#atomic blonde icons

[editfandom]

Lorraine Broughton - Atomic Blonde, 2017

[sanguineterrain]

I’m new to the fandom too, but from what I’ve gathered it was after Zazie Beetz was cast that they decided to make her black. They didn’t make Amber black and then look for a black voice actress. It does LOOK sus and fall into the placeholder woc gf trope, so I get being upset at first glance. That’s also why Eve stayed the same, Gillian Jacob’s was cast and she was already white so they didn’t change her. This is just me assuming at this point, but I also don’t think they changed Eve’s look to match Gillian’s because Atom Eve has a cool and iconic look with her red hair and pink suit, and changing her to be brunette would be lame 😭 whereas Amber being another white blonde lady isn’t important or memorable, and in my opinion Amber being a woc who cares about her states comptroller DID make her cooler and more interesting to me because I can relate to her now like I could relate to Eve’s personal life.

Okay... not sure if you're agreeing or disagreeing with my post, but I'll try to respond as best as I can. If I misunderstood anything you said, feel free to correct me.

It's not the fact that they made Amber black and Eve white that I take issue with; it's the way they wrote Amber as an afterthought (some of her dialogue is oddly unsympathetic, which I think was just a screw up by the writers) and that fans overhate her. AND. it's the fact that Eve is portrayed as 'saintly' in contrast. Eve is almost not human in how understanding she is of Mark and what he's experiencing, but no empathy is extended to Amber even though she's not a superhero and is in a relationship with Mark. It's far more difficult for someone in Amber's position to adjust to Mark's lifestyle.

Yes, understanding is required on both sides. But I think some people fall into this trap of ignoring the nonpowered person's perspective and instead saying "well, they're not out saving the world, so they can't complain." The whole point of Debbie and Nolan's falling out is to show that Debbie's side of things IS important and that the superhero isn't always in the right.

My argument isn't that Amber shouldn't have been black if Eve's race wasn't also changed (though keeping Eve white raises an interesting question), it's that she should've been written thoughtfully. Her being a poc shouldn't have also made her reductive. I get she's a placeholder in the comics but it looks BAD the way they handled her character, because Mark ends up being paired with a white woman. And if what you're saying about the casting is true, then I think I can say that making Amber black wasn't a thoughtful and purposeful decision. Ergo, her relationship with Mark wasn't thoughtfully written and fans unnecessarily made her the villain. I think it's stupid that they developed this great character and reduced her to a terrible woc character trope.

It's a damn shame they started to build a really interesting woc character and then threw her away as soon as she stopped serving her purpose as a placeholder for the white woman love interest.

[weatherman667]

Atomic Blonde

A great movie brought down to a good movie because it doesn't trust itself.

It's based off a comic book, which often have really iconic shots. It extends the shots too long, so, the camera often moves away from the iconic shot.

It uses a great use of light levels, and then... doesn't.

The action scenes often extend too long. Sometimes one second too long on a 30 second long shot, but this 1 second causes the fight choreography to misalign. Most of her attacks are designed to appear as attacks that would cause significant damage in the situation, but sometimes she misses by just enough to make the attack do absolutely nothing. You can see the characters waiting to momentarily be hit.

The movie uses the fact that cameras can only focus on one plain to hide important parts of the scene.

It doesn't seem to understand why James Bond uses nudity. It starts with a scene where the main character is using an ice bath to deal with the injuries received over the movie, (in media res). Classic James Bond scene. But, the problem is that she has boobies. So, what do you do? Over the shoulder? Restrict yourself to rear shots, only, to show off the scars and boobies?

Okay, they do that. But, then they use the golden mean fallacy for the breasts. They use weird camera angles and out of focus to prevent you from getting a good look. You still get a look, but not a GOOD luck.

*sighs*

The right answer is to not show the breasts, or show them in good focus. The movie wouldn't really gain anything by showing the breasts, but if the movie showed them well, it would be needless tittilation, which would be something. Not adding to the movie as a whole, but there are future scenes where they once again choose the golden mean fallacy for showing tits.

