#62: "driving off an awkward metaphorical cliff"
Welcome to issue #62 of THIS NEWSLETTER CANNOT SAVE YOU. I know when issue #61 landed in your inboxes, the prospect of a #62 seemed distant, improbable, a heartbreaking mirage, and as the month of November slipped steadily away into the maddening trainwreck called history, perhaps you wondered what became of THIS NEWSLETTER CANNOT SAVE YOU and its impetuous glimpses of strange and wonderful short-form media. I wish I could tell you.
But anyway, we’re back.
Wild Massive: Escape
Last year around this time, I shared with you a short story called Wild Massive: Aftershock, set immediately after the events of my book Wild Massive, focusing on the character of Carissa.
I have a new short story to share with you today. It’s called Wild Massive: Escape, and this one focuses on Rindasy, again set immediately following Wild Massive.
Each story starts with a “Previously on…” section to refresh your memory about the characters’ respective situations as the book came to a close.
If all goes well, one more of these stories is due before the heat death of the universe.
Scottovision
Okay, let’s get this bulleted list on the road or something.
“The Garden of Heart” (2023) - As he waits for an admissions interview to an arts academy, a painter’s anxieties manifest as a surreal cavalcade of cartoonish characters, who attempt to discourage him or cheer him on in this animated short film written and directed by Olivér Hegyi. I was both vaguely inspired and slightly distressed by the experience of watching this painter gently twist until his turn is called; despite the fanciful portrayal, the emotional truth of that whole “waiting for judgment” experience is vividly conveyed.
“Going Home (IRCAM Version)” (2024) - The new music video from electronic artist Murcof is like drifting through the distant regions of the psychedelic cosmos. You're just sitting there calmly listening to an experimental ambient soundscape and then the disembodied head sings and then suddenly you're enveloped by glowing magnificence.
“Please Say Something” (2008) - Writer/director David O’Reilly created this highly stylized animated tale of “a troubled relationship between a Cat and Mouse set in the distant Future.” We’re not spared the harsh edges of this troubled relationship, but we’re also witnesses to the couple’s enduring attempts to cling together. Rediscovering this film has put me on a David O’Reilly kick, so you may hear more from me about his catalogue in the near future.
“entre las piernas” (2024) - Singer/songwriter Elsa Carvajal AKA Elsa y Elmar released this gorgeous and adventurous music video that was nominated for best animation in a video in the UK Music Video Awards this year. It’s a symbolic and densely-layered tour through the subconscious mind of a woman preparing herself for a date while grappling with menstruation; the song’s alternate title, “sangre entre las piernas,” google-translates as “blood between the legs”. Translating song lyrics this way is always a little dicey, but if accurate, the refrain “I just want to breathe, I'm sorry if that bothers you” would easily encapsulate the intricate frustration of the video’s main character. Directed by street artist Frederick Venet.
“Ten Minute Time Machine” (2017) - You see, they find a time machine, but it only works in ten minute increments. Time travel stories always lean on a couple core tropes (dealer’s choice), and this short film is no exception. It is, however, cute and funny and oddly romantic. Written and directed by Charles Wahl.
“Moeder” (AKA “Mother”) (2023) - The logline for this dramatic short film is mysteriouis: “A miner on the Ukrainian-Russian border discovers a ringing phone in his backyard.” And I’ll leave the narrative hook just that mysterious for you as well, although I can tell you the film delivers on its setup in a potent way. Directed and co-written by Salomon Ligthelm, who’s helmed several great music videos over the years. (My favorite: “Easy” by aYia.)
“Cosmic Jungle” (2010) - Now see, this short film has the kind of hyperstylized and gleaming animation that I hope never goes out of style. It’s a simple story, really: “A fiery dog with magic powers bursts into an ordered urban universe and disrupts its perfect machinery.” Hijinks ensue! The film’s seven directors clearly had no shortage of visual inspiration.
“Diamond” (2024) - Meanwhile, if you like your animation to be a little more trippy and disturbing, you might enjoy this music video for a track by Arlo. The animator goes by the moniker Meat Dept, and has proven to be a reliable source of demented stuff. Perhaps you remember the excellent Igorrr video “Very Noise” - that’s Meat Dept. Anyway I don’t know why the bulbous-headed drum majorette in this video wages war against the tracksuited, angel-winged jogger, but I think we’re just better off as a society for bearing witness to the saga.
“I Don’t Need To Know” (2023) - Writer/director Erin Murray also co-stars in her film about “a woman [who] pressures her boyfriend to have a conversation about their sexual fantasies.” Four minutes is just enough time to become acquainted with these characters before they’re driving off an awkward metaphorical cliff.
“Butterfoes” (2024) - In this Adult Swim “Small” animated short, two enemy butterflies meet across the battlefield of a contested flower and engage in deadly combat. It’s violent, but also kinda sweet. And then violent again.
Exit Music
Sending you out this issue with a recent mix I put together called “Adventures in Resonance,” comprised entirely of contemporary a cappella and adjacent tracks, in styles ranging from indie pop to avant-garde. If you listen to nothing else from it, the second track is hands down one of the best Björk covers I’ve ever heard, and I’m someone who compulsively collects Björk covers.
Here's the YouTube playlist with this issue's recos. Please enjoy responsibly. I should be back one more time this year with an action-packed holiday-themed issue.
Until next time, I remain your friendly correspondent, thinking of you,
Scotto
