"83"

At age 83, Anthony Hopkins became the oldest person ever to win a Best Actor Oscar, for his astonishing portrayal of a proud man struggling with dementia in “The Father” (2020).

Advances in gay rights have been hard-won, and there's still much work ahead, but Sunday presents an opportunity to embrace all the progress to-date. It’s a day for Pride.    

How best to describe the impact of Fred Astaire on film? Apart from his undeniable charm and way with a song, Astaire fundamentally changed the way dance was portrayed on film. Utilizing extended takes, Astaire- whether solo or with mainstay partners Ginger Rogers and Cyd Charisse- performed uninterrupted, intricate dance sequences that kept audiences captivated for decades. It’s hard to believe that after his first Hollywood screen test, the casting director (who must have been drunk) famously wrote, “Balding. Can’t act. Can dance a little.”

With my awareness of passages heightened by a turbulent year, I was moved to compile a list of all the amazing players who have left us over the past twelve months. Some were big movie stars and household names, others skilled and reliable featured players who spent most of their careers on the stage or television. 

I’ve always had an affinity for horror films built around ghosts, usually favoring them over titles involving homicidal slashers, monsters, zombies, aliens, and vampires. I love the delicious build-up in a ghost story, with subtle signs gradually escalating to full-fledged horror.

Quarantining over these past three months has made me appreciate even more those elements of everyday life that give me comfort and joy at home. Among them, listening to music ranks high.

Over this tumultuous period, I am forcing myself to disconnect every once in a while — turn off my device, close my eyes, breathe deeply. This springs from my simple belief that in crazy times we must stay sane. Summer certainly helps. The flowers, the sun, that Vitamin D. A jump in the water, if you’re lucky enough to be near water.