The reason James Bond often has a seduction scene is that:

The woman in question was not suspected of being a spy. So, basically a short and sweet rescue romance. Now, later on, it might turn out that she was a spy, but we didn't know that at the time.

It's a double honey pot, where both spies are trying to undermine each other.

Atomic Blonde, instead, goes with One True Lesbians. No reason. No character development. No good titty shots. Some terrible titty shots. Again, golden mean fallacy.

Charlize Theron apparently can't pretend to actually have any interest in it. I thought it might just be her inability to act, but she does flirt with men.

Overall, despite all of my complaints, it is quite a good movie. Just not a great movie. Just no the movie it could have been.

[tinyreviews]

1950s Cinema

The 1950s was a significant decade for cinema, marked by various movements, genres, and iconic films. The decade witnessed the continuation of established genres while also paving the way for new styles and storytelling techniques.

Golden Age of Hollywood: The 1950s were part of the Golden Age of Hollywood, characterized by the dominance of major studios and the star system. Many renowned actors and actresses emerged during this period.

Film Noir: Film noir continued to thrive in the 1950s, featuring dark, crime-oriented stories with morally ambiguous characters and shadowy cinematography. Notable examples include "Double Indemnity" (1944), "The Third Man" (1949), and "Touch of Evil" (1958).

Westerns: Westerns were immensely popular during this decade, with many iconic films being produced. Directors like John Ford and actors like John Wayne became synonymous with the genre. Some well-known films include "High Noon" (1952), "Shane" (1953), and "The Searchers" (1956).

Science Fiction: The 1950s saw a surge in science fiction films, often reflecting Cold War anxieties and fears of atomic warfare. Classics like "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951), "Forbidden Planet" (1956), and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956) captivated audiences.

Musical Films: The 1950s were also known for extravagant musical films. Productions like "Singin' in the Rain" (1952), "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), and "West Side Story" (1961) showcased elaborate dance numbers and memorable songs.

Japanese Cinema: The 1950s marked the rise of Japanese cinema, particularly the works of renowned directors like Akira Kurosawa. Films like "Rashomon" (1950), "Seven Samurai" (1954), and "Tokyo Story" (1953) gained international acclaim.

European Cinema: European cinema also made significant contributions during this era. Filmmakers such as Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, and François Truffaut gained prominence, producing influential films like "La Strada" (1954), "The Seventh Seal" (1957), and "The 400 Blows" (1959).

[tinseltine]

I realized this is JLaw‘s first official comedy – “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Joy” are each a dramedy. “Don’t Look Up” is funny, but its genre would be cautionary/Scifi. Lawrence was the comic relief in “American Hustle”, but again, a satire, not a broad comedy.  I’m glad she finally found herself here. 

The Blackening’s got the feel of Bodies Bodies Bodies, just not as clever.  You can see the twist ending coming from a mile away. But as someone whose black card is always in threat of being revoked, due to having grown up on a constant diet of corny, white fare; I liked the irony of a board game of actual black cards, where each character has to answer culturally black trivia in order to stay alive!  And yup, if I were playing, my black card would once again have been in jeopardy, cause for a number of the questions, I’d have been about as much help as I’d be in an escape room requiring math. 

Overall I enjoyed the film and thought this fresh take on the Flashpoint event was creative. Just not as creative as the 2013 film, which still had meta-humans and heroes, with each of them in different roles than what they are in the traditional DC’s Earth-Prime version. For instance, Bruce Wayne was killed in the alley that famous night instead of his parents; turning his father into Batman and his mother into the Joker. Superman is captured and nowhere to be found. Cyborg is a resistance leader, giving America a fighting chance within a war between Aquaman’s Atlanteans and Wonder Woman’s Amazonians. Aquaman cheated on his wife Mera with Diana and it led to this major war.

Vibrant all the way around, story, visuals, characters! Although, I’ll admit, I got a little sleepy a few moments before we meet the super cool Spider-man named Hobie Brown, aka Spider-Punk voiced by Daniel Kaluuya, but that could have been due to the heaping portion of Chinese food I ate at the beginning of the movie. This Spider-Punk was my favorite spidey. Kauuya says he: put a lot of emphasis on what matters to the fans when it came to finding his superhero’s voice, so much so that when he first took on the role of Spider-Punk he listened to fan-made playlists dedicated to the character to understand how they saw him rather than choose to base him on any punk rock icons of the past.

