Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 51

“The Leopard”, Netflix Series: A Luxurious Literary Adaptation of Lampedusa’s Classic

Netflix does it again: “The Leopard” is an excellent adaptation of a classic of Italian literature that, while being faithful to the original novel, manages to capture its essence and bring it to the screen in all its complexity.

How do you adapt a long, complex novel full of characters and situations without losing its essence? Netflix has done it in recent months (particularly noteworthy was the adaptation of “One Hundred Years of Solitude”) and now does so with Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel, successfully capturing the essence of those tumultuous days and the end of an era.

It does so structurally, but is especially luxurious and aesthetically spot-on. Once again, a luxurious, precise, and virtuosic literary adaptation translated to a television series.

The Leopard – Netflix

Plot

The series follows Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, as he navigates the seismic political changes of Italy’s unification. With Garibaldi’s invasion of Sicily in 1860 as a backdrop, the narrative explores how an aristocratic family confronts revolutionary change.

The Actors

Kim Rossi Stuart leads the cast as Prince Fabrizio, with a nuanced performance that captures the complex moral landscape of a nobleman watching his world dissolve. He is joined by talented actors like Deva Cassel as Angelica and Saul Nanni as Tancredi, creating an attractive romantic triangle.

A Well-Executed Historical Recreation

Filmed in iconic Italian locations like Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and Rome, the series excels in visual recreation: impactful, precise, and above all, very luxurious, capturing the essence of that forgotten 19th-century Sicily. “The Leopard” manages to draw significant aesthetic attention.

About the Series

No, this is not the first time someone has adapted this exceptional novel. This adaptation follows in the footsteps of Luchino Visconti’s legendary 1963 film, winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. While paying homage to its cinematic predecessor, the Netflix series offers a new interpretation of Lampedusa’s classic novel.

Tom Shankland, the series director, takes these exceptional precedents into account and takes his work very seriously: the novel’s legend is great, but Visconti’s adaptation is legendary cinematographically, and the proposal is complicated: can one aesthetically surpass Visconti with a series that will inevitably be compared to the film? The director accepts the challenge and, moreover, emerges successfully and notably in this comparison.

There will be those who continue to prefer the film, but this series has so many points in its favor that it is worth watching.

Our Opinion

Don’t miss it. While Netflix may not always get it right (it’s inevitable to fail sometimes when entering artistic terrain), in recent literary adaptations of great classics of Literature, we have to recognize that they are hitting the mark: “The Leopard” manages to capture the essence of Lampedusa’s novel and give it a luxurious aesthetic.

The great theme of the novel is change in an era of transformations, revolutions, and social changes: it captures and summarizes this perfectly.

Don’t miss it, because “The Leopard” is definitely worth it.

Where to Watch “The Leopard”

Netflix

The Cast

Kim Rossi StuartSaul NanniBenedetta PorcaroliDeva Cassel

Greta Esposito
Paolo Calabresi
Francesco Colella
Astrid Meloni
Francesco Di Leva

Danish Blues Artist Mike Andersen Unveils Intimate New Single

Mike Andersen prepares to release his first single from an upcoming tenth studio album, showcasing a stripped-down approach to songwriting. The track ‘Only For You’ represents a raw, acoustic exploration of emotional vulnerability in new relationships. Produced by Christian Ki, the single features a minimalist arrangement that highlights Andersen’s introspective lyrics.

The song delves into the complexities of personal revelation, questioning the boundaries of intimacy and trust. Andersen’s composition draws comparisons to legendary storytellers like John Prine, emphasizing his ability to connect through unfiltered narrative.

Accompanying the single is a black-and-white animated music video created by Danish multidisciplinary artist Frederik Tygesen. The hand-drawn visuals complement the track’s themes of raw honesty and emotional depth.

Andersen, who received two Danish Music Awards in 2022 for ‘Best Danish Release’ and ‘Live Performer of the Year’, continues to blend blues, Americana, and soul in his musical approach. His previous single ‘Over You’ has already garnered nearly two million streams.

Release Date: March 13

Innovative Performance Explores Communication Through Stuttering

A groundbreaking solo performance is set to challenge perceptions of speech and neurodiversity. Composer and performer Tyler Eschendal presents ACTIONS, an intimate exploration of communication that delves into the complex experience of stuttering through an innovative artistic lens.

The performance, comprising five interconnected movements—Arguing, Acting, Singing, Ordering, and Explaining—combines percussion, theatrical monologues, and electronically processed singing. Eschendal transforms personal experience into a powerful artistic statement, offering audiences an unprecedented view into the nuanced world of speech variation.

