've got videos on a lot of brands (from Fenty to Max Factor, r.e.m beauty, and more.) Here are some of my faves:
This is one is super fascinating to me. Particularly cuz I was a teenager when The Body Shop was considered a good-to-upscale indication at USA malls. In addition to that was the marketing (appealing to cruelty-free and environmentally-centered products at a time where such labels were only a few years from total hippie-dom.) In any case, I love how deep of a look Underskin takes into the implosion of this once super popular brand.
I do consider this video part 1 of why Pat McGrath as a brand has fallen out of favor within the beauty product world. Personally, I've liked some of their earlier products, but (v. mild spoiler for the video essay) I do agree with Underskin in that there's been a v. sad/unfortunate decline on the launches.
One thing I appreciate is how the video focuses on the brand itself and NOT Pat McGrath herself. She remains a v. talented MUA.
And this is what I consider part 2. As the theme has to do with the Louis Vuitton x Pat McGrath collabo (launched back in late August this year. A controversial line that included $160 lipsticks. And there's the (alleged) shared PR packaging which FUCKING YIKES.
I don't want to end this post on a downer/ragebait-y note, so I'm posting abt this cosmetic brand instead. It's also interesting in seeing a brand bounce back after a rather ho-hum, sort-of-plateau moment.
Trump would HATE this...
Oct. 24th, 2025 07:55 pmstarwatcher... ad about his oh-so-grand ballroom. (AI generated) We wouldn't want it spread around and shared over multiple platforms, now would we? (StarWatcher winks very obviously.)