Welcome back to Popped. A Substack about film history and cinema culture.
Since it’s been my birthday this week, I think we can all agree to move on, put the tree up and start celebrating Christmas time.
December is a time for reflection, festivities, and that final push before a well earned break. In that spirit, I thought I would do another Cutting Room for you to enjoy in your own time.
I have compiled a lovely set of wintery items below. There is a gorgeous three minute short film, a plethora of lists and Home Alone injuries to get involved with. I haven’t done a VoiceOver for this one because it’s mainly things to look at and click around. Sorry to those who are after these dulcet tones.
Enjoy!
A note on paid subscriptions
I’ve decided to cut the price to £20 a year. I want to make the price as accessible as possible as there are so many subscriptions around these days! If you would like to support my work that would mean the world. You will get additional posts from me too with more up to date film thoughts, lists and blogs. Have a think…
It’s a Wonderful Life - Snow Pictures
The first bits of winter wonder are these behind the scenes pictures of It’s a Wonderful Life photographed by Life’s, Martha Holmes. The pictures show the groundbreaking fake snow they produced for the film, allowing them to create realistic blizzards and snowfalls for the first time. Click on the hyperlink above to see the rest, but here’s my favourite. Jimmy Stewart throwing snowballs like a giddy child.
The Robin and the Wren - Short Film
A wonderful little short film by Léa Sautin in response to the harpist Gwen Màiri’s rendition of a Basque carol. The tactile nature of the stop motion animation and the print draws me in. The relationship between the two birds keeps me engaged. It’s a hopeful thing to watch as we get into the depths of winter.
Useful Film Lists
I use Letterboxd. Do you? No? Well it’s the best way to log the films you watch, leave a diary entry for them, talk about films with your friends and others, and make lists. All of the lists.
Other people make far better lists than I could ever make. I’ve found some of my favourites so that you can keep them to hand if you need them.
Aesthetically Pleasing Posters
A lovely, scrollable list of film posters that move with the colours. What’s not to love?
Or how about:
Or my personal favourite list this month -
Christmas movie posters with white heterosexual couples wearing red and green
People have too much time on their hands and I love it.
Other Newsletters - Slow Reading in 2024
I recently discovered a Substack by
called Footnotes and Tangeants where he has spent the last year slowly reading War & Peace, one chapter a day. I wasn’t convinced I could ever do it, but then I read this post from Simon and I’ve now got the book in my basket for his 2024 slow read!“Reading War and Peace slowly and collectively has been transformative for many people. Readers who didn’t think they were “clever enough” to read a classic, or who had stopped reading altogether. Readers looking for insight, wisdom, beauty, or just a good yarn. I want more people to benefit from this unique reading experience.”
It sounds like it’s going to be a really fun way to meet people and join a year long conversation. Fancy it? Click on either of the hyperlinks above to learn more and get prepped.
Let me know if you sign up!
Home Alone - The Injuries
However satisfying it is to watch Kevin defend his home against intruders, it’s probably worth knowing the facts before you ditch the house alarms for paint cans and irons.
Screen Junkies asked a doctor to tell us what injuries The Wet Bandits (aka The Sticky Bandits) would come out with in real life. This video is oddly captivating…
They also did one for Die Hard if you want some more of this!
Coming Soon
There will be one more post in 2023 so look out for that sometime before the new year. I’ll then be back in January for some new features which I can’t wait to tell you about! It’s going to be a year full of adventure, stories and exploration into the world of cinema.
If you know anyone who may be interested in Popped please do forward this email on, or send them the link. It really helps me to get the word out there.
Thank you.
Gareth
Love these Bits & Pieces, do keep them coming. Those photos from the set of It's a Wonderful Life made my day ...
Great piece.Never heard of letterbxed am on it, thank you