My 'Best Ofs' for 2019 (Books, Film, Music)
(7 minute read)
In a year that started off in the best possible way – travelling back home to Australia to see friends & family, and show off my beautiful country to my adorable, fun lovin’ young son for the very first time – ended in one of the worst ways imaginable almost 12 months later. The devastating Australian wildfires!
The size, magnitude, amount, and sheer destruction of these bushfires across all that natural beauty and wildlife, is unlike anything I, others, and Australia, have ever seen before. If I’m honest, there were times I simply didn’t cope. Living so far away from my home, with close friends and family, many of whom were directly affected and indirectly affected, didn’t help.
To say it deeply affected me is a huge understatement, especially when I had literally travelled large parts of that simply majestic East coast only 11 months prior, that now months later, have been reduced to nothing more than blackened ash. It’s been nothing short of heartbreaking.
No words will ever truly sum up just what I, and every other Australian, (there and overseas) felt. Not one! I wish there were. But that’s all best saved for another blog post (that’s coming) to help make sense of it.
ON WITH THE SHOW!
Despite that desolation, I managed to pick myself up pour my heart & soul into my story writing, and this blog. This time of year is normally my chance to acknowledge and honour the books, films, and music, that stole my heart, captured my imagination, or left me in awe. Somehow it all feels a little hollow in light of recent events, but on with the show!
Straight up, books, music, and documentaries dominated (film was sorely lacking). A further breakdown of my list, reveals women ruled the year (in my world anywhere), in 2019.
Females secured all three of my number one slots across the board (#1 book, #1 film, #1 single). Only in the album category did they not win. An amazing feat when you think about it given the constant talk about lack of “diversity” or female recognition, especially in film. But win big the ladies did in my ‘Best of’ awards.
So without further ado, here’s to the women, the books, and the music that rocked my world!
BOOKS
In a first, I read more books than I saw films, averaging just over three a month. While the difference was minimal, I was picking up a book rather than turning to a film. And I for one am glad I did. They not only offered an escape, but also provided me with plenty to think about or challenged me and/or changed me in ways I could never have predicted. That’s powerful stuff!
And in yet another first, I read more non-fiction books than I did fiction. For almost the entire year it was one for one but by year’s end, non-fiction edged ahead. That in itself is remarkable. Even in school, I don’t recall ever reading more non-fiction than fiction.
While numbers were slightly in non-fiction’s favour, fiction still won out overall for what I loved the most. I could see myself re-read my number one and two choices in fiction again. I’m not so sure I would the non-fiction (except one). Needless to say, I found myself totally engrossed and absorbed by almost all the books I read (39 in total) in one way or another, and that made me happy.
I read two time Man-Booker winners, critically acclaimed writers, a highly successful billionairess, and every one in between. And it gives me great pride to know that a couple of the best books I read this year, were from unheralded friends. But enough chit chat, the winners are…
FICTION
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019)
It’s not uncommon for me to devour a book I love inside a week, usually in less than five days. Daisy Jones & The Six I smashed through in a single day. One. Day! Unheard of, but that’s how good this was. I was so enraptured with the story, the music, the scene, the sex, the drugs, the love, the heartbreak, the emotion, the highs, the lows, the phenomenal lines, the ballsy lead character. All of it was simply fantastic as page after page raced by. Buy. Read. Believe The HypeThe Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
A retelling of the classic King Arthur tale, as viewed from female perspectives. An epic at almost 900 pages in length, this book was initially a slow burn but early on it became apparent, I was reading something magical, something sublime. It also contained easily the most beautiful descriptions and turns of phrase I’ve read from any book in a long time. It wooed me, it slayed me, and left me in awe. Enough said!Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
I love this guy. His books, while similar in style, are so brilliant in their brevity of chapters yet deal with complex information, that in anyone else’s hands they’d be mediocre at best. But there’s no denying Dan Brown’s brilliance and deft talent.I Am Yoga written by Susan Verde & art by Peter H. Reynolds
Sure, it’s a kid’s book, and while it was the quickest read (only 10 minutes) of everything I read, that doesn’t diminish just how powerful and gorgeous it was. The beautiful words and delectable images accompanying them, were, in a word – exquisite. I was so blown away by this book (and its illustrator), I dug deeper to not only learn more about him, but the divine boutique lit agency that represents him. Let’s just say, they are who I’d love to be represented by. Stay tuned! ;)The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan
Of all the books I read, this had, hands down, the single greatest opening of all of them. So incredibly well written, so compelling, so eerie, I was completely transfixed. While the book dropped away by the end, that opening haunted me long after I finished this book.
