girls, you really got me
Alasdair McLellan for British Vogue May 2012
I haven't had much time for this blog, other than have the occasional opening sentence flash through my head, and then dissipate before I could get a proper taste of it. I am tired, more happy than unhappy, more stressed than relaxed, and I thought I was desperately in need of a time-out.
It was in this jumbly, frustrated frame of mind that I watched the latest episode of "Mad Men". And wow. That scene, with Peggy and Don in his office? My heart clenched.
"Mad Men" looks like a dream, but it resonates with me because of how beautifully complicated it actually is. I can't muster the energy to go into an in-depth analysis, so I'll just say that it's a show that rewards its long-time fans, and respects our patience to unravel each character and draw our own conclusions. And the characters, especially the women: take Peggy, who I've rooted for since day one. My career doesn't really parallel hers, but at that moment, in the office with Don, I felt like I was her, and I could identify with every thought that was (presumably) running through her head. And then the scene at the elevator lobby, the music rolling in just before the credits played? Perfect.
Come to think of it, every woman character in "Mad Men" has had a moment that I greatly identify with. How do the writers do it?
After I flicked off the television, I felt cheered, if not quite entirely myself again . Yes, give me a holiday now, and I will take it, but I realised I had forgotten how bracing good old inspiration can be. I was presented with more or less an hour of top-class acting, writing and directing that completely wrapped me in their world, and I came out feeling deeply inspired and energised somehow, to plough on and do better.
What's inspiring you?
Picture from British Vogue via tomboy style
Comments
At the moment I'm inspired by cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients - cooking always cheers me up and never fails to distract me. I'm also pretty inspired by the summer weather that has hit the UK in the past week! Everything looks more inspiring in sunlight.
Fashion wise, what striked me was Peggy Olson's last outfit as she was leaving: that little hat in her hand, her portfolio under the arm, the purple dress and heels: smart, simple, perfect!
Aissa: I was very struck by the dress too, so chic, and extremely chic by her usual standards.
And you are right, Mad Men is a drama, but it somehow never feels heavy handed to me.
Jen: Megan is a bit of a hit and miss for me, I like her but her character sometimes hits false notes for me.
miss sophie: TV is most definitely not dead - it's my main source of mass media entertainment these days.
indigo16: Mr Stirling and Joan! I'm intrigued.
Exactly, I like that the characters are good and terrible at the same time, and they somehow always inspire my empathy.
I hope you get your hands on the DVD soon!