Top Picks: The Smithsonian Channel's 'Victorian Rebel: Marianne North,' Rag'n'Bone Man's 'Human,' and more
Impressive explorer
The world’s knowledge of many plants is in part thanks to the efforts of Marianne North, who lived during the Victorian Era and traveled to places such as Brazil, India, and Jamaica, painting various plants that she came across. The Smithsonian Channel’s new program, Victorian Rebel: Marianne North, depicts North’s life and the impact she had on the world. It airs March 8 at 8 p.m.
Soul-drenched vocals
Former Brighton care worker Rory Graham, who performs as Rag’n’Bone Man – all hulking, tattooed 6 feet, 5 inches of him – is Britain’s latest musical darling and the 2017 winner of the coveted Brits Critics’ Choice Award after the release of his raw and stirring single Human, which became a surprise hit around the globe. His idol is Muddy Waters, but on his debut full-length album, also titled “Human,” Graham sounds more like countrymate Adele crossed with a large, wounded bear. Every soul-drenched vocal sounds deeply lived, and so very ... human.
Slope data
Headed out to the slopes? Tap into the experiences of your fellow skiers. The OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report app provides weather reports for more than 2,000 ski spots around the world and allows skiers to weigh in with data. It’s free for iOS and Android.
Intriguing documentary
The documentary Off the Rails looks at the life of Darius McCollum, a man who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and whose fascination with transportation has led him to pretend to be a transit worker and drive buses and subway trains. Monitor film critic Peter Rainer writes that the film “does what many good documentaries do. It provides us with a window into the psyche of a person worth caring about.” “Rails” is available on Vimeo, iTunes, and Amazon and is streaming on Sundance Now.
Beatty returns
Warren Beatty returns to the director’s chair with Rules Don’t Apply, which stars Beatty himself as Howard Hughes as well as Lily Collins as an aspiring actress and Alden Ehrenreich as her driver. Monitor film critic Peter Rainer writes that the latter two parts are “charmingly played.” The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