NON-FICTION
I Lost It At The Video Store: A Filmmakers’ Oral History Of A Vanished Era by Tom Rolston
A sucker for nostalgia, this book was always going to be a winner. As someone who’s worked in two video stores (Blockbuster, Bay St Video), I can correlate and relate with those former clerks and frequent customers, who experienced a cultural phenomenon, that’s now sadly, passed many of us by.Grounded Spirituality by Jeff Brown
The single most in-depth, “self help” book I’ve ever read (and the only non-fiction book on this list I’d read again). Tough to listen to and accept (in a good way), but it made me reassess every spiritual practice and belief I’ve ever had, thought, done or acted upon, and turned it all on its head. Powerful, profound, impactful… and deeply affecting! Could easily have been my #1 for non-fiction, however, to truly get the most out of it, it genuinely requires undertaking all the exercises, and fully understanding and comprehending the benefits within. I won’t be surprised to find myself reading this again in 2020, and in the coming years that follow. A keeper!The End Of All Evil by Jeremy Locke
Telling it like it is, with the way the world “works” or the way we perceive it works. Yet another book I read, that makes me question many things we feel safe by or take for granted, and makes me wonder why we need to keep sleeping through it, rather than protesting and taking serious action to overturn it all for the betterment of humankind.Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
A wonderful reminder (and re-education), of just how old and pivotal, Australian Aboriginal culture, history, and connection truly is. Discovered many things I was never taught in school and wondered why. We’ve so much to learn from Indigenous peoples everywhere, and in hindsight, after the hellish bushfires, this books makes sense in ways I can only hope Australia & the world heed. Here’s hoping.58 Days (A Wilderness Story) by Marissa Gould (2019)
A friend who penned one of the most heartwrenching memoirs of her experience in a “wilderness camp” that not only scarred her in many ways, but stayed with her a decade or more later. Simply mind-blowing what she was forced to endure for the betterment of her wellbeing just as she was about to step into adulthood. What a harrowing experience beautifully told in a riveting tale. I was so gripped, I devoured this inside three days.
……………………………….Number of books read: 39
Honourable Mentions:The Wisdom Of Insecurity by Alan W. Watts
God, I love this man. His powerful short speeches (many of which you can find on Youtube), are nothing short of life-changing. This is the first time I’ve ever read one of his books, and my word does he nail it!Permanent Record by Edward Snowden (2019)
Another man I admire for very different reasons. Ed Snowden released some telling US government secrets, documenting the level and extent, at which the US was/is spying on virtually everyone around the world. This book, while not as impactful or compelling as I’d hoped, is still a strong, important read. My eyes have been wide-opened.
MOVIES
Hmmm… movies used to be my go to escape place. These days they’ve felt more like a chore. I saw 33 films last year, down from 52 in 2018, 60 (2017) and a whopping 104 (2016). It’s not that I have just become a lot more discerning (even though I have), or having less free time with a young son, but in truth, because almost everything I see these days is poor to average at best.
I don’t recall the last time I saw an absolutely great, masterpiece of cinema, maybe Captain Fantastic back in 2016 or Sicario (2015)? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen some pretty decent to good movies, but a truly great, memorable film – zero in three years!
