Hello the MLE,

I want to tell you about this film, as I absolutely loved it - and you know how I hate almost all the films I watch. I am so indebted to my friend FIA, who is a movie expert, who invited me to head over to the BFI (British Film Institute), to see it on the big screen.

The film is called, “The Night of the Hunter,” and evidently an American “film noir.” A slab of Southern Gothic set in the Depression era with and expressionistic look – all oblique angles, long shadows, shot in black-and-white; stylistically it was a throwback to 30 years before. Its is this look that heightens its sense of dread. And completely sets it apart from all other Hollywood films of the 1940s and 1950s.

The Night of the Hunter is now regarded as a masterpiece of American cinema – which seems all the more remarkable for being the only film director Charles Laughton ever directed. Of course, it was not a success with either audiences or critics at its initial release, and as a result Laughton never directed another film. Such a shame.

The first still above shows Robert Mitchum playing Reverend Harry Powell, a crooked, demented preacher who preys on the weak. He’s an unforgettable, iconic character: on each knuckle of his right hand, the four letters, L-O-V-E are tattooed; on the left hand, it’s H-A-T-E. (For years afterwards, young men who considered themselves tough guys would get similar tattoos.) Mitchum's performance, in particular, has been praised over the years at last, and he is amazing.

The second still above shows the gorgeous lighting arrangement in The Night of the Hunter. The placement of the key light off the subject to create a silhouette - while illuminating Robert Mitchum in the background. This plays off the conventional association of light with good and darkness with evil. Beautiful. DOP Stanley Cortez has says, “‘Apart from The Magnificent Ambersons, the most exciting experience I have had in the cinema was with Charles Laughton on Night of the Hunter.’”

A recurring musical device involves the villain preacher making his presence known by singing the traditional hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Which is creepy and sticks in your head.

Watch a clip here.

Suzan xx

Hi hi MLE,

I remember the first time I saw that Chandelier video, it's a stunning, beautiful, creative, unique...  Definitely something I'm not used to seeing on the screens of Fitness First when I'm on the cross trainer.  The best music video I've seen in years.

I don't care about Sia, I have no idea who Kristen Wiig is, and I don't care about the Grammy's, but decided to check out the performance, and it's almost as good as the video. Amazing. Well, at least I think so (I know a lot of people would not agree)...  And I know you don't really keep up with this stuff either so thought I'd share:

Sia - Chandelier (57th GRAMMYs feat. Kristen Wiig & Maddie Ziegler)

Speak soon!

Sxx

Hi MLE,

I'm so proud and excited to tell you about Attiya's documentary.  I designed the logo, you can see above.  The film is called, "A Better Man," and it follows her journey as a survivor, over twenty years and offers a new hope in the struggle to end violence against women. This is very close to me personally, not only because Attiya is one of my best friends, but also because we grew up together, and I was there the night she met her would-be boyfriend and abuser. We were only 16-year-olds at a Depeche Mode concert.

What happened was very confusing to me, and I have always wished I did more, I always wished I had understood what domestic violence was.  I hope kids today who are even younger than 16 years old are taught what it is.  I am happy to see that more people are talking about violence against women today. This film will help to keep the conversation going AND get people to do something about it, as it will shed a light on efforts to help abusive men change.

MLE and whoever else is taking the time to read this, please contribute to the campaign, share the link with your friends and family, and together we can help make our communities a safer place to live... for everyone.

Donate here.

Suzan x

 

Hello Emelie,

Hope you're having a good afternoon my friend. Just a quick note for you to say the art film WITH(IN) is now available on iTunes. MOTHandRUST was briefed by our client Portland Green Cultural Projects to design the covers for two separate but related films, IN AROUND AND CORNERED and WITHIN AGAINST AND UPON.  These two films comprise the WITH(IN) compilation, hence its cover design clearly depicting both covers.  All three film covers were designed with their placement on iTunes taken into consideration, so that they are bold and impactful even at small screen sizes.

You can watch them here, they're really good.

We also helped Portland prep one of the films for a screening in Times Square (Erika Janunger's, Weightless, 2012). You can see an image above, it looks great, more art should be featured in Times Square, I reckon.

Speak soon!

Suzan

 

Hey hey the MLE!

Such a busy week, but got tons done.  Now off to Dorset for the weekend!

This is one of the best animations I've seen in awhile.  The elephant is me, haha.  Enjoy!

Gotye - Seven Hours With a Backseat Driver - official video

Suzan xx