Alex A. Pagliuca
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alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Alex A. Pagliuca
@alexpagliuca.bsky.social
7K followers 2.9K following 29K posts
Writer. Film lover. Horror evangelist. Anti-fascist. Night owl. Misfit toy. Pragmatic idealist, and skeptic at the same time. Autistic. AI is for suckers. If you’re interested in my pronouns, ask. Having a unisex name is useful in certain ways.
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alexpagliuca.bsky.social
I should start a movie podcast and call it either, “Yes, t Is That Deep” or “We’re Here To Have A Bad Time” (in tribute to this Trent Reznor meme/quote)
Trent Reznor on stage passionately addressing the crowd, in four panels, with captions indicating a tough, intense performance. Transcribed Text: Top left: "How are you tonight? Having a good time? Ready to party? Have Fun?" Top right: "Well that was the last guys. Wrong fucking band." Bottom left: "We're here to have a bad time." Bottom right: "(synthesizer playing)"
November 24, 2025 at 9:55 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
I’ve been doing chores most of the day. This is the first time I’ve sat on the couch. As always, Otis has been following me around the house. Now, he’s giving me this face, groaning or whining, because the squeaky toy is under the coffee table. I just want to sit for 5 mins, goober.
The image features a dog with a speckled coat, predominantly white with black and brown spots, lying on a tan tiled floor. The dog's head is prominently in the foreground, with one dark ear folded over. It has an attentive gaze, looking directly at the camera. The dog's short fur is mostly white with dense dark spots, especially on the face and ears, giving a marbled appearance. A black collar is fastened around its neck, with a teal and silver dog tag attached. The background shows part of a smooth, light-colored floor.
November 23, 2025 at 10:20 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Sanford Ross photo of James Dean in 1955.

Looks a lot like James Dean has been hexed by some kind of folk horror creature. These maquettes for sculpting and illustration as so damn unsettling.
The black and white photograph depicts James Dean in a striped shirt leaning against a large, articulated wooden mannequin. The mannequin's arms rest on the man's head, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. The man appears to be looking downwards, with his hand resting on one of the mannequin's arms. Behind them, a window with sheer curtains allows light to softly illuminate the scene. To the left, there is a framed picture on the wall, and below the mannequin, a few small figurines are visible on a table or shelf.
November 23, 2025 at 8:36 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Jayme Lawson is doing the press tour and red carpets for One Battle After Another. It’s like a little pick me up, every time I see the photos from it, so I thought I’d share this one with yall, in case it works the same way for you.
The image shows actress Jayme Lawson with a braided updo, elegantly posed in front of a mirror. She is wearing a high-neck, long-sleeve dress with intricate silver sequin detailing that reflects light, creating a shimmering effect. Her makeup is expertly applied, highlighting her eyes with dark eyeliner and mascara, and her lips have a soft sheen. She wears round, sparkling earrings. The mirrored reflection captures her profile, adding depth to the image with softer, slightly blurred details.
November 23, 2025 at 8:17 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Six years ago, the neighborhood I lived in had a meltdown over some kids playing ring and run. I decided to be an adult about. It turned into a very fun week in our local FB groups. I’ve though about doing this again, where I live now, but I might actually get shot.
The image is a screenshot of a social media post by a user named Alex Pagliuca in a group called "LAKESIDE (Richmond's Best Side)." The post header includes a small circular logo, which contains text and a silhouette of a goat's head. The text of the post states that the Lakeside chapter of The Temple of Satan has reached its membership quota and seeks suggestions for a public meeting space friendly to people of faith. Below the post, there are options to "Like" or "Comment," each represented with an icon.
November 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Over the last few years, I’ve been rereading James Baldwin’s essays. Not because his perspective on race didn’t take root in my mind on first read, but because there may have been no one better at expressing how to persevere your dignity and sanity in a world assailing both. Heavily recommended.
The image is the cover of a book featuring a black-and-white photograph of a person in the upper right corner. The individual is wearing a white shirt and dark tie, resting their head on their hand. Below the photograph, the word "Baldwin" is prominently displayed in large, elegant cursive script. The rest of the cover lists several essay titles in a smaller, white serif font against a black background. A thin red, white, and blue stripe runs horizontally beneath the author's name, adding a touch of color to the design.
November 21, 2025 at 4:27 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
I gave up reading one thing at a time.
