Tuesday, May 23, 2023

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

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


In my opinion the most profound statement in the series and arguably in life.



A pivotal moment 


Physical poetry


The crescendo

E pluribus unum


The magic and the victory 



I am watching Queens Gambit now for the second time. It’s so funny that having grown up with three channels all of which 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 momentary 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 second 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 her 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 still 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 and humanity. The consistency and believability of this person Beth Harmon, is impeccable. The nature/nurture debate is addressed. Her bio mother, math genius but self destructive. Beth is a prodigy in chess but sadly and painfully borderline in social skills. 

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 mother’s 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.

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