Pygmalion- the Greek myth about a sculptor falling in love with his own statue endures to this day. Video essayist, Pop Culture Detective identified this narrative device as the Born Sexy Yesterday trope, in which a man can not find a woman to be with him. Instead he either creates or coerces a model of feminine perfection to be his romantic partner. Not knowing any better, the woman has little choice but to comply.

I recently watched Paheli and it made me think about the female version of this power fantasy, which I regard as much healthier (even if it's just as nonsensical.) Instead of creating a man, in these stories an old powerful being is enticed by a human woman. She just has to be herself, and a mythological creature, ancient spirit, or even a god will fall for her charms.

And yes, I also make fun of 100 year old vampire Edward Cullen being impressed by a teenager because she takes AP biology, but there is something so empowering about this idea of being found exceptional by someone so intelligent and other-worldy.

Horseman, Pass By vs. Hud:

I prefer the film over the book. The adaptation takes all the rather random elements from the book and focuses them into a cohesive family drama.

To reflect the mind of a 17 year old, the text is oftentimes intentionally crude. The movie takes that prose and elevates the dialogue, adding more poetry, without frill or artifice. Both feel grounded and down to Earth, but the protagonist is given more agency on the screen than on the page.