The image is a book cover with a black background and gold elements. At the top, there is a gold triangle enclosing an eye, suggesting an "all-seeing eye," with lines emanating from it. Below, the title of the book, "UNDER THE EYE OF POWER," is written in large gold letters. Additional text below the title, in smaller letters, reads, "HOW FEAR OF SECRET SOCIETIES SHAPES AMERICAN DEMOCRACY." At the bottom, the author's name "COLIN DICKEY" is prominently displayed in gold. There is a subtitle, "From the author of GHOSTLAND," with "GHOSTLAND" highlighted in gold. The image is the cover of a book featuring a black-and-white photograph of a person in the upper right corner. The individual is wearing a white shirt and dark tie, resting their head on their hand. Below the photograph, the word "Baldwin" is prominently displayed in large, elegant cursive script. The rest of the cover lists several essay titles in a smaller, white serif font against a black background. A thin red, white, and blue stripe runs horizontally beneath the author's name, adding a touch of color to the design. The image is a book cover with a beige background and a thin black border. At the top, the author's name, "Coltan Scrivner, PhD," is printed in uppercase letters. Below the author's name, the book title "Morbidly Curious" is prominently displayed in large, bold black letters with red dripping accents, resembling blood, emphasizing the morbid theme. Underneath the title, in smaller black font, is the subtitle, "A Scientist Explains Why We Can't Look Away," with a small red and white penguin logo adjacent. At the bottom, a quote from "Steven Pinker" describes the book as "Fascinating." The overall design uses simple typography with a chilling effect created by the red drips and minimalist color scheme. The image is the cover of a book titled "The Reformatory" by Tananarive Due. The background features a gradient sky transitioning from pink at the top to deep orange at the bottom. A silhouette of trees, including a prominent one with hanging moss, is centered. Below the trees is a small, white, chapel-like building with a gabled roof and three dark windows. At the top, the title "THE REFORMATORY" is in large, white, uppercase letters with decorative swirls above and below. In smaller text above the title is "A Novel." The bottom features the author's name "TANANARIVE DUE" in bold white font, with a note about being a Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner. The New York Times notable book seal is also visible. Endorsements by Stephen Graham Jones and Stephen King flank the building.
November 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
He laid on the floor squeaking one of the toys I pulled out, like it was his job, for fifteen minutes. Now? Back to being a lump in the couch.
The image shows a dog lying on a bed, resting its head on a blue and white striped pillow. The dog's coat is predominantly white with brown and black spots, and it is wearing a black collar. Its paws are visible, tucked close to its body as it relaxes. The bedspread features a quilted pattern in a light beige color. An orange textured blanket is draped on the right side of the image.
November 21, 2025 at 2:55 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
In light of ALL the STUFF… I’m posting this again. It’s from the end of James Baldwin’s “Autobiographical Notes” at the beginning of Notes of a Native Son. You can read the relevant passage in the alt text.
About my interests: I don't know if I have any, unless the morbid desire to own a sixteen-millimeter camera and make experimental movies can be so classified. Otherwise, I love to eat and drink—it's my melancholy conviction that I've scarcely ever had enough to eat (this is because it's impossible to eat enough if you're worried about the next meal)-and I love to argue with people who do not disagree with me too pro-foundly, and I love to laugh. I do not like bohemia, or bohe-mians, I do not like people whose principal aim is pleasure, and I do not like people who are earnest about anything. I don't like people who like me because I'm a Negro; neither do I like people who find in the same accident grounds for contempt. I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. I think all theories are suspect, that the finest principles may have to be modified, or may even be pulverized by the demands of life, and that one must find, therefore, one's own moral center and move through the world hoping that this center will guide one aright. I consider that I have many responsibilities, but none greater than this: to last, as Hemingway says, and get my work done. I want to be an honest man and a good writer.
November 18, 2025 at 4:53 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
The image is a scene from a movie or show depicting a person with long hair, looking upwards with an expression of distress or pain. Their arms are raised and appear restrained, possibly holding onto a chain or pole. The background is dimly lit, with a textured wall partially visible. The overall tone is dark and intense. The image has a caption overlaid in bold white letters at the top and bottom. Alt-text: "Scene of a distressed person with the caption: 'Anything is a Christmas ornament if you put a little hook on it.'" Transcribed Text: "ANYTHING IS A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT IF YOU PUT A LITTLE HOOK ON IT"
November 17, 2025 at 5:43 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Cristin Milioti at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala.
