Michael Haffner

It’s always bittersweet to see October come to and end, but I had such a blast doing multiple fun spooky season things all month long.

Spent the weekend in Chicago for Riot Fest. An absolute incredible lineup of artists and fans all coming together for the love of music and political/social causes that are just as unifying.

Spent the weekend indulging in two amazing theaters in St. Louis, one staging a rare one-act opera about Josephine Baker and another staging a new musical that hasn’t even made it to Broadway yet. The incredible arts scene is another reason why I love STL.

From a cabin stay to Nashville travels to soaking in the local arts, May was filled to the brim with inspiring moments. My cup runneth over.

NYC treated me well.
I did not do the same to my liver.
Some of my favorite places I enjoyed libations on the trip.

I had heard nothing but glowing reviews, and yet “OH MARY!” still surpassed my expectations. I can’t wait to see it get showered with Tony Awards, because it’s all too deserving. A wonderful start to a solo birthday trip to NYC.

Opening nationwide in theaters on my birthday weekend seems like my favorite director truly wanted to give me a gift for my 40th.

First NBA game for me did not disappoint. An incredible atmosphere and the cherry on top was an overtime for the hometown boys. This LA trip is off to a good start.

Sad that the legendary Ken Page wasn’t included in the In Memoriam during the Academy Awards tonight. An incredible loss not just for St. Louis but for the entertainment industry.

A grassroots movement is calling on all Americans to abstain from shopping with major retailers tomorrow, February 28, as part of an “economic blackout.”

I encourage you to join. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/boycott

RIP to an absolute legend of cinema

In honor of Twin Peaks Day, decided to start a rewatch again. I love this weird and wonderful world so much. 🦉☕️

Happy Season Opener @stlcitysc.com
Ready for tonight 🧣💪

Not my Leatherface

I think Conclave could pull an upset, but The Brutalist has the momentum, especially after just winning the BAFTA. It’s wild that this is his first nomination when you hear that score.

Cold, snowy nights are perfect for winter ghost stories and wine.

This CONCLAVE Oscar campaign has gotten out of control.

This man is a national treasure. Just delightful… and luscious. ❤️

STRANGE DARLING from last year is a really amazing, twisty-turny horror film. Try not to read or watch too much in advance. Also, CEMETERY MAN (1994) is an existential, arthouse, horror-comedy with Rupert Everett that is one of my favorite films that explores love, death, and the banality of evil.

I have a film idea I developed yrs ago where a bar-back that’s new to New Orleans discovers a 💀body behind the bar later after his shift and gets pulled into a dark world. The whole thing is like a gothic jazz opera. It’s a blend of film noir tropes with a touch of EYES WIDE SHUT and Cajun folklore.

One of the benefits of working in marketing/advertising is that I’ve seen all the AB spots for the Superb Owl game. The full-length Stella and Bud Light spots are really solid. Excited to see what else is in store.

I feel this so hard. Big hugs 🫂

Three young academy kids stepping up to make this rollercoaster of a season even more exciting.

I saw an early screening of COMPANION on Tuesday night and was blown away by it. Extremely entertaining with razor-sharp satire. Here’s my longer review from @letterboxd.social

I’m gonna add this to the list. I haven’t seen it and am intrigued.

Part of being almost 40 is choosing a PBS murder mystery that will bring 1-hour moments of joy and bloodshed to your life. This is me recommending VIENNA BLOOD.

One of my Top 10 Favorite Giallo films. And yes… Fenech is a stunning icon

It was fantastic to meet and hear Grady Hendrix last night. He delivered an absolutely incredible presentation on the history of women labeled as witches and their depiction in pop culture. Both funny and poignant in its reminder of our collective fear of the “other.”

Surprised but also not that I SAW THE TV GLOW was shut out of the Oscar nominations this morning. A complex film that speaks more to the anxieties of Gen Z instead of most Academy members. But it will stand years from now as a defining film of our times.

The gym is a lot like church growing up. Like church, you feel guilty for what you did the weeks leading up to it and you sweat and feel like are dying while being reminded of your mortality.