Directed by Diana Wyenn, the production emerges from Eschendal’s personal journey as a person who stutters. It aims to deconstruct existing narratives that often marginalize or ridicule speech differences. The performance critiques media representations that typically portray stuttering as a source of comedy or weakness.

“Stuttering is rarely portrayed authentically in media, theater, or music,” Eschendal notes. The performance seeks to reintroduce stuttering through a lens of empathy and celebration of neurodiversity.

Originally conceived as a short film series, ACTIONS has evolved into a 50-minute live-staged performance. The production is recommended for audiences aged 13 and older and contains strong language.

The performance will be presented at the Lineage Performing Arts Center in Pasadena.

Performance Details:

Venue: Lineage Performing Arts CenterLocation: 920 E Mountain St, Pasadena, CA 91104Dates: March 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM and March 30, 2025, at 2:00 PMRecommended Age: 13 and olderTickets: Available at synchromy.org

Capturing the Essence: Wes Anderson’s Photographic Aesthetic

The world of cinema has long been fascinated by Wes Anderson’s distinctive visual language, and now photographers have a comprehensive guide to decoding his unique style. White Lion Publishing’s upcoming release promises to demystify the intricate techniques behind Anderson’s iconic cinematographic approach.

The book, “Shoot Like Wes,” offers more than just a surface-level exploration of the director’s visual storytelling. It provides a meticulous breakdown of the photographic techniques that have become synonymous with Anderson’s unmistakable aesthetic. From the carefully calculated God’s-eye view seen in “The Royal Tenenbaums” to the precise low-angle shots of “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” the guide promises to unlock the secrets behind creating visually compelling imagery.

Photographers and visual enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of practical insights. The guide goes beyond mere theoretical analysis, presenting illustrated, step-by-step photography challenges designed to be executed with either a professional camera or a smartphone. This approach democratizes Anderson’s sophisticated visual language, making it accessible to creators at various skill levels.

Each chapter delves into a specific aspect of Anderson’s visual methodology. Readers can expect to explore critical techniques such as shooting during magic hour, mastering deep focus, and understanding the art of strategic framing. The book’s comprehensive approach aims to transform everyday scenes into cinematic moments that capture the whimsical essence of Anderson’s world.

What sets this guide apart is its practical application. Rather than simply analyzing Anderson’s work, it challenges readers to apply these techniques to their own creative pursuits. The book becomes more than a passive reading experience—it’s an interactive journey into visual storytelling.

The publication represents a significant contribution to the understanding of contemporary visual aesthetics. It bridges the gap between cinematic technique and photographic practice, offering insights that extend beyond Anderson’s specific style to broader principles of composition and storytelling.

Photographers, film enthusiasts, and visual artists will find this guide an invaluable resource for understanding the nuanced art of creating compelling, story-rich imagery. The book promises to be an essential addition to the libraries of those seeking to elevate their visual storytelling skills.

The book will be available on June 3, 2025, priced at $22.00.

Spirit, Emotions, and Healing: A New Approach to Personal Growth

In the evolving landscape of self-help and personal development, Sherianna Boyle emerges with a nuanced exploration of the intricate connection between mental health and spirituality. Her upcoming book, “Just Ask Spirit: Free Your Emotions to Energize Intuition and Discover Purpose,” set to be published by Health Communications, Inc. on February 15, 2025, offers readers a distinctive perspective on emotional processing and spiritual connection.

Boyle, a psychic healer and coach with nearly two decades of experience, challenges conventional approaches to emotional well-being. She posits that spirit represents pure source energy, unencumbered by limiting beliefs and judgmental thoughts. The core of her methodology lies in understanding the profound relationship between human emotions and spiritual wisdom.

The book introduces Boyle’s Cleanse system, a methodology designed to help individuals process emotions more effectively. Through this approach, readers are invited to explore a mindful practice that promises healing, guidance, and clarity. Boyle argues that when individuals block or constrict their emotions, they simultaneously impede the innate wisdom of spirit that could potentially guide and heal them.

Drawing from her expertise as the bestselling author of “Emotional Detox” and host of the podcast “Just Ask Spirit,” Boyle provides readers with practical tools and techniques. The 288-page volume aims to empower individuals to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and develop their intuition through a unique approach to emotional and spiritual alignment.