November 17, 2025 at 2:41 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
I always wonder what he could be dreaming about.
November 16, 2025 at 6:51 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
I missed my big, goofy dog while I was away.
The image shows a close-up of a dog's face, particularly its nose and eyes, which dominate the foreground. The dog has gray and white fur with a speckled pattern. The perspective makes the nose appear large and prominent. In the background, part of a person wearing a dark ribbed shirt is visible, resting beside the dog. A gray garment, possibly a piece of clothing, is also seen draped on the couch or bed behind them.
November 16, 2025 at 4:34 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Autoboigraphical notes by James Baldwin, at the start of Note of a Native Son
About my interests: I don't know if I have any, unless the morbid desire to own a sixteen-millimeter camera and make experimental movies can be so classified. Otherwise, I love to eat and drink—it's my melancholy conviction that I've scarcely ever had enough to eat (this is because it's impossible to eat enough if you're worried about the next meal)-and I love to argue with people who do not disagree with me too pro-foundly, and I love to laugh. I do not like bohemia, or bohe-mians, I do not like people whose principal aim is pleasure, and I do not like people who are earnest about anything. I don't like people who like me because I'm a Negro; neither do I like people who find in the same accident grounds for contempt. I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. I think all theories are suspect, that the finest principles may have to be modified, or may even be pulverized by the demands of life, and that one must find, therefore, one's own moral center and move through the world hoping that this center will guide one aright. I consider that I have many responsibilities, but none greater than this: to last, as Hemingway says, and get my work done. I want to be an honest man and a good writer.
November 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
An image of a parody accounts post that says The New Work Cimes. OPINION Why Are Pre-Teen Girls Obsessed With Entrapping Billionaires? By the Editorial Board
November 15, 2025 at 3:41 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Why doesn’t anyone shoot movies like this anymore?
The image presents a dark silhouette of a person against a softly lit background. The right side of the image is bright, showcasing a light source that casts the person's features into shadow. The background is smooth with a subtle gradient of gray tones. The person's silhouette is centered toward the left, with only the outline and some details of facial features visible, including the forehead, nose, lips, and chin. The person appears to have short hair. The contrast between the dark silhouette and the light background is stark, emphasizing the outline of the figure.
November 14, 2025 at 5:58 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Name a comfort '90s film
The image is a close-up of a black and white poster featuring a woman's face. Her wide, blue eyes dominate the top section with heavy mascara and defined eyebrows. Her lips are slightly parted, and her hand is placed near her face with fingers touching her cheek. The overall expression suggests fear or surprise. At the top of the poster, white text reads, "Someone has taken their love of scary movies one step too far. Solving this mystery is going to be murder." The bottom section of the image displays the word "SCREAM" in bold white letters, followed by a list of actors' names and information about the film's production.
November 14, 2025 at 5:49 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
I love this composition. 3/4 of the left is Klute (Sutherland), and the 1/4 is Bri. Klute is just this darkness looming over her and it conveys her feeling in the scene so incredibly well. I feel like no one would do this anymore. I wonder if this comes from a still photography background.
The image captures a scene with a person seated indoors. The individual is positioned to the right of the image, wearing a dark, sequined sweater that catches the light. Their hair is styled in a medium-length cut with bangs. The person is looking slightly upwards, creating a contemplative expression. The background is dimly lit, with some out-of-focus details, suggesting a setting like a restaurant or bar. A shiny object or bottle is partially visible in the foreground.
November 14, 2025 at 4:35 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
We’re doing this again, eh? Everything old is new with these fascist dullards. Magnets are so basic a concept, elementary school children can make them with little supervision, but they mystify the president.
The image shows a man in a professional setting. He is wearing a dark pinstripe suit, a white shirt, and a light blue tie with small patterns. The background features a blurred mix of blue and red colors that suggest a studio environment. The man's expression is neutral, and he is looking directly at the camera. The text "Magnets You can't explain that." is written in white at the top and bottom of the image.
November 11, 2025 at 12:18 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
A nativity scene with figures of a woman, child, shepherds, animals, and a glowing light. Transcribed Text: Don't forget to hate refugees as you set up a nativity scene celebrating a middle eastern couple desperately looking for shelter.
November 10, 2025 at 7:51 AM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
What is the best movie not from this year that you’ve seen this year? Bonus points if you say why.

