Queens Gambit - Venus

 The strongest person is the person who isn't scared to be alone." - Alice Harmon

Im watching Queens Gambit now for the third time. It’s so funny that having grown up with three channels that also signed off at night with the National Anthem, I now have ten different movie channels and every conceivable avenue of entertainment under the sun, yet there’s still Nothing on TV. Nothing worth watching that is. But the Queens Gambit is incredibly intriguing. Every nuance of Beth’s character is captivating and endearing. From her tragic beginnings in the orphanage through every phase of finding her way to success. So yes, when this song came on and she finds herself dancing in a momentarily fusion of happiness and utter sadness, I wanted to see the original on YouTube. What a phenomenal resource. So I’ll go back to the program, hope and pray for her again that she will win and hold out hope that she will find her peace. Queen’s is quality drama in a sea of the mundane, much like Beth herself. As I’ve heard it said, it’s lonely at the top but it’s nice to know there are others out there that get it.

Undoubtably the best film I have ever watched. Finishing the third viewing this morning, I was already moved to tears a few times, the drama just keeps building as she prepares to play her arch nemesis Borgov. Her friend shows up to support her followed by a phone call in the morning where all of her former opponent/mentors call to give he guidance which she uses But in the end she goes back to visualizing the pieces on the ceiling and winning with her own unique talents. Then, while leaving in her limo, an international superstar sill being told what to do, “Pull over!”. She steps out of the car and walks through an array of old men playing at benches in the park. She is recognized, applauded and invited to sit and play. She accepts in the purity of the sport and as she sets up her board she glances up and meets eyes with her gentleman opponent. As she looks and I look I recognize him as Shaible, her beloved teacher.

This film is so gentle and so powerful on so many levels. Her eyes… her eyes are beyond captivating. Her depth and intensity peers through a doe like vulnerability and softness. There are so many levels of character development, humanity. The consistency and believability of this person Beth Harmon, is impeccable.

I just got the Kindle and Audible editions of this story after admittedly watching the miniseries for the third time. I have Every Streaming Service out there and yet I often say there’s nothing on tv. Nothing, that is, worth watching. This story, Beth’s struggles, her mothers message and Beth’s triumphs are more visceral, more meaningful and impactful than any I’ve read, fictional or biographical. The author’s ability to create this person and the film director’s ability to bring to life on screen is something extraordinary. I’m so pleased that literature of substance is still being produced and consumed in our age of emojis on Twitter.