Central to Boyle’s philosophy is the concept of reconnecting with spiritual energy through emotional processing. She suggests that by freeing emotions, individuals can activate a deeper sense of intuition and discover their true purpose. The book offers exercises and insights that readers can apply across various aspects of their lives, promising a transformative journey of self-discovery.

With an ISBN-13 of 9780757325281, the book represents a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about mental health, spirituality, and personal growth. Boyle invites readers to explore a path of spiritual alignment that emphasizes the power of emotional understanding and intuitive wisdom.

A Christmas Carol Continues: The Old Vic’s Persistent Festive Narrative

The Old Vic Theatre has once again committed to its now-familiar holiday tradition, extending its acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol for another year. What began as a seemingly one-off performance has transformed into a significant cultural event that has resonated with audiences and maintained remarkable consistency since its inception in 2017.

Matthew Warchus, the theatre’s Artistic Director who also directs the production, reflects on the unexpected journey of this adaptation. Originally conceived as a singular performance, the show has defied initial expectations by becoming a recurring highlight of London’s theatrical calendar. The production, adapted by Jack Thorne, has not only captured audience imagination but has also demonstrated a profound social impact beyond mere entertainment.

The Company in A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic (2024). Photo by Manuel Harlan

The theatre’s commitment extends beyond artistic performance. Each year, the production has integrated a charitable component, raising substantial funds for food poverty initiatives. Since 2017, the post-show collections have generated an impressive £1.9 million globally, with the most recent production contributing £235,000 to the Waterloo Foodbank. This approach transforms the theatrical experience into a meaningful social intervention.

The production’s appeal is evident in its audience metrics. The most recent run saw 52% of attendees experiencing the show for the first time, indicating both its ongoing relevance and ability to attract new audiences. Warchus emphasizes the production’s enduring message, suggesting that Jack Thorne’s script continues to deliver a narrative that feels contemporary and significant.

The theatre has strategically maintained the production’s freshness while preserving its core appeal. Each year brings subtle variations, ensuring that returning audiences find new nuances in this now-familiar festive narrative. The consistent success challenges traditional assumptions about seasonal theatre productions, demonstrating that a well-crafted performance can transcend annual repetition.

Tickets for the upcoming production will go on general sale on Thursday, 06 March at 10am. The production is scheduled to run from 12 November 2025 to 10 January 2026.

The Company in A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic (2024). Photo by Manuel Harlan (1)

501 Essential Albums of the ‘80s: The Music Fan’s Definitive Guide By Gary Graff

Break out the parachute pants, sleeveless t-shirts and hairspray and indulge in this nostalgic musical trip through the 1980s’ most influential albums across all genres.  

In 501 Essential Albums of the ’80s, music journalist Gary Graff leads a cast of fellow music journalists in presenting the music of one of the most pivotal decades in the history of recorded music…the decade that gave us some of the most monstrous-selling albums ever and introduced more and more listeners to emergent genres like indie rock and hip-hop.  

As Graff notes, “There was no shortage of albums to pick these 501 essentials, and what a challenging task that was.” He highlights that they considered multiple factors, including “merit, of course, but also impact, both artistic and commercial.” Graff and the contributors aimed to identify albums that defined the decade, selecting “some that put a stamp on the time, others whose imprint has lasted beyond that to stand as essential works in their own right, regardless of when they were released.” 

With lively descriptions of the releases and nearly 600 images, this hefty, 448-page volume curates 501 albums spanning genres and subgenres—pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, metal, country, college and indie rock, and more—and features: 

Year-by-year organizationKnowledgeable rundowns of every album featured.Album art for each selectionArtist imageryRecord label, release date, and producer(s) for each.Soundtracks and compilation releases

The journalists detail the circumstances of the releases, notable singles from each, their influence on contemporary and later artists…in short, why each album considered is one of the best of the decade.  

Madonna or Michael, Prince or the Police, Bruce or Black Flag, Men at Work or Mötley Crüe—whatever your tastes, you will relish this ultimate retrospective of the decade’s music. 

Netflix premieres ‘With Love, Meghan’: An intimate and culinary look at the Duchess of Sussex and her friends

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, returns to television with her anticipated documentary “With Love, Meghan”, an 8-episode documentary series that takes us directly into Meghan Markle’s kitchen and life, where she will welcome several friends, and together we will spend some delicious moments in the kitchen in the company of the famous Meghan Markle.

That said (and it must be said), the documentary series was not filmed in Meghan Markle’s intimate space.

