Five Snouts Up: December edition

It’s time for Five Snouts Up: December edition. My loyal readers may recall that I use a snout-based rating system:

(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) is the best — unlike your standard Google and Yelp ratings, I only give five snouts when I find that which I’m reviewing to be outstanding.

Movie:  Women Talking, starring Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, directed by Canadian director and political activist Sarah Polley.  The official description is “Do nothing, stay and fight, or leave … the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling a brutal reality with their faith.” And that pretty much covers it, as does the title. This movie pulls off something hard to do: it has strong dramatic tension, powerful characters, a lot at stake, and yet almost nothing happens except discussing whether to leave or stay (in the wake of a series of violent attacks). Apparently, it’s based on a true story, but the dialogue/stakes could also serve as a timeless and timely allegory for women everywhere.

Book: The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk. Yes, this author deserved the Nobel Prize she won for her body of work (people seem to largely think this book so far is the jewel in her crown). Written by a contemporary Polish feminist, activist, and journalist, the book chronicles a movement and following of a mid-18th century Jew who others believe is the Messiah. The writing is so beautiful, funny, and unique that it caused me to research the English translator Jennifer Croft, who I have appropriately renowned amongst translators.

Series:  Hacks is an HBO Max television series created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky. The series centers on the professional relationship between a young snarky fucked-up comedy writer (Hannah Einbinder) and a legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), based on Joan Rivers (as is The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) with lots added by Vance’s aide de camp played by Carl Clemons-Hopkins and also Vance’s daughter whose actor I’m too lazy to look up. Crazy funny. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s a good time to enjoy the first 2 seasons in time for the third, due early in 2024.