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Navigating Through Challenges
From Unexpected Pauses to Creative Comebacks
FEB 19, 2024
First and foremost, I owe you all a heartfelt apology for last week's unexpected hiatus. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I found myself where producing The Ghannouj Gazette was impossible. This edition comes to you after a brief pause in my usual schedule, and I want to express my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment this may have caused.
This period was challenging, and to navigate through what the universe had in store, I took a step back from productivity and creativity. I sought refuge in the quiet corners of my room, finding solace in the world of television series. While it's not a method I would usually recommend for facing life's hurdles, it was the approach I found myself gravitating towards. During this time, I embarked on a journey through three remarkable series: Griselda, The Feud Season One, and New Look. Each of these shows offered a unique escape and proved more than worthy of binge-watching.
As we move forward with this edition, I want to inform you that it will be more concise than usual, reflecting the circumstances that led to our brief pause. However, I assure you that the essence and quality of the Ghannouj Gazette remain intact, even in a more compact form.
I sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support during this time. Much like the stories that provided me with a much-needed distraction, I hope this edition of the Ghannouj Gazette brings you enjoyment and a sense of connection.
Thank you for sticking with us, and happy reading.
Style Overshadowed: 'New Look's' Tenuous Grasp on Fashion Amidst War
"New Look" on AppleTV+ attempts to spotlight the dramatic rise of Christian Dior and the decline of Coco Chanel amidst the backdrop of post-Nazi occupied Paris. However, the series, featuring Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche, veers significantly towards the war narrative, overshadowing the essence of artistic creativity and fashion innovation that viewers might expect. While Maisie Williams delivers a noteworthy performance as Catherine Dior, the focus on her resistance efforts and the broader context of war dilutes the expected exploration of fashion's transformative era. The intertwining of renowned surnames from the fashion industry within a narrative saturated with espionage and guerrilla warfare leaves the series feeling misaligned from its anticipated celebration of fashion's golden age.
One question that has nothing to do with the production of the series, but it made me wonder, kept popping up: Why did the anglophone actors play the French characters with skewed French accents while their counterparts who played German characters had perfect English accents?
Ultimately, "New Look" seems to struggle to balance its dual ambitions, leaning more toward the grim realities of war than the inspiring tales of artistic genius.
Rise of the Cocaine Godmother: Sofia Vergara's Gritty Turn in 'Griselda’
Netflix's "Griselda" thrusts Sofia Vergara into Colombian cartels' grim and gritty world, portraying the formidable Griselda Blanco. With Vergara both starring and executive producing, this series dives deep into the life of the only woman who instilled fear in Pablo Escobar.
Vergara, celebrated for her comedic brilliance in "Modern Family," embraces a darker, more complex role as Blanco, the self-made Cocaine Godmother. "Griselda" is not just a tale of a woman's rise in a male-dominated underworld; it's a gritty narrative of ambition, power, and the inevitable spiral into despair.
The show meticulously follows the narcotics drama arc—Blanco's slow ascent, peak dominance, and the subsequent, inevitable fall from grace. Vergara's portrayal is bold and nuanced, capturing the essence of Blanco's fierce determination and the high cost of her empire.
"Griselda" offers a compelling look into the life of a legendary figure, highlighting the series' rich storytelling and dramatic depth.
Battle of the Titans: 'The Feud: Bette and Joan'
Ryan Murphy's "The Feud: Bette and Joan" captures the riveting Hollywood rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, brought to life by Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange's stellar performances.
Set in the early '60s, the series delves into Hollywood's sexism and ego-driven landscape, presenting a lightweight yet thoroughly engaging narrative. As it unfolds, Crawford and Davis find themselves in professional ruts, leading to an uneasy alliance for the production of "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"
The series not only highlights the personal and professional battles these two iconic figures face but also pays homage to their legacies, allowing Lange and Sarandon to shine in roles that reflect the struggles and triumphs of women in Hollywood.
"The Feud" is a compelling watch, offering a mix of drama, history, and a nuanced look at two of the most formidable talents in the industry.
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