MIX/VHS | Week 019
We took a week off, but the leaves are changing, and MIX/VHS is back with another exciting and eclectic playlist of staff recommendations for you to dive your eyes, ears, and mind into. We hope you enjoy!
Where You Are (dir. Graham Parkes)
WATCH IT HERE!
No matter how many times I've seen it, the 'ole accelerating-through-time-therefore-appreciate-every-moment trope gets to me. Maybe it's the fact that it's based on a real and quite frightening phenomenon, wherein every year you live constitutes a smaller and smaller percentage of your overall life. Or maybe it's because the trope acted as the main conceit of the last great Adam Sandler comedy (yeah, I like Click. What're you gonna do about it?). Either way, Graham Parkes' short film manages to make it feel fresh with fantastic cinematography and complete mastery of tone in this amusing surrealist piece.
- JJ
Wizard People, Dear Reader (created by Brad Neely)
LISTEN TO IT HERE!
Lady Snowblade (dir. Toshiya Fujita)
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Wow! Where do I begin? I'll preface by saying that Lady Snowblood is said to have been one of Quentin Tarantino's largest inspirations for his equally bloody action film saga Kill Bill. After the brutal murder of Yuki's family she is born and trained to be a demon of retribution knowing no emotion but vengeance. Truly a shining example of the beauty and campiness of 70's action films! (You can watch it on Hulu!)
- Felix
Café Society (dir. Woody Allen)
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Café Society tells the story of Bronx born Bobby Dorfman, as he travels to Hollywood in search of a job, and is put to work by his movie mogul Uncle Phil. Through a whirling turn of events, he falls for his uncle's secretary Vonnie, who has a secret that could change everything. Set in the 1930's, the art direction is great. I love a good period film where you can get lost in the locations and costumes. It's a really nice film, and the plot definitely keeps you guessing to the end. It's currently in select cinemas, so check it out while it's on the big screen!
- Sloane
Obvious Child (dir. Gillian Robsepierre)
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Obvious Child is somewhat of an enigma to me. This film is not without it's flaws, some very noticeable. I think the issues that it does have mostly boil down to the typical narrative structure, as well as a multitude of coincidences and plot conveniences. But what rises to the top of that stereotypical mold of a quirky comedy is something truly beautiful. Jenny Slate's performance is absolutely stunning, layered, and hilarious. The script, for what it's worth, is absolutely hysterical. It left me laughing quite loudly, which is something comedies haven't done for me in a while. Most of all though, this film really, truly, is heart-warming. There is something about watching a truly distraught and damaged individual suffer through so much, but in the end, she will always have a charm and wit to her that makes her stronger than the obstacles presented. I love this film, so go check it out!
- Jake
Holocene: How Bon Iver Creates a Mood (created by The Nerdwriter)
Alongside Tony Zhou's Every Frame a Painting (also incredibly excellent) The Nerdwriter's series of video essays are so masterfully done that I can't help but watch every single one, even if the initial subject is foreign and unappealing to me. He's covered a myriad of subjects, from how Donald Trump answers a question to composer Howard Shore's mastery on display in the Fellowship of the Ring score. This particular video essay I'm recommending is interesting in it's direction of Bon Iver's aetheral (and arguably greatest song) Holocene. Again, even if you initially have no interest in "that Bahn Iverr hipster trash" guy, The Nerdwriter will find a way to captivate you, make you think, and maybe, just maybe, get you to respect the artistry of the song.
- Spencer
Like this mix? Tell us what you think in the comments below, and let us know what you’re watching this week!