Me and my sister came out of Disney’s Live Action The Little Mermaid smiling from ear to ear feeling as though it managed to capture and hold true to everything we loved about the animated original and at the same time, embracing the world of today with beautiful diversity. But then I read The New York Times review by Wesley Morris and he just makes me feel stupid for enjoying the movie. I suppose he has some salient points like “This new flesh-and-blood version is about a girl who’d like to withdraw her color from the family rainbow and sail off into “uncharted waters” with her white prince.” Also, although I loved Halle Bailey’s interpretation of Ariel, his review now makes me question, does she imbue varied enough facial expressions while mute?

The Mother explores themes of family, redemption and identity, as Lopez’s character (with no name) struggles to reconcile her past and present. It’s not a groundbreaking or original movie by any means. It borrows heavily from other action movies like “Taken”, “Salt” and “Atomic Blonde”. The plot is predictable, the villains are one-dimensional and the moments of warmth aren’t very moving. But it’s entertaining, and it’s JLo, so stream it!

I definitely feel GOTG3 has stronger beats than Ant-man Quantumania, but it’s still a little long and lacking a certain spark had by the prior 2 movies of this MCU franchise. I think we need to go back to keeping the films just under 2 hours. Infinity War and End Game each needed to be nearly 3 hours because of so many characters and major story arcs, but with these sequels, no matter how beloved the characters, there’s not enough to fill them. I love superhero movies and particularly the MCU, but lately I can always feel the point in which they should be wrapping up, yet there’s 40-45 minutes still to go. 

THIS WAS TINSEL & TINE'S #MINIMOVIEREVIEW EXTRAVAGANZA #14 for complete content - https://tinseltine.com/minimoviereviewextravaganza14/

[hancockstan]

I posted 379 times in 2022

19 posts created (5%)

360 posts reblogged (95%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@letmebegaytodd

@commonwealthbankofmaccready

@jinglyjangly

@fallout-lou-begas

@myfalloutgals

I tagged 41 of my posts in 2022

#fallout - 7 posts

#fo4 - 7 posts

#fnv - 6 posts

#not fallout - 6 posts

#benny - 2 posts

#hysterical wheeze laugh from me - 1 post

#specifically thinking about big boy - 1 post

#but instead of caravan - 1 post

#to be clear everything is the same - 1 post

#he’s playing glads obviously - 1 post

Longest Tag: 102 characters

#i feel like if he was an older/less attractive dude villain fuckers would have still gotten him though

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Holy shit I’m really seeing people argue that Joshua Graham is a morally good person. What fucking year is this?? Getting 2012 tumblr vibes tonight folks.

16 notes - Posted June 18, 2022

#4

Fallout fan confession, I love "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle" as much as the next person but growing up around horses and working with them really makes me cringe when I see them. The song slaps but the whole spurs aesthetic is ruined for me. Like, take the time to properly train your horse! You don't need the spurs I swear! Don't want this to cause controversy in the horsing community so none of you better let this post breach fandom containment.

18 notes - Posted June 6, 2022

#3

Look what my friend gave me today

28 notes - Posted May 16, 2022

#2

I see your “don’t mistake my distaste in causing harm for an inability to do so” and raise you “don’t mistake my hard-fought self restraint for a lack of near blinding desire to hurt people who’ve earned it.”

63 notes - Posted January 23, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Man, I finally watched Goncharov for the first time and it’s crazy how so many spy/thriller/action movies have made obvious references to it that I never picked up before. Like that scene in Atomic Blonde with the umbrellas is just like the end of the second act when Goncharov realizes that Nickolas has betrayed him but still has to keep working with him so that his sister that runs the chop shop won’t back out of the deal with Sterling’s crew. And I only now realize what a clever twist atomic Blonde had on that scene since obviously the average person already knows the beats of Goncharov even if they never saw it, just through pop culture osmosis. So when she ultimately fails to protect Spyglass it comes as a double shock to the audience who has already seen a million parodies and references where this scene goes right for the protagonist. Also the end of the movie where Goncharov and Ivan are driving out to the middle of the wilderness and both of their actors are actually sleep deprived and suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning is more iconic the Jack Nicolson in the Shinning. Sorry not sorry.

