In this single digit season, I’m focused on indoor activities. I’m knitting a scarf. I’m reading my book club book. I’m going to crack open a new puzzle. I’ve got the weekend chore of closet cleaning. And I have a few new recipes to get cooking on.
I like a lot of activities to select from to meet my minute to minute whim. Winter is a staying inside season, especially during this single digit week. So, I make plans to entertain myself in a cozy fashion. Without a television, I rely on Netflix streaming on my computer to add a layer of amusement to my leisure time.
I’ve finished re-watching the entire GILMORE GIRLS season. Weirdly, I finished the final episode the same day Edward Hermann (Richard Gilmore) died. The show is clever writing and quirky characters. I want to live in Stars Hollow… or at least vacation there. Viewing the reruns gave me an interesting perspective on the characters. Originally, Lorelei was my hero big time. In the second time around, I observed her flaws. I saw the point of view of her parents more clearly. I enjoyed it more seeing the 7 year progression over several weeks.
By the time I completed my GG binge, Netflix had released WOLF ON WALL STREET. Even though I’m usually focused on seeing all Oscar nominated movies prior to the Academy Awards show, this one slipped through the cracks. I couldn’t work it in. I was delighted to see it pop up on Netflix. And I watched the first half of the three hour film before a dinner party last week. I have yet to finish it.
Why?
I love movies. Based on the Golden Globe noms, I focus on the ones I believe will be Oscar contenders. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve seen “Whiplash,” “Into the Woods,” “The Imitation Game,” “Birdman,” “Gone Girl,” and “Annie.” Oscar movies are the best of the year —in theory. And I want to see the best! These were all great movies except I’d downgrade “Annie” to ‘cute.’
If I had seen WOLF in the theatres last year, I would have been thoroughly captivated. The story is wild. The acting is impressive. The pace is non-stop revelry! Why haven’t I finished it in the cozy confines of my home?
A few years ago, I watched the first season of “American Horror Stories.” I was one of those initial crazed fans. And then something really horrible happened in my life. I was living a horror story. And when I tuned into the first episode of season two, I lasted 3 minutes. I couldn’t stomach it. I didn’t want some TV show to scare me. I was already trying to feel secure over evil in my life. I let AHS be a one season wonder for me.
So, I experienced ninety minutes of WOLF. I got the gist! Humankind’s insatiable appetite for money, power, sex, drugs, booze will lead to misery. Leo’s debauchery isn’t fun to me. It’s disconcerting. I don’t like observing a life out of control. And WOLF is chaos to extreme levels. It’s too messy! A glimpse of that reality was plenty for me. I know people living in addiction turmoil. I don’t enjoy watching anyone making destructive choices in real life or on film.
So, instead of finishing WOLF, I started rewatching the ten seasons of FRIENDS recently released on Netflix. I like tiny problems resolved in a tight 22 minute stint with a laughtrack. My hibernation cave is a no angst zone.