rudimentary

Climates
$2.99
I cannot recommend this film highly enough.
Extraordinarily beautiful photography compliment a pacing which allows the viewer to absorb the rich details. There is an intense effort to capture the elusive quality of realizations which are being sensed in a confused present.

Too often we see the drama of relationships being tested, elevated intensities highlighting the struggle to change or remain unchanged. It's less common to see characters struggle quietly with the dawning recognition that there is a bankruptcy in their affection. A couple, Bahar and her older partner Isa on vacation in a coastal town in Turkey, face the painful disintegration of their relationship. The performances which bring this delicate state to the surface are all the more remarkable since they are played by the filmmaker and his wife.

The painful inability to function in a relationship, either from one's emotional atrophy or because one has outgrown that union but can't see it, is at the core of the film. The actors play this out with great sympathy avoiding simple answers. While little happens in terms of action, both characters attempt to move forward with their lives, their choices often outpacing the growth of their knowledge.

Of note is a small performance by Nazan Kirilmis who plays Serap, one of Isa's former lovers in Istanbul. While her presence in the film is brief it's terrific casting, coloring the film's quiet tone and adding a small flash of fire to the story. Not only does this aid in the films dynamic structure, it helps to clarify Isa's ambivalence, grounding Bahar's pain in real terms.

I've watched the film several times, marveling at the storytelling economy, the photography and the performances.
I highly recommend this film.

A Handful of Dust
$0.89

Rudimentary by Adele Sypesteyn 36"x36" Art Print Poster
$55.00
Rudimentary by Adele Sypesteyn Image Size 36" x 36" Paper Size 36" x 40" Fine Art Reproduction on High Quality Art Paper. Retails for $55.00 or more.

Death Church
$11.98
Death Church is a great album, definitely one of the best purchases I've made in awhile. While I wouldn't claim to be punk myself, nor an anarchist or a vegan, as these guys were, I can definitely appreciate the fury with which Nick Blinko delivers his messages. This is pure rock, snotty, snarling and heavy. As with most punk albums, the tracks are pretty quick and center around the vocals and a fierce sounding guitar, but what stands out for me are Blinko's morbid, death obsessed lyrics and the little unexpected oddball moments ("...when you are a martian church, awwwwwww...") where Blinko's personality shine through. The themes are rather socio-political, but the music rocks too much to really care. Plus, as always, I dig the horrific imagery and dirge-like qualities of the songs... it's pretty apparent why the band were considered both 'crust' and 'deathrock.' It's highly enertaining noise and everyone should give it a try.