129 notes - Posted November 20, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[welliguessimin]

watched Atomic Blonde for the gays, I feel like I missed a portion of what was going on and who was spying for whom since the site I pirated from didn't do subtitles and I'm stupid but the women were hot and iconic and the violence brutal so all in all I liked it. Who could not want to see cold war spy shit with a decent splash of lesbianism after all

[companyknowledgenews]

James Wan To Produce “Robocop” Series - Information Important Web https://www.merchant-business.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/?feed_id=212318&_unique_id=66f4ae9a8aa00 #GLOBAL - BLOGGER BLOGGER MGMBack in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library.Those on the slate included new takes on “Stargate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Robocop” with the latter getting a TV series. A year-and-a-half on that series is beginning to take shape.THR reports that “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring” filmmaker James Wan has boarded the project as executive producer along with his Atomic Monster production company.In addition. Peter Ocko (“Lodge 49,” “The Office”) has joined the project as both writer and showrunner. They join the already set executive producers Michael Clear and Rob Hackett on the project which is being produced in-house at Amazon MGM Studios.The project is being dubbed a serialized spin on the famed franchise and begins when a giant tech conglomerate collaborates with the local police department to introduce a technologically advanced enforcer to combat rising crime, a police officer who’s part man, part machine.Paul Verhoeven directed the 1987 original, which became an iconic sci-fi action film known for its satire of American capitalism, moments of extreme violence and iconic lines. It inspired two sequels, a reboot in 2014, and several TV series.Source of this programme “I like components, because they are helpful!”“Back in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library. Those on the slate included…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.darkhorizons.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-28586449.jpeg MGM Back in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library. Those on the slate included new takes on “Stargate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Robocop” with the latter getting a TV series. A year-and-a-half on that series is beginning to take … Read More

[bravecompanynews]

James Wan To Produce “Robocop” Series - Information Important Web - #GLOBAL https://www.merchant-business.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/?feed_id=212317&_unique_id=66f4ae99515da MGMBack in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library.Those on the slate included new takes on “Stargate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Robocop” with the latter getting a TV series. A year-and-a-half on that series is beginning to take shape.THR reports that “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring” filmmaker James Wan has boarded the project as executive producer along with his Atomic Monster production company.In addition. Peter Ocko (“Lodge 49,” “The Office”) has joined the project as both writer and showrunner. They join the already set executive producers Michael Clear and Rob Hackett on the project which is being produced in-house at Amazon MGM Studios.The project is being dubbed a serialized spin on the famed franchise and begins when a giant tech conglomerate collaborates with the local police department to introduce a technologically advanced enforcer to combat rising crime, a police officer who’s part man, part machine.Paul Verhoeven directed the 1987 original, which became an iconic sci-fi action film known for its satire of American capitalism, moments of extreme violence and iconic lines. It inspired two sequels, a reboot in 2014, and several TV series.Source of this programme “I like components, because they are helpful!”“Back in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library. Those on the slate included…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.darkhorizons.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-28586449.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[boldcompanynews]

James Wan To Produce “Robocop” Series - Information Important Web - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/?feed_id=212316&_unique_id=66f4ae97c31d3 MGMBack in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library.Those on the slate included new takes on “Stargate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Robocop” with the latter getting a TV series. A year-and-a-half on that series is beginning to take shape.THR reports that “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring” filmmaker James Wan has boarded the project as executive producer along with his Atomic Monster production company.In addition. Peter Ocko (“Lodge 49,” “The Office”) has joined the project as both writer and showrunner. They join the already set executive producers Michael Clear and Rob Hackett on the project which is being produced in-house at Amazon MGM Studios.The project is being dubbed a serialized spin on the famed franchise and begins when a giant tech conglomerate collaborates with the local police department to introduce a technologically advanced enforcer to combat rising crime, a police officer who’s part man, part machine.Paul Verhoeven directed the 1987 original, which became an iconic sci-fi action film known for its satire of American capitalism, moments of extreme violence and iconic lines. It inspired two sequels, a reboot in 2014, and several TV series.Source of this programme “I like components, because they are helpful!”“Back in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library. Those on the slate included…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.darkhorizons.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-28586449.jpeg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER MGMBack in April la... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[technologycompanynews]

