The Secret Life of Words
by Hanna has not taken one day off in four years. Every meal she eats is identical and she leads a solitary life. She only speaks to other people when absolutely necessary and seems to struggle with any sort of interaction. It becomes obvious that she is capable of much more and those she meets become frustrated with her lack of communication. This mystery carries the film through stunted, quiet scenes. When her past is revealed it hits with such a force that all that has happened previously suddenly makes sense. It is rare for one scene to explain and justify an entire film, but it is so immensely powerful and touching that it works in this instance. Lingering, intelligently constructed shots, sparse but striking scenery and vivid colours more than adequately substitute for a fast moving plot. The lack of action even works to draw attention to the beauty of these quieter moments. Another film that reminds us that there is hope for even the most devastated human spirit.
Tagged: mystery movies
Also by XAVIER TOBY
Australian movie A Few Best Men
With all the gross out jokes and silliness of the common comedy romp, you’d think making them would be easy. Well, it’s not. It’s actually really difficult. Writing a joke is one of the hardest tasks anyone can undertake. Read more
Melancholia: a film by Lars von Trier
I wish there were a lot more of the types of films made by Lars von Trier. Each is very different but still distinctly von Trier, and each is superb. Melancholia is the follow up to the wonderfully confronting Antichrist. This is all about the end of the world, and told with an honesty and pacing that is probably much closer to the actual end of the world than all the Hollywood crap would have you believe. Read more
We Need To Talk About Kevin: based on Lionel Shriver’s novel
A delightful uncomfortable film, told from the point of view of a broken woman. Kevin’s just not right, and that’s obvious from the outset as mother Eva battles to bring him up in a world where the onus is put squarely back on the mother. The intensity is poured on throughout, as tragedy seems imminent. Read more
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There are good illustrators and there are AMAZING! Illustrators, Sam Wolfe is definitely the AMAZING! kind. Each of his illustrations tells a story: you are immediately pulled in cause they are filled with atmosphere. And like in any good movie, you have to first believe the universe that the characters are in to really care about them. Read more
Think Geek is singularly responsible for providing me with all my post-peak-oil needs, such as this Swedish FireSteel — a sort of compact flint that you can keep on your keychain — that can be used to light campfires, gas stoves, and grills without the use of electricty.
The Liars were in the Netherlands recently and we came across some kids doing this dance. It’s really bizarre to watch. Read more
Ok, so I’m a big fan of any show that features sparkles, feathers and nipple tassels. Which explains why I’m so excited about the London Burlesque Festival. Come April, the city will be taken over by scantily clad women, vaudeville acts, dimly lit evening burlesque performances, and more outright wackiness than you can poke an ostrich-feather tickler at. If you’ve never been to a burlesque show before, and are a sucker for a suspender belt flicking or two, get ready for some heavy handed glamour and an experience you’ll never forget. And if you, like me, love an excuse to dress up in full costume and then take it off again to crowds of appreciative fans – raid the London vintage stores now for a costume and apply through the website to put yourself on stage. Applications close 31st December. [photo by Lisa Kereszi]
I’m one of those people who lament the death of analog film as a medium, not because I romanticize the process, but because I love the unpredictable imperfections inherent in non-digital formats. Read more
Bay Area duo The Human Quena Orchestra sounds like a skyscraper falling in slow motion with their scraping, crashing, screeching drone pounded out of guitars, samplers, and circuit-bent electronics. Listen to their track Progress below.
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The fashion brand Jack Spade created a new concept in winter fashion: the moustache gloves. Available in red, blue, grey and yellow, they are recommended for putting right below your nose. Enjoy! Read more
WE'RE POSTING / SOME OF THE BEST
Pencils made from recycled newspaper
The problem with awesome things like these pencils made out of recycled newspaper is that you almost don’t want to use them.
Honest Food Preparation Instructions
Yes, we’ve all been there: the chinese food from last week that still looks edible amongst the bare surrounds of an empty fridge. But really, we shouldn’t. Just let it be. Or College Humor will expose you! Read more
Get lost in a daydream or a craving for something sweet while gazing at these cool sculptures by Brooklyn-based WiNK WiNK PONY. Made using clay, tree bark, wood, and mossy moss.
Communication prosthesis by Sascha Nordmeyer
This ‘communication prosthesis’ by designer Sascha Nordmeyer is hilarious and awesome. I want to wear one to a job interview.
Mathematics? Leave me out. Fashematics? Now you’re talking! This gem of a site is a runway equation that adds up to a whole lot of wonderful.
Using Kyoko Hashimoto’s popular design, these acrylic earrings are made with unique hand formed sterling silver sleepers that make them light enough for everyday wear. Part of Kyoko’s collection, I Blame the Uni, (pronounced ‘oo-nee’, the Japanese name for sea urchin) and inspired by her experiences in the underground club scene of Tokyo. Read more
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