I’ll open this recap of what I’ve written over the last third of 2024 with a link to my CrimeReads feature on Mike’s Murder (1984). The film, marking its fortieth anniversary, has haunted me since I first saw it, and I delve into its true-crime origins—it’s inspired by the real-life murder of the former lover of an Academy Award-nominated actor, who was essentially cast as himself—as well as its famously tortured postproduction. The movie, which disappeared for decades, is again available, and even in compromised form deserves an audience.
Meanwhile, a rundown of what you may have missed at Cocktails & Crime.
A new history of Malört, plus thoughts on one of the year’s better TV offerings, Bad Monkey.
My year in 4K restorations, with big-screen rewatches of Le Samouraï, The Conversation, and The Shining.
Against my better judgment, I wrote about Megalopolis.
A report from my all-too-brief trip home to New York City, with multiple jazz shows.
How I spent Election Night with Joel and Ethan Coen, plus book and movie recommendations.
New books on science fiction movies and American horror.
Background on my Mike’s Murder article, plus movie recommendations.
A review of my favorite novel of 2024 and a neo-noir that slipped under the radar.
I may post a similar recap at Substack before 2024 is out, but otherwise that’s it for a year I’m happy to see the back of for a host of reasons. Spare yourself an extra resolution and subscribe to Cocktails & Crime now.