James Wan To Produce “Robocop” Series - Information Important Web - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/?feed_id=212315&_unique_id=66f4ae969744b MGMBack in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library.Those on the slate included new takes on “Stargate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Robocop” with the latter getting a TV series. A year-and-a-half on that series is beginning to take shape.THR reports that “Aquaman” and “The Conjuring” filmmaker James Wan has boarded the project as executive producer along with his Atomic Monster production company.In addition. Peter Ocko (“Lodge 49,” “The Office”) has joined the project as both writer and showrunner. They join the already set executive producers Michael Clear and Rob Hackett on the project which is being produced in-house at Amazon MGM Studios.The project is being dubbed a serialized spin on the famed franchise and begins when a giant tech conglomerate collaborates with the local police department to introduce a technologically advanced enforcer to combat rising crime, a police officer who’s part man, part machine.Paul Verhoeven directed the 1987 original, which became an iconic sci-fi action film known for its satire of American capitalism, moments of extreme violence and iconic lines. It inspired two sequels, a reboot in 2014, and several TV series.Source of this programme “I like components, because they are helpful!”“Back in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library. Those on the slate included…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.darkhorizons.com/james-wan-to-produce-robocop-series/#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-28586449.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL MGM Back in April last year came news that Amazon Studios was moving forward on film and/or TV development on multiple franchises in the MGM library. Those on the slate included new takes on “Stargate,” “Legally Blonde” and “Robocop” with the latter getting a TV series. A year-and-a-half on that series is beginning to take … Read More

[aryanaxeconsultancy]

The Most Iconic Diamond Jewelry Moments in History

The Most Iconic Diamond Jewelry Moments in History

Introduction

Diamonds have long been a symbol of luxury, power, and love, making them the centerpiece of some of the most iconic moments in history. From royal engagements to Hollywood red carpets, these sparkling gems have captured the imagination of people worldwide. In recent years, advances in technology have introduced new ways to create diamonds, such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). If you’re wondering, “what is a CVD diamond ring?” and how it compares to the diamonds of history, we’ll explore both in this journey through the most unforgettable diamond jewelry moments.

What is a CVD Diamond Ring?

Before diving into history, let’s briefly explain what a CVD diamond ring is. A CVD diamond is a type of lab-grown diamond produced through a process known as Chemical Vapor Deposition. In this process, carbon-containing gases are broken down, and carbon atoms are deposited onto a substrate, forming a diamond. CVD diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds but are often more affordable and eco-friendly, making them a popular choice for modern consumers.

Now that you know what a CVD diamond ring is, let’s look at some iconic diamond jewelry moments from the past and how lab-grown diamonds could play a role in the future.

1. Queen Elizabeth II’s Engagement Ring

One of the most famous engagement rings in history belongs to Queen Elizabeth II. The ring, a 3-carat round diamond set in platinum with smaller diamonds on each side, was crafted from a tiara belonging to Prince Philip's mother. This diamond has become a symbol of timeless elegance, reflecting the legacy of the British monarchy.

Could a CVD diamond ring replicate this? Absolutely. CVD diamonds are optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds. Modern brides looking for an affordable yet regal option can easily opt for a similar design with a CVD diamond ring.

2. The Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world, known for its deep blue color and fascinating history. Weighing 45.52 carats, it’s currently housed in the Smithsonian Museum. Its rare color and large size have made it a subject of intrigue for centuries.

What about a CVD version of the Hope Diamond? With advances in technology, it is possible to create colored CVD diamonds, including blue ones. While the original Hope Diamond is priceless, a similar look could be achieved with a custom-designed CVD diamond ring.

3. The Taylor-Burton Diamond

Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with diamonds is well-documented, but the Taylor-Burton Diamond is perhaps the most iconic piece she owned. This 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond, given to her by Richard Burton, became one of the most talked-about jewels of the 20th century.

