Strands of Genius: Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, The Media Equation, How Do We Change America?
Guest Curated by Matt Burch
This year we’re aiming to highlight 50 creative thinkers that have inspired us, by giving them the opportunity to guest curate this newsletter, Strands of Genius. Matt is a strategic mind with Nashville’s title of ‘Copywriter of the Year’ under his belt.
:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, MATT BURCH ::
LOCATION: Nashville, TN
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: VP/Content Strategy Director @ OBP Nashville
Hi, I’m Matt Burch. I call myself a “writer,” but in none of my diction or fiction could I dream up two originals like Rosie and Faris. (And I already hear a little Faris on my shoulder saying, “originality is a myth.” Not for you, shoulder Faris!) So, I first met Rosie about a decade ago. We’re both music biz kids from Nashville, and we stumbled onto each other through my dad, who was Rosie’s music business professor at UGA. We had coffee and I was pretty boring so we didn’t talk again for a few years, but then we happened to run into each other at a discussion around Faris’s book, Paid Attention. From there, we’ve kept in touch and hung out. We even got to collaborate on a recent project that will hopefully soon see the light of day. I’ve read Strands of Genius for years and feel woefully under-qualified to be a guest editor, but shoot your shot and shit, here we go. Thanks for indulging me. I hope you find some value in this edition, and a big thank you to Rosie and Faris for letting me take the wheel.
Editor’s Note (Rosie): I didn’t see Matt for years, and then suddenly all the time: in Nashville at a book club meetup, in New York for StratFest, drinking whiskey in the mountains, participating in a panel on Super Bowl spots that he hosted, making Indian food at his house. Let it be known that Faris and I adore both Matt and his wife Dana. I love getting to work with friends, because you’re able to have the tough conversations. That shared history and experience provide a solid foundation for collaboration, but I always have a moment of panic: What if they aren’t as good as I think they are?! I can safely say that with Matt, I shouldn’t have worried for a second. He won’t tell you that he was named Nashville’s copywriter of the year, but we will. Oh, and that project Matt is talking about? We can’t wait to share it with you, and we’ll remind you of his writing talent again then, too.
:: THE LINKS ::
SPIKE LEE’S DA 5 BLOODS
Spike Lee is the most important American filmmaker of the past 40 years, a guy who’s been shining a (too-often ignored) spotlight on systemic racism and police brutality from the way-back beginnings of his career. His films feel different than any other director, don’t they? He makes the screen sweat, leaving a stickiness that stays with you long after you leave the theater. His new film DA 5 BLOODS drops this Friday (6/12) on Netflix. I keep myself as oblivious as possible to plots, but this I know: It’s a war film about Black vets who return to present-day Vietnam to retrieve the remains of their fallen leader. I’ll be watching it opening day, and the rest of the weekend will be spent revisiting old classics from his filmography (of which there are MANY including DO THE RIGHT THING, HE GOT GAME, THE 25th HOUR, and basically everything he’s ever made besides that weird OLD BOY remake). (Netflix)
BEN SMITH’S THE MEDIA EQUATION COLUMN
Every Sunday night, Ben Smith unleashes perceptive, two-drink, tip-of-the-tongue truths about the most critical and riveting issues facing the media industry. This past Sunday’s column, examining newsroom objectivity and focusing on the aftermath of the NYT’s controversial Tom Cotton op-ed that led to James Bennet’s resignation, brings the heat. I won’t spoil the article’s ultimate conclusion, but as the lines continue to blur between journalism and activism one thing is becoming clear: in the age of Trump, “both sides” too often means that no one wins, least of all the American public. (The New York Times)
HOW DO WE CHANGE AMERICA?
This tour de force reflecting on the current moment features straight bangers like this: “The question is: How do we change this country? It’s not a new question; for African-Americans, it’s a question as old as the nation itself. A large part of the reason that rebels swell the streets with clenched fists and expressive eyes is the refusal or inability of this society to engage that question in a satisfying way. Instead, those asking the question are patronized with sweet-sounding speeches, made with alliterative apologia, often interspersed with recitations about the meaning of America, and ultimately in defense of the status quo. There is a palpable poverty of intellect, a lack of imagination, and a banality of ideas pervading mainstream politics today. Old and failed propositions are recycled, but proclaimed as new, reviving cynicism and dismay.” I’ll say no more, read it. (The New Yorker)
Looking for more from Matt Burch? Those enrolled in The School of Stolen Genius will receive a deep dive from him in their inbox tomorrow, including thoughts on writing for many different kinds of formats, humor as a leadership tool, the kinds of conversations he’s having with clients about COVID-19, and what he’s learned from his wife and kids. You can access all our expert interviews for SOSG here.
:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::
:: Game :: Fortnite: I’ve never played, but I watch my two kids and it’s fascinating how engaged the community is. I think you’ll see advertisers continue to breach the walls of the platform (recent examples being the “Tenet” trailer drop) to great effect. If this is the thing that breaks up the duopoly, more power to it.
:: City :: Venice, CA where I met my brilliant and hilarious aforementioned wife
:: Book :: Recent-ish faves: In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado; Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner; Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino
:: Podcast :: Pivot is really popular for a reason. Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher complement each other so well. For movies, The Big Picture is so damn essential. I unabashedly want to be Sean Fennessey.
:: Album :: All-time: American Water by Silver Jews Right now: Saint Cloud by Waxahatchee
:: THE LOST LOVE OF BURGERHEAD ::
I know I seem like a Very Serious Man with all of my above recommendations, but sometimes I put a burger on my head and try to remake Lost In Translation. I’ve made about a dozen spots over the past four years playing Burgerhead. I was on a billboard in Atlanta. People made t-shirts. Ultimately, Burgerhead’s my alter ego and a good representation of my sensibilities. When you boil me and Burgerhead down, we’re just cheesy, absurdist romantics at heart.
Thanks for reading! I don’t publish a ton online, but I'm always lurking on Twitter. Feel free to email me anytime to let me know your favorite Spike Lee joint. http://mattsburch.com
Matt Burch
email: matthew.mburch@gmail.com
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