Well, reader, here we are, at the end of this mad endeavor. They said it couldn't be done! They said it shouldn't be done! They said...okay, so no one said either of those things. But I've certainly never attempted anything like this 31-day examination of a single film before. It's been a bit exhausting at times, but always an interesting undertaking. Somehow, a month in, there are still things left to say, avenues to explore, nuances and moments to revere. Every time I think I hit bottom, I find there's yet more digging to do. I think I'll keep going. Maybe not here, necessarily. I might try to expand what I've done in a multitude of ways and work on something long form. I don't know where such a thing might find a home, but we'll see. My enthusiasm and love for Suspiria certainly haven't waned. Kind of remarkable to me, since it's been almost a year to the day since I saw it the first time. In fact, I dug this out of my instagram to check the date:
That caption makes me laugh...I was so excited for this movie! So excited, in fact, that I traveled for a couple of hours to catch it opening weekend, as it didn't play in my town for another week or so. (Of course, I saw it a few times when it finally arrived.)
Still, I certainly wasn't expecting it to affect me the way it did. I figured I'd like it: the cast is terrific, I am the leader of the sovereign nation of Dakotastan, I love the original film. But I love Dario Argento's movie...mmm, aesthetically. I love the idea of it. Jessica Harper is, of course, a perfect icon. But it never, like, grabbed me by the soul emotionally, you know? So I never anticipated that Luca Guadagnino's film would cast such a spell on me. But, well, again...here we are.
I was going to post about an actual, uh, something. But I think I'll save it for another time, maybe another place. Right now I just want to say Happy Halloween–another SHOCKtober in the books!–and thanks to everyone who's taken the time to read Final Girl this month, who's left a comment here or on The Social Medias with your thoughts and the such. It's been quite a ride! Tomorrow is a new day 'round these parts, for it dawns the first-ever BLOODvember. I have no idea what I'm doing yet! That sounds about right.
The Suspiria zine I'm putting together will be available November 11. (Of course.) There will be limited hard copies available. It'll also be available digitally. It's a love letter to this deeply queer love letter of a movie from a queer little coven I have assembled (the Markos Zinegruppe!). There will be art and writing, silly things and serious things, all kinds of goodies. I'll post information regarding where to get it when the time comes. I'm really excited about it.
Of Anke Meier, of Patricia Hingle, of Sara Simms, of Susanna Bannion, of all the women of my undoing...uh, thanks? I guess? Hail Mother Suspiriorum. Death to any other movie!
10 comments:
What a grand surprise to check in about halfway through the month to find you writing again and in such detail and passion about a such a great film.
There will be a critical reappraisal of Suspiria in the coming years (I hope) and you've laid the track to that.
Thank you.
Thank you so much! It's been a good month.
And yep–I think opinions about this film will likely change in the future. I hope so, it definitely deserves more accolades and love.
I am not ready for this to be over!
Same!
Happy Halloween.
I've just, finally, watched Suspiria 2018 and— I honestly don't quite know what to make of it yet. It's definitely a lot to take in. I'll probably have to watch it a second or third time to come to some sort of conclusion.
What I can say so far, though, is that it's very different from the original, and that's a good thing. Also, it's very well made. I don't know if there's an Oscar for editing, but this movie would have deserved to win it. And how Tilda Swinton wasn't even nominated for her performance(s) should go down as one of the greatest injustices in history of movie awards.
I loathed the film, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of blogs. They have been a joy to read. Thank you.
Thanks so much, everyone, I truly appreciate it. And a double thank you if you don't even like this (perfect) movie but you read all this stuff anyway! :D
YAY! CONGRATULATIONS! it was such a great responsability to take on, but you went through it and we enjoyed it so!
me and my fellow Suspiria enthusiast here in Brazil are very excited for the zine. I'd hate to sound cheap and devaluing of all the work put into it, but will the digital version be avalaible for free? or will it be available in ways people outside the USA can purchase it?
Thank you for tuning in and for the comments and kind words, Yago!
We're still figuring out all the zine stuff, honestly, including pricing and all that. The digital edition will for sure be available to those non-USers out there! Like I said, not sure of price yet but it wouldn't be any more than $5 at absolute most. I'm looking into the possibility of a sliding scale as well so everyone can get a peep at it no matter what!
I love this movie and your thoughts on it this month have just made me love it more and more!! I would take four more months of Suspiria only posts!
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