Can a CVD diamond replicate this? While CVD diamonds are often smaller than such massive natural stones, technology is evolving. A CVD diamond ring in a pear shape can offer a similar dazzling effect, giving wearers the glamour of Elizabeth Taylor at a fraction of the price.

4. Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring

When Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana in 1981, the world took note of her 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. The ring has since become iconic, now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Could a CVD diamond complement this style? Yes! While Princess Diana’s ring featured a sapphire, the surrounding diamonds could easily be recreated with CVD diamonds, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for modern brides.

5. Marilyn Monroe’s "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend" Performance

Marilyn Monroe's iconic performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes cemented her place as a diamond icon. Draped in sparkling jewelry, she created a lasting image that continues to influence fashion and jewelry trends today.

CVD diamonds in Hollywood glamour? Absolutely. CVD diamond rings and jewelry can mimic the old Hollywood sparkle, allowing fans of classic glamour to enjoy diamond jewelry in a more accessible and sustainable way.

6. Meghan Markle’s Three-Stone Engagement Ring

When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle, he presented her with a custom-designed three-stone diamond ring. The center stone is from Botswana, where the couple vacationed, and the side stones are from Princess Diana’s collection. The ring is both symbolic and deeply personal.

CVD diamonds in modern engagement rings? The three-stone design is timeless and can be beautifully replicated using CVD diamonds. In fact, a CVD diamond ring allows for the same sentimental and personalized designs that define today’s engagement jewelry.

Conclusion

Diamonds have been at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in history, symbolizing love, power, and glamour. Today, with the advent of CVD technology, diamonds are more accessible and sustainable than ever before. Whether you're inspired by the Hope Diamond or a modern celebrity engagement ring, a CVD diamond ring offers the beauty and brilliance of traditional diamonds with added benefits like affordability and ethical sourcing.

[crookedtable]

'Deadpool 2' (feat. Matthew Anderson of The Lone Screenplay Nominee Podcast)

Despite its crass humor and ultraviolence, 2016's Deadpool professed itself to be a self-described "love story." Likewise, its even more over-the-top sequel fancies itself a "family film." With a budget roughly twice that of its predecessor, Ryan Reynolds' second turn in the iconic red suit was a similar box office hit, expanding the first film's themes and taking bigger chances.

As the road to Deadpool & Wolverine continues, Matthew Anderson of The Lone Screenplay Nominee Podcast joins us to dig into 2018's Deadpool 2. We'll discuss what the direction of franchise newcomer David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) brings to the series, how the film doubles-down on its R rating, and why it could perfectly lead into the character's MCU debut.

So join us as Deadpool crosses paths with the likes of Josh Brolin's Cable and Zazie Beetz' Domino, has his first brush with time travel and how the Deadpool franchise comments and complements the mainline X-Men films. Also, keep an eye on the Crooked Table Patreon for a bonus episode on the movie's PG-13 cut, theatrically released as Once Upon a Deadpool!

Check out this episode!

[alchemisland]

Hugging chemystries

Armful of spicy, iconic blonde

Tracing a stolen atomic bomb

Call me Bond, Ionic Bond

In his presence, Martinis apport

Polysaccharides hands tied.

[theohonohan]

The Barbie/Oppenheimer Nexus

Since Lee Begin first shaped it, the T-38 has continually inspired affection. Lewis Shaw still calls it “the 36-24-36 blonde on the beach.” Dan Canin raves: “I absolutely love the airplane. The T-38 and its siblings [F-5/F-20] are absolutely beautiful things…iconic, really…designed, it always seems to me, exactly as one would sculpt a fighter if he didn’t have to worry about anything practical…like fuel, weapon systems, etc. As we go exclusively with stealth designs, which are inherently fat to incorporate weapons internally, I doubt we’ll ever see fighters this good-looking again.” (Smithsonian Magazine)

The wasp-waisted T-38 first flew in 1959, the same year the Barbie doll went on sale. Lee Begin, the legendary but relatively obscure Northrop employee directly responsible for its lines, went on to shape the F-18 and to project unthinkable systems for the refuelling and rearming of fighter aircraft under conditions of radioactive nuclear fallout. The T-38 occupies the atomic age intersection of Barbie and Oppenheimer.

