In today’s world of Instagram perfection and ultimate glam, sometimes it’s truly a relief to see a celebrity who embraces their weird. And no one does this as delightfully as Jeff Goldblum. While Goldblum is undeniably a mainstream star – who, in the past few years alone, has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, been the subject of a 25-foot-tall sculpture in London, released two jazz albums, and was named the “Ultimate Daddy of 2018” by Vice I-D – he is also an ethereal figure in pop culture. Speaking as someone who has been in the room for several of Goldblum’s infamous LA jazz shows, one leaves his presence with a sense of warm affection, awe, and bewilderment. Wonderfully, this is the same feeling I got while reading a new book that pays homage to the man himself – The Goldblum Variations: Adventures of Jeff Goldblum Across the Known (and Unknown) Universe by Helen McClory.
McClory’s book is a collection of stories, puzzles, and games that are as inexplicable and fantastic as Goldblum himself. Chapters include “A Variety of Jeff Goldblums” (The Jeff Goldblum that cannot find his glasses (I think you know where they are).), “Checking in on Jeff Goldblums on Alternate Earths” (In this universe, Jeff Goldblum is a folded corduroy jacket (pale pink) on a shelf in your wardrobe. Oh happy day!), and “Scents of Jeff Goldblum” (Scent from a magazine photograph of Jeff Goldblum at a red carpet event. Main accords of: honey, distant birds in a great flock rising at once over a lake at dusk. Top note: paper (glossy).) There are also fun games such as “Jeff Goldblum Bingo (Bingo Goldbingo)” and “Choose Your Jeff Goldblum jeffventure.”
Needless to say, this journey through the many universes of Jeff Goldblum is a strange one. But it’s a fun, bemusing ride. Goldblum is the kind of person you could imagine to be an immortal or from another universe to begin with, right? So as outlandish as some of these chapters and situations may sound, how far off from reality are they, really?
We may never know – at least in this lifetime / universe. But in the meantime, we have The Goldblum Variations as our guide. We recommend this as a fast and entertaining read for the Goldblum lover in your life – whether that’s yourself or a friend or family member. If you are a fan of this amazing, ethereal man, the only possible rating for McClory’s book is the highest in the land: 10 out of 10 Goldblums.
The Goldblum Variations: Adventures of Jeff Goldblum Across the Known (and Unknown) Universe is available now.