Cure, Targets, The Fallout,
The image is a dark, moody movie poster for the film "Cure" by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The central focal point is a large, bright flame from a candle positioned in the foreground. The flame is elongated and emits a warm, orange-yellow glow, contrasting starkly against the dark background. Behind the flame, a blurred, shadowy figure is faintly visible, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The figure's features are obscured by the darkness and the flame’s light. In the upper left corner, a partial "C" logo is visible, indicating the Criterion Collection branding. Along the left edge, there is a vertical band featuring the text "1997 THE CRITERION COLLECTION." At the bottom center of the image, the title "CURE" is written in bold, uppercase letters, and beneath it, the phrase "A Kiyoshi Kurosawa Film" is displayed in smaller text. The image is an artwork for the film "Targets" featuring a stylized design with a red background. In the center, there is a large, black circle divided into quadrants by crosshair lines. Within the circle, there is a grayscale image of an elderly man on the left side, and a black-and-white shooting target on the right side with bullet holes. Above the circle, the text "BORIS KARLOFF in TARGETS" is displayed in large, white, geometric uppercase letters. On the left side of the image, there is a vertical black rectangle with "1968" and "THE CRITERION COLLECTION" written in white. At the bottom, the text "DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY PETER BOGDANOVICH" is in black against the red background. The image is an artwork for the film "Targets" featuring a stylized design with a red background. In the center, there is a large, black circle divided into quadrants by crosshair lines. Within the circle, there is a grayscale image of an elderly man on the left side, and a black-and-white shooting target on the right side with bullet holes. Above the circle, the text "BORIS KARLOFF in TARGETS" is displayed in large, white, geometric uppercase letters. On the left side of the image, there is a vertical black rectangle with "1968" and "THE CRITERION COLLECTION" written in white. At the bottom, the text "DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY PETER BOGDANOVICH" is in black against the red background.
November 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Imogen Poots, photographed by Nicole Nodland.
The image is a black-and-white portrait of a person with light hair styled in a loose updo. The person's gaze is directly toward the camera, with striking eyes highlighted by dark eyeliner. They wear a textured garment adorned with layered fabric resembling ruffles or petals around the neckline, accented with a string of pearls. The background is dark, creating a strong contrast with the light tones of the individual's hair and clothing.
November 7, 2025 at 5:57 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Friends, I can’t take advantage of this right now because who knows whether I’ll be able to get home anytime soon, so I need to save every penny. I hope you can though.
The image features a promotional advertisement showing a couple dancing closely at a formal event. The woman has curly blonde hair, wearing a dress with lace detailing on the sleeves, and the man has dark hair, wearing a tuxedo. They have an intent expression, suggesting an intimate or significant moment. The background is softly lit with strings of twinkling lights creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Overlaid in large white text is a promotional message about a sale. Other people in varying states of dance are visible, blurred in the background, enhancing the focus on the couple. Alt-text: A couple dancing at a formal event with text overlay about a sale at Barnes & Noble. Transcribed Text: 50% OFF ALL CRITERION TITLES AT BARNES & NOBLE BN.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:39 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
What happens when you actually understand that artists are human beings and a vital part of the wellbeing of your environment and ecosystem? This.

I am very aware that stanning politicians is a terrible approach to politics. This man makes it very hard to keep that distance.
The image shows a close-up of a Zohran Mamdani, standing outside. He has a short beard and dark hair, and he appears to be smiling slightly. He is wearing a white shirt, a dark suit, and a patterned tie. The background is blurred, showing another person in a suit behind him and a reddish-brown wall. The logo for "FADER" is visible in the top right corner of the image, and a quote attributed to Zohra Mamdani is placed at the bottom left. “Art can’t just be a luxury for the few. That requires a city where artists can actually afford their rent, groceries, childcare and transit.” — Zohran Mamdani
November 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM
alexpagliuca.bsky.social
Just came across this, and this is the generational cooperation I’m looking for…
The image features two individuals standing in front of a vibrant red brick wall with large yellow text. Zohran Mamdani, Mayor elect of New York, on the left is wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and striped tie, smiling and pointing at the text. Spike Lee, master filmmaker, known as one of the great chroniiclers of New York life, is on the right is wearing a red cap, white sunglasses, a maroon sports jersey with a logo, black pants, and white sneakers, also smiling and pointing at the text. The text on the wall reads "Do The Right Thing" in bold yellow letters, accompanied by colorful diamond shapes beneath the text.
November 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM