Matt at the Movies: "The Life of Chuck" and Snapshots in Time
A meditation on life, loss, and grieving as Matt screens "The Life of Chuck" (8.5/10) and gives out a rare Perfect 10.
My very dear friend — and friend of the Y’all Weekly family — Ginger Kiselick passed away last week at the age of sixty-one.
I went to the cinema to clear my head. I saw Neon Pictures’ new film, The Life of Chuck, which had won the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, and is now playing at the Independent Picture House.
As the Stephen King novella adaptation hits on random memories from the titular character's life, I couldn’t help but think of this wonderful woman whose presence touched the lives of all people around her.
There’s a phrase that is echoed throughout the film that is apropos to my friend:
"I am wonderful, I deserve to be wonderful, and I contain multitudes."
For Chuck (Tom Hiddleston), we see touchstones of an ordinary man who was taken too soon. He had the rug pulled out from under him as a child, found a love of the arts, later became a banker, and tried to live his life to the fullest. We see snapshots in time that stuck with him through his final days. In those moments he brought up all those around him and enacted joy to those within the reach of his atmosphere. A rising tide to lift all boats.
As we peek into different real and imagined timelines for Chuck, you see a love for the greater universe with science. He sees the big picture of the world and our place in it. You also see the impact of those he lost like his grandmother with dancing that stuck with him until the end. Chuck had the gift of dance that brought him comfort, allowed self expression, and brought people together. Before he would move you saw the twinkle in his eye, an innate spark, telling the audience that something special was about to happen.
Matt at the Movies Score: The Life of Chuck (8.5/10)
Snapshots in Time
My friend Ginger contained multitudes and she too left us too soon.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. A lifelong educator, Mrs. Kiselick touched the lives of thousands of students over her long career with Gaston and Iredell County Schools. She and her husband Bill gave back to the community through charitable works with local food banks as well as Habitat for Humanity.
I met her sixteen years ago when I began teaching Mount Mourne International Baccalaureate, a couple miles north of Davidson. I walked into her room and asked if she needed any extra hands with the Student Government Association. She gave a wry smile and said, “Of course!” She took me under her wing and we forged a sixteen year friendship to where I simply labeled her my “southern mom.”
There aren’t just simple touchstones of memories like Chuck, but a widespread tapestry of moments that reached out, connecting everyone in her orbit. For me, that includes fifteen years of Thanksgivings with her wonderful husband Bill and their amazing children. Undefeated strings of trivia nights at The Kilted Buffalo, sporting events, brunches, cookouts, Pride parades, and even two Cramer weddings (the first carried out at their home).
Like Chuck, Ginger brought a zest of life to whatever situation she found herself in. The best nights featured a few glasses of wine or rosé and a simple kitchen island. Our tight group of friends could make each other laugh so hard our ribs would be aching or occasionally feature a good cry to whatever troubles ailed us at the moment. It was our family outside of our families.
Ginger had that sparkle every time I saw her. She’d give you a hug, ask about your life, and get an excitement brewing to fill up the room. Her and Bill were punished through dozens of outings from my failed relationships but always kept pushing me along. When I finally met my wife they instantly greeted her with open arms speaking volumes to the type of loving people they are.
She was an amazing science teacher by trade, but you couldn’t deny that she could also get down. Kitchens, fundraisers, gazebos, and any dance floor stood no chance for her to cut a rug. After retirement she kept in phenomenal shape with constant activity that gave her enough in the tank to shake it off one last time at her daughter’s recent wedding. She was completely invested in the moment and treated them all with fervor and enthusiasm. It was a contagious and innate gift we all will miss.
This all may be too saccharine, but the world is a little dimmer these past few days. When there is someone that can bring joy to so many that is lost too soon, you can’t help but feel a little lost.
Ginger, you were the central figure to our brunch bunch, and a helpful stalwart to guide me through some of the hardest periods of my life. We'll keep your spirit going, keep loving each other, and keep striving to make the most of our days, forever keeping you in mind. I’ll miss making you laugh, my friend.
"I am wonderful, I deserve to be wonderful, and I contain multitudes."
Life of Ginger Kiselick: 10 out of fucking 10
