Film and Play Recs, Tolstoy's Short Works, Alcoholism in Literature

[@deckchair41]

Alex, you speak so much truth we need to pay more attention for longer periods of time to ideas. We live at such a fast pace that we only ever get a superficial idea of the world. Digging deeper in our ideas is where the gold is!

[@heather1628]

First off, I know this has nothing to do with the play, but I love hearing about little things you and your dad do together. Family has always meant a lot to me, so it's lovely to think that you'll have all these memories with him discussing books and watching plays and such. It's wholesome. In terms of Leeroy and Lucy, I completely agree when you said that "a great piece of art doesn't give you the answers, it makes you ask questions". It's those moments of pondering that are so wonderful to me because it makes you dig deeper than simply consuming something at a surface level (which, as you pointed out, we do a lot of with social media). I also think it's an interesting idea of whether it's worth suffering to be remembered. Personally, I think I'd rather live a content life, but there's definitely something to be said for a name to be passed down for generations. I don't know, I'd probably have to think about that more. When you were talking about I'm Thinking of Ending Things, you said something about "it's so you that there's a really good chance that people might not like it, but also you're hoping that they get something out of that that's them", and I don't have the words to explain why this makes so much sense to me and why I like it so much, but it does and I do. And then Tolstoy, when you mentioned that people notice things less these days because we're so stimulated, it reminded me of something someone said about going to some silent meditation retreat and there they realised that by stripping themselves of stimulation, they became what they assumed scientists were like way back when. As in, they'd notice a change, say, in nature, over days, and they couldn't just google the answer, so they really had to sit and come up with a possible reason. I dunno, it just stuck with me how much we lean on the internet for answers instead of thinking things through ourselves (obviously it's great to have answers for certain things, but still). Anyway, I'll sign off before this becomes a novel. I'd be really keen to hear about anything you learn about writing dialogue - I always struggle with that and it's so important. And, of course, it would be great to hear your thoughts on more songwriting if you ever feel like it. Hope you have a great week! Thanks, as always, for the video. :)

[@agwriting]

That's always the best. More Dad videos on the way! And that was exactly my takeaway from the play. It's easier said than done, certainly, but so so important. The quote you pulled from when I'm talking about I'm 'Thinking of Ending Things' is my favorite, thank you for reminding me! I think that's what results in the greatest art--although it's obviously a huge risk to take, and, sometimes, it's hard to even understand what is you and you alone versus an outside influence. Also, your point about scientists is really interesting. I think it's exactly the same with writers, other artists, and even just people in general. When you have to force yourself to be 'bored' and to pay attention, it's not the easiest thing to do. Thanks for watching and for all your insight!

[@jekamusika]

I am with you on what you said on the beauty of paying attention on a piece of art for a long period of time. In this fast-pace, content-driven media environment of today, with our declining attention spans, it is so easy to get distracted. That's why when you're reading you intentionally give your attention to books. Albeit when you're on social media, attention is being stolen from you.

[@agwriting]

Exactly. It would be one thing if we were all happy and glad to be on social media all day, but it seems quite the opposite. I, at least, always feel so much better about myself if I'm focusing on reading, writing, or some other kind of project for a long period of time.

[@0159z]

Thank you for sharing Alex! I always admire your thoughts!

[@moralesnina]

You need to read Resurrection by Tolstoy, I can’t explain how much time I’ve spent thinking about that book. His Essay Confessions is also great and has everything to do with what he did during his lifetime.

[@bellatrixlestrange2678]

despite the film's flop, i love love I'm thinking of ending things, i read the book after watching the film and have read and watched both about 3 to 4 times and have gone into an existential spiral each time, very interesting fr

[@agwriting]

Haha that sounds like something I should try. Can definitely see how it flopped, especially with the separation of the beginning and the end, I imagine the book was more coherent or something like that. But personally, I really enjoyed it too.

[@PrimaryLateralSclerosis]

I have several of Tolstoy’s works on my Christmas list. There’s a great movie about the end of Tolstoy’s life, The Last Station. Highly recommended!

[@agwriting]

That actually sounds fascinating, thank you for the rec!

[@mickey4355]

I’ll be in Chicago in two weeks, I should really check out Steppenwolf. If you are interested in reading more plays The Pillowman and How I Learned To Drive are two of the best things I’ve ever read. The Ferryman is also this wonderful Irish play I was lucky enough to see on Broadway.

[@courtenaywrites]

For films, you would LOVE Vanya on 42nd Street (dir. Louis Malle)!

[@IvyGirl22]

I've read "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" so now I'm curious to compare with the film. Thanks for your review!

[@agwriting]

Awesome, how was the book? I'd love to hear what you think of the movie in comparison.

[@IvyGirl22]

⁠@@agwriting The book has that claustrophobic eerie feel to it. I’d love to reread it now knowing the ending! I appreciated the film adaptation, though I felt like it belonged to a different genre. The book has more of a horror undertone, and to me the book and film felt like they were trying to convey different things.

[@Slothreadersclub]

You should check Sofia's diaries. People don't really know how much of Tolstoy's work is actually his wife's work. As he was aging he was under the influence of one family friend who kept turning him against his wife and his children. Tolstoy was very abusive towards his wife. These things need to be addressed when we talk about "great" male authors.

[@agwriting]

He was certainly an awful, awful person, especially towards his wife. I've heard things about her editing War and Peace but would definitely be interested in reading her account, thanks for the recommendation.

[@Budgieboy4068]

This question isn't to do with the books in your video Alex but I was wondering what your views on Dickens were?

[@agwriting]

Aside from a Christmas Carol, I haven't read Dickens since high school (A Tale of Two Cities), when I was probably too young. I have Great Expectations, which I plan to read in 2025. I'm certainly expecting to enjoy his work a great deal!

[@axhieso4075]

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