MIX/VHS | Week 085
Week 085
Anything day below 80 degrees has got Austinites wearing three sweaters and shoving full-sized pumpkins into any drink they can find. Whatever way you are christening October, we hope you find some time to watch these amazing + eclectic recommendations from our MIX/VHS contributors! They’ve got the goods for you again, as always.
Dracula (1931)
WATCH A CLIP HERE!
As Fall has been steadily arriving in Los Angeles, I realized that not only is it horror-film season, but that I have not seen the majority of the Universal Monster Movies. So, this October, I aim to watch them all! So far, the absolute highlight is Dracula, directed by Tod Browning and starring the incredible Bela Lugosi, who delivered such an iconic performance, it has become the go-to personification of the vampire king. On a modern viewing of this film, I find it strangely captivating and well made. Cinematography is gorgeous and crisp, sets are atmospheric and unnerving, and the story is suave and enticing, much like the titular character. Most notably, though, I was completely enraptured by the performances. Bela Lugosi completely controls each scene he is in with precise delivery and motion, and in the supporting cast, character actor Dwight Frye as Renfield gives a truly compelling, unhinged performance. I think he is equally as memorable as Lugosi, especially with his monologue about rats, as seen in the provided clip!
- Jake
David Lynch - The Alphabet
WATCH IT HERE!
If you're a true Lynch freak (like me), you know that before Lynch became the LYNCH we know today - he was a student and painter. His first film (Six Men Getting Sick) was purely a painting turned stop-motion animation and he almost gave up there - deeming filmmaking too expensive. Fast forward two years and here you have THE ALPHABET ~ featuring live action, animation, and a truly creepy back story of night terrors that inspired this fantastically freaky (very Lynch-y) short film.
- Faiza
Tune For Two
WATCH IT HERE!
A man is about to be executed but things take an unexpected turn. Short and sweet dark humor film. Watch for a good laugh and inspiration for quick storytelling!
- Valarie
McQueen
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
“The darkness created genius.” Although not quite a Halloween film, I’m trying to keep within the theme of this month by recommending the documentary McQueen (2018) which is about about the life and tragic passing of fashion designer Alexander McQueen. A wonderful and insightful documentary which showcases the innovative genius behind McQueen, his ‘hauntingly-beautiful’ and savage designs as well as his ground-breaking runway shows. Even if you are not the biggest fan of fashion or its world, after watching this documentary, you will 100% develop a profound respect for McQueen as a person, designer and an artist who was taken away from this world far too soon.
- Zoe
Black Mirror - U.S.S Callister
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
From the look of the still, you'd think this was some corny replica of Star Trek, but if you're familiar with Black Mirror, you know there's always a huge, relevant plot twist. This thriller is about the mind of a very twisted individual who lives out his fantasies...in a video game.
(P.S: The trailer doesn't do the episode justice, but it gives you somewhat of an idea of what you're getting into.)
- Ashley
Stumptown Coffee x Portland Trail Blazers
WATCH IT HERE!
Just got back from visiting the Pacific Northwest and drinking the FINEST coffee in all of the land on multiple different occasions. It is also BASKETBALL season this week, and my beloved Portland Trail Blazers are gearing up to build up a lot of hope in my heart, followed swiftly by getting pummeled into the ground yet again at the end of the year. BUT I HAVE FAITH! And you will too after watching this “so annoying it’s catchy” tune promoting Stumptown Coffee’s Blazer Blend. If this isn’t the most over-the-top Portland nostalgia garbage, I don’t know what is.
- Spencer
Like this mix? Check out some of our past MIX/VHS recommendations below!