Meghan and her Famous Guests

The program features a series of famous guests, such as her “Suits” co-star Abigail Spencer and comedian Mindy Kaling. Meghan is seen cooking, preparing cocktails, and even putting on a beekeeper’s suit. Her children, Archie and Lilibet, even made appearances on set, with Archie using the clapperboard between takes.

And yes, Prince Harry Windsor makes a small intervention.

The Filming

Contrary to initial expectations, the series was not filmed in Meghan and Prince Harry’s main residence in Montecito. Instead, the series was filmed on a nearby £5 million estate, an extensive 4,500 square foot property located just two miles from their house. The rented mansion, owned by philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla, has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and picturesque avocado and lemon orchards.

Meghan herself explained the decision to film elsewhere. Meghan wanted to protect that safe haven from cameras and preserve her family’s privacy.

About the Documentary Series

“With Love, Meghan” aims to take us into Meghan Markle’s intimacy and introduce us to a little-known facet: her cooking skills. Netflix takes a step further into the world of celebrities thanks to the incorporation of this big star.

“With Love, Meghan” gives the public what it wants: time in the company of Meghan Markle and sharing (even if only for a few hours) the intimacy of her kitchen. Along with her friends, even alongside her children, the series aims to be inspiring for her fans and admirers. “With Love, Meghan” is a carefully selected window into the Duchess of Sussex’s world, inviting viewers to join her in celebrating everyday moments of joy and creativity.

That said, don’t expect much controversy.

Enjoy the company of the Duchess of Sussex.

Where to Watch “With Love, Meghan”

Netflix

Anora Dominates: A Night of Firsts at the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking a transformative evening for cinema that celebrated both artistic achievement and groundbreaking representation. Sean Baker’s “Anora” emerged as the night’s triumphant film, securing five prestigious awards, including best picture, best director, best editing, best original screenplay, and best actress.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, witnessed several historic moments that underscored the evolving landscape of Hollywood. Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Oscar, claiming the best supporting actress award for her role in “Emilia Pérez”.

Paul Tazewell broke new ground in the costume design category, becoming the first Black male to receive this honor for his work on “Wicked”.The evening also celebrated international cinema, with “Flow” becoming the first Latvian film to win best animated feature, highlighting the global nature of contemporary filmmaking.

Adrien Brody achieved a remarkable feat by winning best actor, continuing his exceptional performance trajectory. The ceremony showcased a diverse range of talents, with filmmakers from Brazil and Iran receiving recognition, and the documentary “No Other Land” drawing attention to critical social narratives.

The broadcast, which aired on ABC and streamed on Hulu, took place against the backdrop of recent Los Angeles wildfires, adding a layer of resilience to the evening’s proceedings.

Honoring Trailblazers in Tech for Women’s History Month: One of the First Female Programmers Shares Her Story

The Wall Falls, A Woman Rises, A Memoir:How a U.S. Tech Entrepreneur Broke the Glass Ceiling and Helped Modernize Latvia (OakTreeBear Publishing, March 18, 2025; Hardcover; ISBN: 979-8-9904890-0-4) is the story of Dagnija “Daggie” Lacis, who shares her insights and strategic thinking as she recounts her journey of breaking through the glass ceiling in the male-dominated IT industry. She tells how she introduced the most advanced IT systems to her newly liberated homeland, Latvia, enabling the country to engage in business with the West.

Lacis’ unwavering ambition and contributions to women in technology reflect the spirit of Women’s History Month. In an interview, she will discuss:

Her career as the first female programmer at Burroughs Corporation, the second-largest IT company in the world during that time, where in 1984, she became the first female line vice president at Unisys.How she shattered the glass ceiling by challenging the stereotypes many people held about homemakers in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. Defying convention, she continued to work during both pregnancies despite the absence of paid maternity leave or paid time off.How, for 20 years, she held her own with the “boys” as one of the only females at the company before becoming VP.Her poignant story of leaving Latvia as a young child after World War II.In 1990, during a luncheon in Washington, D.C., Lacis was introduced to the prime minister and foreign minister of newly independent Latvia. This introduction led to Lacis modernizing Latvia’s IT systems and business practices to facilitate trade with Western countries. She achieved this by:Introducing SWIFT enabled Western companies to conduct business with Latvian firms.Implementing the Global Transport and Trade System (GTTS).Modernizing Latvian shipping.The introduction in D.C. also led to Lacis launching her own IT Company, the Baltic Technology Group (BTG). BTG was  the first woman-owned  company in Europe to develop a Western retail banking system.   Dagnija “Daggie” Lacis