Hello everyone and welcome back to our “To watch and watch for” series, where the Arts & Entertainment section compiles a list of all the upcoming films, TV shows, books, albums and live events happening on campus, in the wider Baltimore area and beyond. I’m excited for this new format we started, because it means I get to share even more new releases. This week was extremely hefty in the musical department, with plenty of big names like Jon Batiste, Gwen Stefani and Mary J. Blige, and the list of live events continues to grow as we get further into the semester.
My pick for the “To watch” category this week is Emilia Peréz, directed by Jacques Audiard, starring Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez. This French musical-crime film fusion was previously released in France in late August but will be released on Netflix for American audiences this Wednesday, Nov. 13. The plot follows Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldaña) — a struggling lawyer who gets connected with the cartel kingpin Juan “Manitas” Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón). The kingpin suffers from gender dysphoria, and the two work together to fake Del Monte’s death after they undergo gender affirming surgery. But — of course — as is often the case, things don’t go to plan.
As for literature this week, I’d say your best bet for a good read is Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik, coming out this Tuesday, Nov. 12. This biographical work recounts the history of American writer and journalist Joan Didion through the detailed letters of fellow author Eve Babitz. Anolick centers the story of Didion around her property in a shabby part of Hollywood where she spent time with her husband John Gregory Dunne, a property which was later occupied by none other than Eve Babitz. This dual narrative seeks to uncover the elusive figure of Joan Didion and share tantalizing stories of 1970s Hollywood in the process.
Like I said, I had a lot of musical releases to choose from this week, but I couldn’t help but land on 070 Shake and her new project Petrichor. The new single, “Winter Baby / New Jersey Blues,” reminds me of The Beach Boys during their Smile era, particularly due to the hum-drum, vaguely rag-time piano chords and a lazy falsetto lead supported by lush harmony backing vocals. If this whole project is a fusion of 070 Shake’s electronic hip-hop sound with blues and rock and roll, then this could be my favorite project of the year. My expectations are high, to say the least.
If you’re looking for a live performance, I’d highly recommend seeing Raphaël Feuillâtre’s performance at the Baltimore Museum of Art this Saturday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. Feuillâtre is a Parisian classical guitarist originally from the Northeastern coast of Africa. As part of the Shriver Hall Concert Series, he will make his Baltimore debut by performing works by J.S. Bach, François Couperin, Domenico Scarlatti, Isaac Albéniz, Francisco Tárrega, Astor Piazzolla, Roland Dyens and more. The best part? Tickets are free (with reservation)! — so take advantage of this wonderful offer! It will be something truly special.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to read through my suggestions. I wouldn’t blame you if you just scrolled to the list. If you started here, I recommend you look through the list in full — there is so much left for you to discover! See you next week!
To watch...
Babymetal: Legend 43 - The Movie, directed by Hiroya Brian Nakano — Nov. 11
Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard — Nov. 13
Red One, directed by Jake Kasdan — Nov. 15
Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes, directed by Kathryn Ferguson — Nov. 15
To read...
Vanishing Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures, by Katherine Rundell — Nov. 12
Didion and Babitz, by Lili Anolik — Nov. 12
Toto, by J.K. Hackwith — Nov. 12
To listen...
Petrichor, by 070 Shake — Nov. 15
Bouquet, by Gwen Stefani — Nov. 15
Beethoven Blues, by Jon Batiste — Nov. 15
Gratitude, by Mary J. Blige — Nov. 15
Shawn, by Shawn Mendes — Nov. 15
From Zero, by Linkin Park — Nov. 15
Live events...
Johns Hopkins Theatre presents Passage at the Merrick Barn — Nov. 15–16 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
(Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and Hopkins affiliates; registration is required).
Shriver Hall Concert Series: Raphaël Feuillâtre at the Baltimore Museum of Art Main Campus — Nov. 16 at 3 p.m.
(This event is free, but registration is required.)
Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra — Nov. 15–16 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
(Ticket prices range based on seat; check the link for more information.)
Stern Center Lecture: Jared Hickman, "Maryland as New Ireland: The Landscape, Language, and Legacy of Charles Carroll the Settler" at the Macksey Seminar Room 2043, Brody Learning Commons — Nov. 12 at 5:15 p.m.
(Attendance is limited to Hopkins faculty and students.)
Evergreen Outdoor Market at Evergreen Museum & Library — Nov. 16 at 11 a.m.
Graduate Jazz Ensemble at Eubie Blake Cultural Center — Nov. 13 at 5:45 p.m. and Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.
Composers’ Ensemble at Joe Byrd Hall — Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
