Currently: generally being cozy

Jonny Greenwood, Philip Glass, and Max Richter

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Recently my partner has been studying for a professional exam and listening to a lot of music without words. A few days ago he stepped out of the office to show me this song, which I know and love but also very much appreciated being reminded of. Phantom Thread (2017) remains to this day my favorite movie, and I think I really enjoy it holistically, but also because of the soundtrack.

I was having a discussion today with a friend about the moral nature of art, and whether art has an inherent purpose. I thought a lot about Phantom Thread because although I don’t think there’s a clear message Paul Thomas Anderson wanted to tell viewers with the film, it has a cohesive and beautiful story which nonetheless speaks to the audience, albeit perhaps in a way that is impossible to put into words, much less a clear thesis. I’m curious to know what readers of this newsletter think about the purpose of art, especially in times like these.