I’m somewhat of a harsh critic but in my humble opinion, movies aren’t as good as they used to be, so why fork out my dollars just to come away deflated, unimpressed and/or underwhelmed?
I still get excited by the prospect of hopefully seeing something beautiful and utterly amazing, that I’m blown away, but just not in the way I once did. I guess it came as no surprise then, that the best thing I saw in all of 2019 was not a film but a TV mini-series. While not “officially” a movie as such, with only five episodes, it felt like a glorious, long, and impressive one.
Chernobyl was a masterclass on every level. From the phenomenal writing, the directing and choices made, the quality of acting across the board, production and sets, the cinematography, music & score, and oh so much more (see trailer below).
Chernobyl single handedly restored my faith in Hollywood. It’s any wonder that this TV show is now the highest rated show of all time (9.5 on IMDb) and is now garnering a swag of awards.
If you have not seen it, “What’s wrong with you?” Kidding! If not, I implore you to do so. It’s such a powerful, deeply disturbing show, that is not only haunting in its re-telling of arguably the greatest man-made disaster in history, but will stay with you long after you’ve watched it. If you do watch it, don’t binge it. Give this show the respect it deserves and watch each episode a week apart. Trust me, you’ll need it to come up for air after each episode. It’s that intense!
So with Chernobyl topping my list, read on to see the movies that in some way still moved me, made me laugh, made me cry, made me nostalgic, made me think, or were simply just a way to escape the drudgery of everyday life for two hours at a time.
TOP 10 MOVIES
Fighting With My Family
The first film I saw of the new year, all the way back in February, that little did I know, 10 months later, not only stuck with me all year, but would ride all the way to my “number one”. It was a hell of a lot of fun, and was one great, smart movie with clever, sarcastic and witty lines, while being a genuine, feel good true story. What’s not to love? Go Paige, you wrestling diva champion, you! It also marked the ascent of actress, Florence Pugh (who played Paige), as a definite a star in the making.Marriage Story
A film that played straight to the heart and at times, echoes my own situation and sometimes troubled relationship. This was a hard film to watch emotionally, and the only one which moved me to actual tears, but one which also spoke its message and struck a chord. It also contained the equal greatest scene of any film I saw, with an emotionally charged, vitriolic, and mentally exhausting argument, playing out between the divorcing couple.Dads (Doco)
A beautiful, funny and heartfelt documentary, on what it means to be a dad. It was a surprisingly emotional film that not only made me laugh and cry (happy tears), but made me ponder what it means to me to be a dad of my own. Truly touching!Ford vs Ferrari
This was always going to appeal to my sensibilities – golden era of racing, fast cars, pulsating action, thumping sound, pumping soundtrack, great lines, energetic and fun, packed full of emotion and heart, characters you care for, and most important of all, a story you can’t help but get caught up in and root for. And some of those race scenes were fantastic – it felt like you lived, raced, breathed it. Oh yeah, and Christian Bale was absolutely brilliant! Deserved an Oscar nomination, while Matt Damon played American Caroll Shelby to perfection.Bombshell
A really strong, super intriguing and powerfully thematic film, which exposes the toxic environment women endure among the pseudo masculinity men in power think they have. Also contained the single equal greatest scene I saw all year, where no words were exchanged, just looks, in a confined elevator space. As a writer, the stuff of awe! Great acting from Charlize (Theron) & Margot (Robbie), in an all star cast. Thoroughly engrossed throughout. Big recommend!Joker
It's dark, it’s disturbing at times, and it’s what you'd expect of a movie called 'Joker'. While it certainly contains some obvious themes that are pertinent and always up for discussion, it reminded me somewhat of Falling Down and watching a character slowly become unhinged in a society that has all but forgotten them, as they sadly, slip through the cracks. And yes Joaquin Phoenix does a superb job in the role. Oscar here he comes.The Public
Feel good movie with lots of heart, as it brings to light the plight of the homeless and disadvantaged, media’s spread of disinformation, and the way police handle matters in the harshest of ways… all while making you feel nostalgic for the public library.Gemini Man
Better than expected action flick, where Will Smith faces off against a younger version of his cloned self. Some incredible, fantastic fight and action sequences, and a film that ultimately, has emotion and heart at its core.Anthropocene: The Human Epoch (Doco)
A telling, visually stimulating yet arresting and disturbing look at the human influence upon Earth, and just what it means for present and future generations. Mind blowing, scary, and eye opening all at the same time.Hail Satan? (Doco)
This cool little documentary (the fourth in my Top 10), gives a whole new appreciation, not to mention approach, towards religion, politics, and people’s freedom. Believe it or not, the Satanists actually make for a lot more common sense, than the religious fanatics. Thought provoking, very funny, and riveting. Worth tracking down.
