Director Alexandra Pechman Revives Print Media's Golden Era in 'Magazine'

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Alexandra Pechman presents her directorial debut, 'Magazine', a nostalgic look back at the 2011 New York media scene. Premiering on September 11 in the Discovery section, the film captures a unique blend of awkwardness and charm during a time when print media was still relevant, and social media was in its infancy.

The narrative follows Nora, an ambitious intern and poet portrayed by Lily McInerny, as she navigates her summer at the literary magazine Platen. This publication embodies the aspirational yet pretentious spirit of the era, where Nora experiences ill-fated romances and endearing friendships amidst the bustling personalities of the New York literary world. Pechman, who has a background in magazine journalism from Northwestern University, infuses her own experiences into the film, stating, "This was the first thing I ever started writing where I was like, ‘I can’t let anybody else [direct] this.’"

Reflecting on the cultural backdrop of her film, Pechman highlights the pre-#MeToo and pre-pandemic office atmosphere, when in-person interactions defined the workday. She reminisces about a time when office attire was more formal and happy hours were a staple. The director notes, "Everything [became] a lot more regulated and boundary-ed — for the better, for the most part — but I also missed the messiness and magic of that cusp-y time before we all really knew what to do with the internet." The film's attention to detail, from costume design to set decoration, reinforces its authenticity, showcasing the tactile relics of a bygone era, such as well-worn paperbacks and BlackBerry devices.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com