Current Joys: Halloween Special
Strangely, I’m not really one for dressing up on Halloween. I do, however, love the change in the air that comes with October. Pumpkins, cinnamon, the promise of possibly getting to wear a sweater soon, and of course, all things paranormal. ‘Tis the season for ghost hunting and scary movie watching, so I’ve put together a few of my favorite spooky delights for your enjoyment.
Spooky Movies I Love
Nope - As a huge fan of most everything UFO related, I loved Jordan Peele’s newest film about a strange presence in the sky. Beautifully shot with a healthy dose of disturbing imagery, this brilliantly acted story is one my favorite horror movies in recent history.
Only Lovers Left Alive - Tilda in Tangier, Tom Hiddleston as a depressed rocker, a moody vampire love story, what more do you need?
Suspiria - A visual feast and absolutely terrifying, this 1977 classic by Italian director Dario Argento is guaranteed to haunt your dreams.
Beetlejuice - A ghost filled 1980s gem about a young couple who die tragically and end up haunting their dream house, only to discover an obnoxious couple and their goth daughter have moved in. Cue Betelgeuse, a mischievous and unruly entity who's there to “help.”
Prometheus - A prequel to the Alien franchise, this sci-fi horror is one that I never tire of. Michael Fassbender is sensational as David, the existential questions that this film poses always get me thinking and… it’s super scary!
Ghostbusters - If you know me, you know this is my favorite movie EVER. I can and will watch it any time, any place. Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) is my first true love.
The Work of Mercedes Helnwein
I’ve been an admirer of Mercedes Helnwein’s work for almost a decade, ever since I spotted one of her arresting portraits in the window of a gallery on La Brea many years ago. Her subject matter is eerily nostalgic, often portraying figures that have been effaced in some way, with visceral smears of vivid color, like ghostly memories threatening to melt away before your eyes. I love the energetic exchanges between the figures and their environments, they appear to be dissolving into one another. Haunting and brilliant. She’s also a gifted writer — I devoured her novel, Slingshot, about angsty teenage love during quarantine. Highly recommend. Follow her instagram here!
A Very SJO Halloween Playlist
Allow me to set the mood - It’s an autumn evening in 2003, I’m driving around in my butter yellow 1987 Toyota Camry with my sister, wearing Doc Martens, drinking a vanilla latte from Peet’s and blasting this playlist (but it was burned onto a CD - remember those?) en route to Border’s bookstore. Angsty, edgy and oh so fun. Enjoy my nostalgic musical homage to spooky season! Listen to the playlist here.