……………………………….
11. JoJo Rabbit
Taika Waititi is a marvel. This film is so left of centre yet a riotous and a rollicking romp. You’ve never seen Hitler played quite like this before. So much fun.Number of films seen: 33 (36*)
* Seen after the year ended.Worst Movie
After last year’s bullshit Black Panther – still can’t believe it got an Oscar nod (what a joke Academy Awards are) – I’ve decided to bring back my worst film category to warn people off ever seeing a bad, waste of time film again. This year’s nominee is the ignoble, Gloria Bell. The less said about it the better. Terrible movie, fucking terrible.AWARDS
Best Original Screenplay: Fighting With My Family
Best Adapted Screenplay: Ford vs Ferrari
Best Director: James Mangold (Ford vs Ferrari)
Best Cinematography: Joker
Best Actor: Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
Best Actress: Florence Pugh (Fighting With My Family)
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale (Ford vs Ferrari)
Best Supporting Actress: Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Gemini Man)
Best Animated: Only watched one (Toy Story 4) and it sucked!
Best Documentary: Dads
Best Scene In A Movie: (Tie) Bombshell & Marriage Story
The verbal tirade and insulting abuse being thrown mid-argument in Marriage Story, between the two lead characters. A tough, emotionally wrought packed watch, where you felt even barb, sting, and inflicting insult.
Watch scene here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDFdroN7d0w
And then the complete opposite in the silent, wordless exchange of puzzled looks, subtlities, intrigue and shifting dynamics of the three key women in Bombshell. What a contrast in delivery between the way the two scenes played out. Strong. Powerful. Dynamic. Impressive… Phenomenal!
Watch scene here (which also doubled as teaser trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXL33tEUA3g
MUSIC
Where film failed, music ruled! 2019 proved to be a stellar year for music, equalling my 2014 quarry of tunes in terms of the number of songs bought – Yes, I still buy my music (I’m old school and actually like supporting fellow artists). And in further excitement, my music world was dominated by women who took out three of the top 5 slots, including the coveted number one position! While my soul brothers & sisters also dominated my music listening year (with exceptions of course).
But what an eclectic, incredible year for “underrated” artists of diversity and gender. I for one believe, music transcends all. My 2019 bounty definitely agrees. But don’t take my word for it. Grab some headphones and tune in!
BEST ALBUM
When I Wake Up by Maverick Sabre
You’ll not hear a cooler, smoother, all-killer-no-filler record album than this. Every song on Maverick Sabre’s fantasic release, is simply sublime. I haven’t heard an album this good from start to finish for a few years. In two words… L.O.V.E.D. IT!
HONOURABLE MENTION
Cry by Cigarettes After Sex
Was already madly in love with their first single, Heavenly, and then a second single, then a third, and then the whole damn album. Divine comes to mind, so to a beautiful vulnerability. While a little one paced (for some), I found this record enchanting throughout.
