This week we go airborne with selections that celebrate one of the most remarkable human achievements - flight. Here are some topics in cinema, style, and aviation history to accompany your journey onward and upward.
July 22, 2021
The Digest: The Flight Log
The Flight Log
THE AVIATOR (2004)
Of course, I love the performances and masterful editing of this Scorcese gem, but costume designer, Sydney Powell, is the spotlight here. DiCaprio's brown leather Belstaff flight jacket alone is worth the watch. The Aviator is a sprawling saga of eccentric genius Howard Hughes and his contributions to aviation and the Hollywood epic. Streaming this weekend on HBO Max.
ACROSS THE PACIFIC (2020)
The story of American aviation wouldn't be complete without including Juan Trippe, rival of Howard Hughes, and the pioneer behind Pan American World Airways. Streaming on Prime Video, 'Across the Pacific' tells the history of how Pan Am became the first airline to cross the Pacific Ocean with the famous China Clipper.
BOARDING CALL: THE SPORTS JACKET
The sports jacket is the perfect garment for men to wear on a plane. Full stop. If you’ve fallen into the sunken place of flying in sweatpants and hoodies, please desist. In a world dominated by the casualluminati, it’s easy to see why fewer men are wearing them, especially when flying. But as we enter an age of renewal, men should be reminded of the advantages of donning a sports jacket from 30,000 miles above. Head over to The American Traditional to read why.
THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN GALLERY
Over 900 high-res images to remember and celebrate over 900 pilots who fought in WWII. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American aviators in the US Armed Forces and one of the greatest airborne outfits in military history. Instrumental in the war effort and postwar aviation development, these images tell the story of those remarkable Red Tails. Hop in and buckle up.
THE FLIGHT LOG PLAYLIST
As the weekend takes off, no flight is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Here's something to navigate the departures and arrivals of your weekend. Curated by UM's @mrpranger. Enjoy.
A RETROSPECTIVE OF THE CONCORDE - POPULAR MECHANICS
With United Airlines announcing plans to add Boom Supersonic 'Overture' jets to its fleet, it harkens back to the rise and fall of the Concorde. Popular Mechanics has a great retrospective of this retired bird and reminds us why supersonic commercial air travel is badass, yet still out of reach.