It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me. And I’m feeling good.
— Michael Bublé
— Nina Simone
Hi! It’s Justin from Mere Musings—er, um, The Long Take.
That’s right, you didn’t get another random spam email (at least not one you’re unfamiliar with) in your inbox this time. Mere Musings (2022–2024, R.I.P.) is now The Long Take.
It’s been a long time coming, so read on to find out why I’m making these changes—and what my goals are with this new-and-improved Substack!
Why the Change?
Way back in 2022, I was doing some freelance film writing and had lots of words without a home. Instead of cold-pitching (yet again) every film publication under the sun, I decided to create Mere Musings to shine some light in the crevices of my Google Docs files. I started with an essay on Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) and Christian justice, then went on to write film and music lists, musings on theology, and some words on politics and current events.
As such, I had branded Mere Musings to be the catch-all for my essay ideas that wouldn’t fit (or, most of the time, didn’t get accepted) in other publications. I loved it. It’s the place I turned to when I got tired of writing in different “voices” and wanted to just rant about my favorite things. But I’ve realized in the two-ish years of writing these blogposts (for practically no one) that it’s time to focus. Time to zero in. No nonsense. (Well, a little nonsense.)
So, with The Long Take, it’s my aim to write more focused articles on popular and favorite movies, whether they be longform analysis essays, fun movie lists, or occasional theological commentaries on something film-related. Hereafter, I’ll mostly keep my writing related to film, but I’m not making any promises that something on music or current events won’t show up from time to time.
What does “The Long Take” Mean?
In film, “the long take” is a term for a take that lasts much longer than usual. (Duh.) Many shots are mere seconds long, whereas a long take can last one minute or, in more impressive cases, over ten minutes. This is an astounding feat for everyone involved in a scene: the director, actors (both primary cast and extras), and cinematographer, among others. It showcases an incredible amount of focus, coordination, and determination to nail a minutes-long scene as bustling as the opening scene in 007: Spectre (2015) or as calm and collected as that in Goodfellas (1990).
That’s what I’m trying to do with my writing here. Like the burning house scene in The Sacrifice (1986), I’ll be using The Long Take to ponder on a deeper level the movies we all watch and love, even the ones that may not always seem interesting or meaningful. It’s worth settling in, having some “uncut” and unhindered discussion about how we watch movies and what they mean for our lives. Plus, now I’ve got good reason to ramble ever on about things: it’s in the name!
How Do I Unsubscribe?
You can’t. Ever. In for a penny, etc. etc.
What Can I Do to Support The Long Take?
I mean, it’s all free; I’m just doing this for fun—and probably out of a deep need to keep on writing and writing and writing, but let’s not look into it. Sharing my articles and the page wouldn’t hurt. I’m just happy you’re along for the ride! :)