Ben Morris

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I like movies and don’t like Kyrsten Sinema

Favorite films

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Black Bear 2020

Watched by Ben Morris 19 Aug 2022

Much more interested in whatever the first half is building towards but the second is an interesting exercise in power dynamics — in relationships, in art, in the workplace. Christopher Abbott is doing his best Josh Safdie impression; he’s one of my favorites. Aubrey is unbelievable. She’s like a fractured Dakota Johnson, refracting light in unique and surprising ways. Less overtly sexual than Dakota — not much less — but prickly, serrated, angular. I’m such a fan. This is career-defining work.
Swingers 1996

Watched by Ben Morris 18 Aug 2022

I can’t think of anything worse than a group of white guys with soul patches yelling “go daddio!” Let swing music die, please god don’t re-revive it.

Dazed and Confused 1993

Rewatched by Ben Morris 21 Nov 2020

This movie can only work if you set aside the sexual politics. It’s really uncomfortable sexualizing 14 year olds, especially considering what happened to Anthony Rapp. A great movie but—like Annie Hall and Kill Bill Vol. 2—you have to compartmentalize a bit.
Phantom Thread 2017

Rewatched by Ben Morris 16 Nov 2020

Reynolds, WEARING A VEST AND JACKET OVER PAJAMAS—“As I think you know, Alma, I prefer my asparagus with oil and salt. And knowing this, you’ve prepared the asparagus with butter. Now, I can imagine in certain circumstances being able to pretend that I like it this way. Right now I’m just admiring my own gallantry for eating it the way you’ve prepared it.”