BEST SINGLES
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
I’d initially dismissed Billie Eilish’s music as nothing more than some cheesy pop. Boy was I wrong. This bass heavy, raunchy, infectious dance-pop number crashed my Top 10 very late (December late), and fuck me, then bulleted all the way to number one! What a song. It’s dark, delicious, sexy and dripping in bad arse attitude. Couldn’t get enough. Feel that big arse bass beat. Turn it up – LOUD!Into Nirvana by Maverick Sabre
From the coolest album of 2019, comes the smoothest track of 2019. Just so fricken sublime, understated and oh so laid-back. It held my number one spot all year right up until it lost it in late December. But take nothing away from that, this song is superb.The Bird by SYML
With the voice of an angel, this poignant, emotive piece of wonder, is as touching as it is haunting. Impossible not to be moved by or forget.Confessions by Sudan Archives
This part classical, part African tune, is a whole lot of awesome! Just mesmerising. It was a slow creeper of a song, initially coming in lower down, but after many, many listens later, just kept climbing higher and higher where it landed inside the Top 5. Even now I still find myself turning it up.Seventeen by Sharon Van Etten
This edgy, rock number was the very first track I purchased for the year, and it held out for the entire year to make the cut. And I’m glad it did. It’s raucous, it’s got heart & depth, and it’s great.Pell by Yann Tiersen
Haunting, spellbinding, hypnotic. This almost world music-esque piece, I found so endearing, moving, and full of emotion. Just exquisite.Colors by Black Pumas
I found the more I listened to these soul brothers (this was the second single), the more I liked and gravitated to this excellent track. The more I liked, the more I came to love this track. Comes with a message of power and solidarity.I Want It All by Shey Baba
Been a fan of this L.A. based singer/songwriter ever since I heard his first single a couple of years back. This, the third song from his long awaited, hotly anticipated album, is vastly different to his other two deeper, slower songs. It’s loud, exuberant, full of life and oh so captivating!Rocket Fuel by DJ Shadow (feat De La Soul)
“Ladies & Gentlemen… ladies & gentlemen.” And with that intro out of the way, this tune ramps up and sucks you along with its infectious beat. For me, the feel good hit of summer!This Time Around by Jessica Pratt
I adored this 1960s French lounge singer vibe with its air of old-fashioned mystique. I was completely mesmerised by this lo-fi, old school lounge cool. Harks back to a bygone era yet feels so now. No matter how hard other songs tried, it could not be budged from my Top 10. Quiet is the new loud.JUST MISSED THE CUT
There were a few songs that I agonised over, and in truth, it was bloody difficult to leave them out. The best example of this, is #11. According to my iTunes play count, that eleventh song was the most played track of any song I purchased in 2019. It’s so good I simply had to add it somewhere. I’m still baffled how it didn’t make the cut, but it was a great year for music, so something had to give. I did buy that entire album if that’s any consolation to the band (should they be reading this). While the 12th song crept up on me, and grew and grew, and grew. It truly is the lovers’ song. When you hear, you’ll know why.
11. Heavenly by Cigarettes After Sex
This band's sound is exactly what it's like being in love. What a feeling. Still can’t believe this didn’t crack my Top 10.12. Collide by Tiana Major9 & Earthgang
The perfect song for lovers. I’m convinced children will be born for years to come because of this soulful tune. So sexual, so sultry, so beautiful.Number of songs bought: 69
MORE 2019 TUNES
It really gets impossible some years to capture a swag full of songs and a handful of albums, and then compiling it into a Top 10 list for music. It’s always been my first love, with music constantly on or in the background throughout my entire day. If you found these tracks and albums to your liking, then you’ll love my extended 2019 Playlist.
Listen in here: Tunes of 2019 (Scroll past first playlist and hit play on ‘Playlist 2’).
And there you have it. That’s a wrap! Hope you all enjoy and love any (or all) of these offerings, whether it be a great song or album to hunt down or upload and then disappear into, a book to get lost in or a film to add to your ‘must-watch’ list.I hope what rocked my world, will also rock yours! See you next blog... or those who tune in just for this, same time next year.
Peace & love. Mark xo