Lifestyles Press play on a magazine with “The French Dispatch” By Velvet Jessen Staff Editor
In a 1:3:1 ratio of a poem, three stories, and an obituary; ‘The French Dispatch’ movie brings to life the last edition of its namesake. The editor, Arthur Howitzer Jr., mandated that when he died that issue would be the last and it would be his obituary. ‘The French Dispatch’ manages to bring the pages of the magazine to life in only an hour and 48 minutes of run time. Although not a perfect re-telling of the magazine or the members of magazine’s staff, the movie was inspired by the real magazine and its writers. The first part of the magazine brought to life is a poem called ‘The Cycling Reporter’ by Herbsaint Sazerac and talks about Ennui-sur-Blasé. Ennuisur-Blasé is a town in France that Herbsaint describes as he bicycles through. The town’s past versus its current state is compared by Sazerac as he visits important or interesting sites. In Ennui-sur-Blasé, an average of eight and a half dead bodies are found dead in the town’s stream and that number didn’t even change with population growth. The stores and areas may change but in both its forms the town appears to be dismal. The next story shown is the
first of three stories told in the magazine. This story called ‘The Concrete Masterpiece’, written by J. K. L. Berensen, paints the picture of the imprisoned and arguably insane – artist, Rosenthaler; and his prison guard and muse, Simone. Rosenthaler was an unrecognized artist before being jailed for two counts of manslaughter, but his art only became famous after an art dealer jailed for tax evasion saw his work. As soon as the art dealer leaves, he comes back to buy Rosenthaler’s paintings and so his story begins. The second story told is called ‘Revisions to a Manifesto’, written by Lucinda Krementz. Her story takes place in Ennui, which is the same dismal town described in the poem at the beginning of the movie. Only now we see the town in chaos during the “Chessboard Revolution”. The revolution may sound sophisticated; however, it found its start due to boys not being allowed in the girls’ dorms. Krementz is in Ennui as the revolution happens and struggles to keep journalistic neutrality as she gets closer to the pretty face of the revolution, Zeffirelli. The third story called ‘The Private Dining Room of the Po-
lice Commissioner’, written by Roebuck Wright, also happens in Ennui but this time recounts Wright’s own experience with the police and the kidnapping of the Commissaire’s son. In the dim and crime ridden streets of Ennui the story follows the kidnapped boy, the kidnappers, the police, and one very dedicated chef. Lastly, the obituary for the Editor, Arthur Howitzer Jr., is written by the staff. In the telling of the previous stories small f lashfor wards would show Howitzer working with the writers and how their relationships started and grew. The obituary is really the entire movie and how he works with staff and the passion he had for his magazine. In an age with movies that are constantly remakes, sequels or just a little too similar ideas ‘The French Dispatch’ stands out in the best way possible. With its use of color, different aspect ratios, and switches between live action and cartoons ‘The French Dispatch’ lacks any reason to look at your phone or get distracted. Although it’s not family friendly, I advise you to gather some friends, sit down and grab some popcorn cause this dispatch isn’t to be missed.
csceagle.com | The Eagle | Jan. 20, 2022
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CSC to perform “Crimes of the Heart” By Madyson Schliep Reporter
Not seeing CSC’s Theatre Department’s newest play would be a crime. “Crimes of the Heart” details the story of the three MaGrath sisters that reunite for the first time in over a decade. It promises serious drama under the scorching heat of the Mississippi sun, past resentments bubble to the surface and each sister must come to terms with the consequences of her own ‘crimes of the heart.’ Halle Smith, sophomore of Wheatland, Wyoming, plays Lenny, the older sister of the group who never left Hazelhurst. The middle sister, Meg, played by Bruk Binyam, left home to pursue stardom as a singer in Los Angeles. Babe the youngest, played by Olivia Freeze, sophomore of Bridgeport, has just been arrested for murder. Smith said that she is most excited
for this production because there will be accents involved which she says will be fun for both the audience and the cast. Cheyenne Bacon who plays Chick, the sisters first cousin, is very excited for this production because although she has been a member of the theatre department for 3 years this is their first time on center stage. “I’m excited to be back on stage,” they said. “It’s my passion to be there and collaborating with my classmates is a fun learning experience.” “Not to be generic, but these are truly shows you shouldn’t miss,” Samuel LaRive, senior of Hot Springs, South Dakota said. LaRive plays Doc, Meg’s old boyfriend. He said he is excited for this to be his first serious acting role. “Crimes of the Heart” debuts Feb. 17 in the Black Box Theatre. Tickets are available online to reserve for free at csc.edu/theater until seats fill.
New Story Beats section looking for student submissions The Eagle is teaming up with Tenth Street Miscellany to bring a new creative writing section to the paper. ‘Story Beats’ is a student submitted segment beginning Spring 2022 that can be found in Lifestyles. Students from all majors are encouraged to submit their creative writing, from non-fiction to poetry and everything in between. Anything is submittable for a chance to have your work published in the paper. The word count maximum for a one page piece is 500 words and 1000 words for a two page piece. Pieces that are part of a series are also encouraged. We just ask that the series be completed before submission so that it can be featured as a weekly piece. Email your submission to lifestyles@csceagle.com. All submissions are subject to rejection.
