This really speaks to my heart, Maddie! I'm thinking of so many things. Have you read Frances Stoner Saunders' scholarly book about the cultural cold war after WW2? It's a fascinating look at how the CIA manipulated the public and artists to embrace abstract and ugly art as a tactic against the Soviet Union. It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but the book is copiously footnoted.
I'm also thinking of the way Saratoga Springs, NY handled an incident when a mob tore down a monument dedicated to the sacrifices of the Union Soldier in the Civil War. This had me seeking revenge, but the town handled it probably in a better way. They quietly had the monument repaired and the plaque makes no mention of the horrible vandals (though they still should have been arrested). Culture won the day.
And finally, my heart raced as I read this because it's exactly how I feel about writing novels. I want to bring more life and beauty into my real and imagined characters precisely because I want to preserve and highlight the "little" people of history who fought their own messy and forgotten battles with grace.
I haven’t heard of that book about the Cold War but it sounds fascinating! I think often about how cold, meaningless modern art and architecture reflects the “soul” of our culture. I’m going to add that to my TBR for sure!
And this is one of the reasons I can’t wait to read your book (if I ever finish Les Mis haha)! It makes me feel hopeful that there are artists out there who still value this approach!
Thank you for your beautiful piece! I love the way you articulate your thoughts and captivate my interest in the topic! This movie is next on my list now to watch!
What a stunning review and fascinating story! I can't believe I never heard of the film. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, can't wait to watch it.
This is one of my favorite movies! As someone who studied art history and Catholic studies in college, the importance of beauty is something I feel so passionate about. I feel like we often can understand why people lay down their lives for the True and Good, but it is misunderstood when people lay down their lives for the Beautiful. Thank you for writing this piece, I know what movie I am going to revisit soon!!
I completely agree! Beauty is sometimes the forgotten aspect! I think especially as our world moves away from a grounded definition of beauty we need now more than ever to protect and appreciate really beauty.
This really speaks to my heart, Maddie! I'm thinking of so many things. Have you read Frances Stoner Saunders' scholarly book about the cultural cold war after WW2? It's a fascinating look at how the CIA manipulated the public and artists to embrace abstract and ugly art as a tactic against the Soviet Union. It sounds like a conspiracy theory, but the book is copiously footnoted.
I'm also thinking of the way Saratoga Springs, NY handled an incident when a mob tore down a monument dedicated to the sacrifices of the Union Soldier in the Civil War. This had me seeking revenge, but the town handled it probably in a better way. They quietly had the monument repaired and the plaque makes no mention of the horrible vandals (though they still should have been arrested). Culture won the day.
And finally, my heart raced as I read this because it's exactly how I feel about writing novels. I want to bring more life and beauty into my real and imagined characters precisely because I want to preserve and highlight the "little" people of history who fought their own messy and forgotten battles with grace.
I need to watch this movie!
I haven’t heard of that book about the Cold War but it sounds fascinating! I think often about how cold, meaningless modern art and architecture reflects the “soul” of our culture. I’m going to add that to my TBR for sure!
And this is one of the reasons I can’t wait to read your book (if I ever finish Les Mis haha)! It makes me feel hopeful that there are artists out there who still value this approach!
An added bonus are the Catholic sisters who come in and out of Waldo's life :) Hope you enjoy.
I haven't seen the movie. Now I want to read the book. Thanks for the suggestion. :)
🙌🏻🥰
Thank you for your beautiful piece! I love the way you articulate your thoughts and captivate my interest in the topic! This movie is next on my list now to watch!
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the film!
What a stunning review and fascinating story! I can't believe I never heard of the film. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, can't wait to watch it.
Thank you, Katie! I hope you enjoy it. It’s so good!
This is one of my favorite movies! As someone who studied art history and Catholic studies in college, the importance of beauty is something I feel so passionate about. I feel like we often can understand why people lay down their lives for the True and Good, but it is misunderstood when people lay down their lives for the Beautiful. Thank you for writing this piece, I know what movie I am going to revisit soon!!
I completely agree! Beauty is sometimes the forgotten aspect! I think especially as our world moves away from a grounded definition of beauty we need now more than ever to protect and appreciate really beauty.
Excellent piece. Thanks!
Great article! This sounds like a war movie I want to watch!