The creators of Barbie started off in business selling picture frames, which of course are an example of transparency and rigorous craftsmanship. Their endeavors can be understood in the context of the post-war Los Angeles art scene, which was influenced by the availability, among other new materials, of plexiglass and the techniques to turn it in to seamless, flawless Jetsons-esque domes and canopies. The Barbie doll was made of vinyl.

The T-38 was a relatively lightweight aircraft, designed with a view to minimising the work of maintenance. The chief designer Edgar Schmued (previously responsible for the P-51 Mustang) wrote

“Our dollars do not buy as many airplanes as they once did. The reason is the increased complexity, increased weight and the requirements for new, more costly methods of manufacture and more costly materials.

"If we are to remain strong in the air, we must continue to improve our military aircraft rapidly. But if we are not to upset our economy we must keep our defense costs under control...

"The armed forces--like the average housewife--have to manage their budgets with a great deal of care and caution. Most contracts for new airplanes are awarded on the basis of design competitions. Contractors are invited to enter design proposals based on requirements for a definite type of airplane to perform a specific mission. The winning contractor is picked from these proposals. The unit cost of the airplanes—usually directly related to weight—is a powerful factor in award of the contract.

"Thus an engineer is tempted to enter the competition with the very smallest airframe that can possibly do the job, because the lighter the airframe the lower will be the cost. This is why airplanes that are acquired through the normal bidding processes often suffer at the outset from from being too skimpy—and thus short-lived...”

The surprising reference to “the average housewife” brings home the comparatively mundane significance of Northrop’s strategy. The T-38 and related aircraft also verged on being too small, with too short a range and too little capacity for carrying armaments. But their J58 engines could be changed by one or two men in minutes, and most of the aircraft’s systems were easily accessible by a technician standing on the ground. Schmued’s “lightweight fighter” design policy, inspired by the inescapable economic logic of housekeeping, is still compelling, though nuclear war and Betty Friedan’s “problem that has no name” have receded from public consciousness. Perhaps, against the background of all the sexism of the 50s, a point can be awarded to Schmued for his acknowledgement and valorisation of the organisational skill of female homemakers.

In The Crying of Lot 49, Thomas Pynchon’s jokey song of loyalty to an LA defense manufacturer ends with the following lines, underlining the absurd conjunction of southern California’s civic and military-industrial cultures—bubblegum pop art and closely guarded manufacturing complexes.

High above the L.A. freeways, And the traffic's whine, Stands the well-known Galactronics Branch of Yoyodyne. To the end, we swear undying Loyalty to you, Pink pavilions bravely shining, Palm trees tall and true.

It doesn’t seem to add up, although the latter economically supports the former in a more or less visible way. The means of support are hidden. Secrecy, an essential aspect of Oppenheimer’s Manhattan Project, metastasized through California’s aerospace industry in the Cold War years.

Stealth—by definition, an invisible presence—serves as a useful icon of the Cold War aerospace industry in Los Angeles, which seemed absent and present at the same time. In Los Angeles, defense sites, landscapes, and populations operated in public but were concealed from public view. 

As a metaphor and as an example, Stealth then captures this essential feature of life in Southern California during the Cold War—a life which, for many, was governed by shifting designations of what was known and unknown, said and unsaid, about an economy operating above and underneath the public surface of the region. Secrecy fostered two cities laminated to each other, one seen and the other unseen. 

The resulting alignments and misalignments—places where the secret operated quietly, and others where it became public—shaped the feel of the city. One of the ways in which this double consciousness is most routinely captured is in the ways Los Angeles plays itself. Los Angeles as a cultural imaginary reveals its fractured character in its films and its fictions: of power hidden underneath the surface, of violence coupled with fine weather. This union of purity and danger, which so regularly reappears in and as Los Angeles, was also a central trope that helped mask one of the largest knowledge production and manufacturing efforts during the Cold War. (The Vanishing Act: Stealth Airplanes and Cold War Southern California, Mihir Pandya)