Penpals is a column where our friends in the media write us a letter and fill in some blanks. Today’s Penpal is Norman Wilner, the senior film writer for NOW Magazine and the host of the SOMEONE ELSE’S MOVIE podcast. He lives in Kensington Market with his wife and their terrible dog.
Photo credit: Kathryn Gaitens
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Dear Clutch,
In the beginning I wanted to be recognized for the work that I do. But then I realized I’d be doing it anyway.
If I had to choose between BOYHOOD and BIRDMAN I’d choose BOYHOOD every single time.
My favourite thing about my job is that it enables me to immerse myself in the art form that I love. But sometimes it can get a little difficult to stay ahead of the workload, especially when there are three or four very different microfestivals in the same week. When I need to cool down I take the dog for a walk — even though that puts me further behind schedule on my viewing obligations.
Print is my bread and butter. Social media is my jar of frosting.
At night I dream about nothing. Seriously, I don’t remember my dreams. Never have. Right now I’m loving UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT and THE LAST MAN ON EARTH – weird, ambitious comedies created and assembled by wildly talented people.
My favourite auterist position is “Walter Hill, huh? Kinda underrated.”
PR professionals make me look competent and connected. I wish they would stop using the DAX online screener platform, which is an insult to the people who employ them.
Before I go, I want you to know that happiness, like a long-running improvisational television show, is precisely what you want it to be. The rules are made up, and the points don’t matter.
blue skies,
Norm Wilner
Follow Norm on Twitter
