33 Comments

Gosh Nadia, this is so beautiful and heartbreaking! Thank you for sharing this with us all x

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Thank you so much, my friend! <3

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One of my favorite films of all time is Trust by Hal Hartley, starring Adrienne. That’s where I first discovered her. I hadn’t heard of this documentary before but I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for this lovely post.

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I'm planning to watch Trust soon. Thanks so much for reading, Leslye! The documentary is heartrending.

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again the dr. was totally attractive SPOILERS

but there was a Huge moral Void weighing him down and he came across as more than self described "neurotic" but eeerily vacant....goes to show you how we must always balance inner and outer attraction 🙃

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Hahaha. That is true. He was a placeholder for better things awaiting the protagonist in the after film. But he was what she needed. And I loved how he held her before they were making a pie together. I felt like I was hugged.

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and her inner commentary,about how being held without any selfish motivation ie sex was the heart of what

we truly need/ desire

all that said sex IS part of it see: Diane Lane and Vitto Morgenterwhatever (the dimples of Adonis!) in A Walk on the Moon.....

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ROFLMAO Well yes. But it is beautiful and tender, indeed. That closeness - so intimate and pure.

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I admit I didn’t know about Shelly or her untimely passing. So this was a fascinating story. What I really enjoy about your work is that I never have any idea what to expect. From short stories to video games to biographies. So glad to have found you on Substack.

I’m really interested in watching Waitress, too. Did you find it on a steaming platform or do you have a hard copy?

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Thanks so much, Taegan! The feeling is 150% (yes, that much) mutual. Your work is stupendous and profoundly moving. I try to think of writing about things that touch me and that haven't been fully explored yet. It seems like a lot of us didn't know about Shelly or Waitress. I got to watch it on Youtube by renting it. Fortunately it's on many streaming services!

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Such a nice tribute. I only vaguely remember the story. I’ll go back and dive in! Thanks. 🙂

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Thank you so much, Kate! It's been heartbreaking learning everything. The documentary, too, but also enlightening and inspiring and touching.

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Thank you for sharing this, Nadia. Beautifully written and heartfelt, as always.

I'd never heard of Adrienne nor The Waitress, unfortunately. But now I know of both, so thank you.

I will pass this onto my wife, too, as she's in film and production.

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Thank you so much, Nathan. I didn't know of Adrienne until last year, sadly! I hope keeping that foundation in mind helps too!

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doesnt seem you need much of that but yup

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ohh god no

i meant "Waitress"

the doc. may follow it evenually but not for faint of 💜 for sure

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I thought that is what you meant haha. It was a hard watch, but also touching and inspiring.

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mission accimplished....delved into rest of her story horrifying as it is and will find the movie

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It's so tragic indeed. I hope you'll like it. <3

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Watched "Waitress" over a day or so and found myself absorbed with grasp of that young woman's (Adrienne) acuity, the lines of dialogue she wrote for all the characters and gratefully the antithesis of the "Steel Magnolias" southern trope, even as the addition of Andy Griffith to cast essential to its off-beat realism... like the fantastical making (and NAMING ha!!) of all those pies? Actually the ending like the pies she makes was surreal enough in triumphant celebration if contradiction of the more mundane myriad truths spoken throughout and during those precise reveals about needing someone to listen, care, the heart seeking and admittedly the body too, work, marriage...

Other waitress movies (ok im stretching it with a casino dealer) i've enjoyed for stars as believable and likeable as Keri Russell are "As Good As it Gets" (Helen Hunt), "It Could Happen to You" (Bridget Fonda) and "Atlantic City" (Susan Sarandon) if that adds any to your list.

This was a great find in so many ways thankyou thankyou. I do like these low key movies like "Touch" or the one recently with Aubrey Plaza who is pared down to essential with no make up for most part in "Emily the Thief". In all these movies the empowerment of females is apparent. In my reviews here of course the admiration of them and their gender equally obvious.

Adrienne's tragically short life is only enhanced and cherished for your sharing this and her fine acting turn in it as well so much more appreciated knowing she wrote, created the story and it shows especially in the centrality of infant girl in end. Good one by you!!!

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Thank you for sharing your experience in watching Waitress. I thought it was ingenious and endearing and imaginative - the naming of the pies. And showing them being created, well, creative. The ending was so unexpected, in how the protagonist decided all these things all at once. But then how could she not after giving birth and facing a bundle of joy who changes everything in her life just like that, a pure catalyst. You give me so many great movie recommendations to watch. I thought I have seen a lot, but I have still a lot to see. I did see Plaza’s new film. I love that she plays such messy, real characters. They feel believable and relatable. I was in love with her body of work ever since Parks and Rec.

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i gotta say i foresaw the arc of waitress plot the minute ole joe after re- iterating "start fresh"

mentioned he was going into hospital for procedure

and bingo all became clear where THIS was headed....also the resurrection of the love-lorn suitor whose nickname the girls gave him i forget was beyond touching...generous...he reminded me of the golfer bubba watson btw who grew up round here in thr panhandle town of bagdahd....u Really cannot

make this Shit up 😅😊😉

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Hahahaha. Omg. That is funny. Yes, it is predictable, especially if you've seen enough of similar movies. But it's also different. *SPOILERS* Usually couples unite with each other for better or for worse, but here the protagonist chooses what's right for her child and that's dignified. And it's not an easy route to take. *SPOILERS*

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Wow. A tribute of this care can only surge out of genuine well-spring? love

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Thank you so much. That was my goal. <3

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Great tribute post, Nadia. I have never seen Waitress, and I did not know the story of her life - I will make a point to watch it at the next opportunity. Such a sad story - thanks for sharing.

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It's really an unexpected, messy film with a lot of heart and gold. Thank you so much, Troy. <3

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A touching end to a poignant story of a star and all that could have been -

I have a wanting to know a bit more about an artist now whose work I’ll take in. To honor and celebrate them while they’re with us, to mourn and commemorate them when they cross to the other side.

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Thank you so much, David!

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Beautiful remembrance. I love this movie.

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Thank you, Scott. Me too! It's a joy to watch.

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May 4, 2023
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Thanks so much for reading, Garrett! You'll be deeply touched, no doubt. <3

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Apr 29, 2023
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Thank you, Chanél! I hope more people learn about her.

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