Letter #35 Navigating Rabbit Holes: Movies, Books, and Letters

Curiouser and curiouser! - Alice in Wonderland

Dear Friend,

It has been quite some time since I started penning these letters to you. I sometimes find myself in a situation, not knowing your name or the reason behind your interest in reading my letter. At times, I feel overwhelmed that someone would dedicate their precious time to read them. It's astonishing to think that people still make time to read them Unfortunately, even I struggle to find time for reading these days. My schedule is packed with a full-time job, swimming sessions, spending time with friends and family, as well as writing these letters, miscellany, and crafting Safarnama stories. Previously, my days were mostly consumed by consuming content. I used to read everything, and sometimes I even miss those days when I was completely submerged in a different world.

The Rabbit Hole for Movies

During the initial days of the lockdown, all I would do is watch movies and read books. I have watched all kinds of movies. I used to pick a director and try to complete all of their works. It's amazing how many creative directors, especially in the West, are so particular about themes. I embarked on my journey with Richard Linklater movies, completing the Before trilogy, Dazed and Confused, and Boyhood. Every movie of Linklater, except for Dazed and Confused, is either related to time or dreams. As I write this, I am reminded of how peaceful it was to stock up on everything I needed to munch on. Since going out wasn't common, we used to have plenty of wine stocked up and would crack open a bottle before each movie. From Linklater to Wesanderson and from scoresee to Tarantino.

The Rabbit Hole for Books

In 2019, when I was struggling to find a job, fate led me to a job interview near one of the branches of my favorite coffee shop. After the interview, I couldn't resist the magnetic pull of the adjacent bookstore. The view inside intrigued me, and I couldn't resist the temptation to pick up a book and settle down to read. It turned out to be Franz Kafka's letters to Milena, and little did I know then that this experience would subconsciously inspire me to write these letters. Since that day, I have become a regular at this coffee shop, exploring the vast array of literature it offers. From Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" to Vikram Seth's "A Suitable Boy," I've devoured everything within these walls.

The content I create for Bohemian Dialogue is greatly influenced by these Rabbit Holes of movies and books, and I yearn to immerse myself in them once again. Perhaps, my friend, you can help me by sharing your ideas for content. And let us not forget what Shahid says: "The world is full of paper. Write to me."

I’ll write again, my friend.

Yours,

Bohemian Dialogue