The Edit: the ultimate A24 wish, I mean, gift edition

Hello from the Auteur Edit, a roundup of what’s keeping me sane, inspired and awestruck in the madness that is the media arts business. We’re officially in the gift-giving season and everyone’s got their favorite things, so I’m adding my list with a twist.Let’s call this one-stop shopping and all things A24. Because, why not? Those familiar with films like Lady Bird, Uncut Gems, The Tragedy of MacBeth, 20th Century Women and Everything Everywhere All At Once — are arguably obsessed with everything A24. Okay, well I am. They’re the studio behind the magic of these — and a few more well-made movies like them. But you don’t have to be or know a fanatic. Film buff, filmmaker and anyone in between will find something to like — I promise — and no, A24 is not paying me for any of this so, let’s get to today’s list.* For the kid-ults. Puzzles of the quirky kind. I’m a big fan of puzzles and what could be more fun than putting together an Evelyn Everything Rubik’s Cube? Out of the one-thousand Evelyn Wang’s in the multiverse, A24 collaborated with the iconic puzzle-maker to pick their top six Evelyn dimensions — from Everything, Everywhere — for this crafty new cube challenge. The movie itself is not among my top ten but the collab that turned out this clever cube, certainly is. Another one of my favorite’s is this mini meme puzzle that forms Lady Bird’s pink cast. It comes contained in a cute little metal tin which makes it easy to toss and carry in a tote for when you have some down time or in between takes when you get the urge to start puzzling. I just love it! Adults and kids will too. And Lady Bird is absolutely among my top ten films.* For the nostalgic. Moviegoer meets music lover in this nifty throwback gift. The Iron Claw movie alone oozes nostalgia. The fiction based on real events story is set back in the 70’s when everyone listened to 8-tracks or vinyl. I mean, those were the options. Which makes it pretty neat that A24 crafted some — not by mistake — merch to take us back down memory lane. This pressed “champion gold” LP plays Richard Reed Parry’s original score from the film soundtrack. Even the cover art is wrapped in a popular and creatively iconic graphic — the vintage television set. My dad, the boxing fan with an album collection to envy, would love this. Yours or someone you love might too.* For the cool kids. I’m not usually a wear a logo on the sleeve kind of gal. Whether it’s a luxury brand or any other, I’ve never been fond of being a walking billboard. But I'm making an exception here — even though I also don’t really wear ball caps — like at all. The few that I have could be considered more souvenir than style statement. But, that doesn’t keep me from checking out those that catch my eye from time to time — for others or myself — and these two do. The first one — this A24 logoed version is one I would actually wear. First because it’s corduroy — my favorite Fall fabric. Second, the typography is well done, doesn't scream at you and it just looks chic. While ball caps skew to the younger generation, this second cap is listed in the vintage category on A24’s website. The youngins — they think just about everything that’s vintage is in these days whether they get the reference or not. Old school Jackie Brown fans already know what’s up. Suffice it to say, this is a gift that appeals to just about every age. So, if you have a few of the cool kids on your list or those of us they let in the club, how can you not consider one of these?* For people like me. Those who, in addition to film, love books, fashion and their job — not necessarily in that order — can appreciate What Director’s Wear. When I heard about this A24 book, it was one of those ‘I’ve been waiting for someone to write something like this’ moments for me. This wonderfully bound, image rich, textually descriptive book goes deep into the history of the natty auteur. It’s like looking at art within art — revealing more of the artist’s expressive layers. As a table top vignette or bedside table read, this is absolutely on my Hanukkah wish (sorry, not gift) list and should definitely be on your gift or wish list too. Granted, I already have a stack of several beautifully put together A24 books and screenplays — but not this one, so what’s one more? Especially one that speaks to me so well — and just in case you’re still working on what you’re getting me.😉 You also shouldn’t feel guilty about getting one for you too.* For the sweet tooth. If you don’t like chocolate — better yet chocolate dumped in popcorn — we can’t be friends. That’s the reason this is a gift you can't get wrong. Who knew A24 was in the confections — better yet concessions — business? I didn’t, but I’m glad that they are with this new line of perfectly packaged chocolate bars. Apparently they can smell an opportunity when the see one. (For you trivia buffs, this is the answer to where do theatres make the most money). Somehow they knew. They knew what flavors would slap (as the cool kids say). They knew I can’t eat movie popcorn without chocolate covered Raisinettes. They knew and they capitalized on it, with perfect combos like Popcorn and Candy, Fizzy Fountain Soda, and Salty Peanut Crunch. Go ahead and grab the 6-pack gift set — the choco-popcorn lover on your list will thank you.* For the homebody. In film, we don’t roll without the test slate. Why not let the filmmaker on your gift list roll out of bed and start their day with some test card soap. Cute, right? How about pairing it with this cheeky towel — made to look like a widescreen frame — to dry off with? Just adorable. Now, I can’t attest to how well the soap works — I probably can’t use it due to my sensitive skin anyway — but if not for the bath it surely makes a great gift for a guest bathroom, even a decorative theme-based display. As for the towel — how does one say they’re a filmmaker without saying their filmmaker while at the beach? Aside from the kitsch factor — the colorful, sumptuous, extra large, screams super-absorbent wrap — is guaranteed to get rave reviews. Both make great gifts and conversation starters — separate or as a pair.Yes, a lot of items in this edition are currently sold out. But what’s sold out will at some point be selling again, so if not this year, there’s always next. That’s another Auteur Edit. I hope you found something useful. Thanks again for your support. And Happy Holidays however you celebrate. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tarawall.com/subscribe