This story about Sandra Hller first appeared in theRace Begins issueof TheWrap magazine.

Justine Triet has a word for Sandra Hller, her star in the dark family drama Anatomy of a Fall, which won the Palme dOr at this years Cannes Film Festival: ungraspable.

It is a word in English that I didnt know before yesterday, she said in early October. And now I want to use it all the time, forSandra.

The word certainly applies to Hllers character in Anatomy of a Fall, in which she plays a successful writer (also named Sandra) who is accused of murdering her husband. Triet never tips her hand to reveal whether Sandra is innocent or guilty, with Hller finding a way to suggest both alternatives at the same time as the thorny film swings between a portrait of a fracturing relationship and a charged courtroom drama.

But Anatomy isnt the only powerful project that Hller is in this year; its not even the only one that premiered in Cannes in May. The German actress is also one of the leads inJonathan Glazers The Zone of Interest, a dispassionate and chilling examination of a Nazi family that lives in a bucolic house just outside the gates of Auschwitz, where the father, Rudolph Hss, is in charge of the mass extermination of Jews. Hllers Hedwig Hss is a woman who loves her lifestyle and to all appearances doesnt give a thought to whats happening on the other side of that wall. Shes hard to understand, but more than that, impossible to find sympathetic.

The two films are a study in contrasts: Anatomy urgent, talky and in-your-face, with Hllers character pleading her case through much of the action; Zone all about distances, with the camera backing off from these awful people who want to live normal lives unshadowed by their monstrous deeds.You could say that both characters are ungraspable, and Hller would probably agree but when Triet used the word, she made it clear that she applied it not to Sandra the character but to Sandra the actress.

In conversation, theres something elusive about Hller. The 45-year-old, who was born inSuhl when it was part of East Germany, is friendly but a little hesitant; shes said that she admires actors who can spin anecdotes and charm interviewers, but theres also a sense that she doesnt do that partly because English isnt her first language (German is) but also because she chooses not to.

The first time TheWrap interviewed her, at a screening of Toni Erdmann in 2016, she was enjoying a breakthrough with that Oscar-nominated film after a career that had begun on the stage and then included a string of films that didnt get much exposure outside of Europe. At that Q&A, I brought up a story that director Maren Ade had told me about how, during rehearsals for the movies uproarious naked dinner party scene, Hller opened the door nude to give a late-arriving actor a start. At the screening, Hller said she didnt know what I was talking about, that it had never happened but when I saw her again a week later, she apologized profusely and said shed misunderstood me and the story was true. When I reminded her of our earlier encounter when we met for this story, she said she didnt remember that and wouldnt have answered the door naked, but maybe she did so in her underwear.

So who is Sandra Hller? Shes gifted, private and, yes, ungraspable but shes also made a big and bold mark on cinema in 2023, when she became the first actor ever to star in Cannes Palme dOr winner (Anatomy of a Fall) and its Grand Prix winner (The Zone of Interest). She speaks three languages in those two films English and French in Anatomy and German in Zone and she also appeared at this years Berlin Film Festival as one of the stars of Sisi & I, a historical black comedy in which Hller plays 19th-century countess Irma Sztray, who became a handmaiden to Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Susanne Wolff), also known as Sisi. (The 2022 film Corsage, shot at the same time, was another revisionist and feminist film about that monarch.)

It is what it is, she said matter-of-factly of having Anatomy and Zone simultaneously stirring up awards buzz. Its a great blessing that they are both running at the same time and that I can find out so many more things about my work and what people think about it. To me, it feels like a gift.

Like many other things these days, you can thank the COVID-19 pandemic for the Hller logjam this awards season. The Zone of Interest was originally scheduled to shoot in 2020 but was delayed to 2021 because of the pandemic, giving her only six weeks off before she began shooting Sisi & Me. When that film ended, she had about three months before Anatomy of a Fall began production, though she was also taking lessons to improve her French before that film.

I like to have a lot of free time between works, she said. I like the time to settle and to reconnect with the life Im living, because shooting can be very intense. Theres a whole thing that goes on with the body hormone-wise when youre working adrenaline and dopamine and all these things that you cant live with every day or youd go crazy. I need some time to get it out of my body. A shrug. But sometimes, you cant do that.

The Holocaust movie, oddly, was both the most difficult one to do and the one that took the least out of her. I didnt feel like getting into character while working on The Zone of Interest, she said. I usually tend to be more empathetic with the characters to love them more, to give them more of my fantasies and more of myself. With Hedwig, it felt wrong to give her anything from me. So I was just watching her and doing what Jonathan told me.

She was encouraged by the way Glazer shot the film, with cameras set up in the corner of rooms in the house where the Hss family lived, and with the film crew watching from the basement rather than sharing the rooms with the actors. Jonathan just wanted to show the life of the people with death next to them, caused by them, she said. He didnt want to have any heroism, or to have actors wondering which side would be the best to show, and wheres the light and wheres my mark and all this technical stuff. The topic is so much bigger than these technical questions.

She shook her head. I would never have done the movie if it had been a biopic about the Hsses. I never wanted to be part of this world.

And even though the story is being told by a British director, Hller felt compelled to be careful with the material because of her nationality. Doing this as a German, with my ancestors being responsible for all this, is something that I cannot deny, she said. The people in my country have the responsibility to keep talking about this, even if some of them deny it. The responsibility not to make it be forgotten and not to let it happen again.

This was something that happened to the world where time really stopped. It changed the world completely. We were wondering so many times what the world would be like now if this hadnt happened. And we cant even imagine it. It had such a big impact that you cannot treat it like every other movie, and I cannot treat the character like every other character.

After finishing work on Zone, Hller used the Sisi & I shoot to wash Hedwig out of her system. Irma is the complete opposite of Hedwig, she said. Shes a very childlike, non-judgmental, kind person. I was thinking about that when I accepted both roles, that Irma would come after Hedwig and wipe her out.

Shifting to Anatomy of a Fall after Sisi, she said, was more a case of getting back to her usual way of working. Triet had written the script (with Arthur Harari) with
Hller in mind for the character of the woman who always leaves us questioning her motives and actions. I was obsessed by her, the writer-director said. I dont always know if its the best to write for an actress, but she was very (much) in our mind during the writing. Just thinking about Sandra helped us create a more realistic character.

In one way, the films biggest complication for Hller was the language: The character speaks English to her husband and son, but shes required to speak French, in which the actress is less fluent, in the courtroom. The question that dominates the film is set up in the first few scenes, when Sandras husband, Samuel (Samuel Theis), either falls, jumps or is pushed to his death from the top floor of the couples French mountain chalet. We gradually learn that Sandra has lied about certain aspects of their relationship, but we never know whether she killed him. And Hller never knew, either.

I was captivated when (Justine) sent me the script, she said. Id never read anything like this about the division of power between modern couples, and I wanted to find out if she did it. I really wanted Justines thoughts on this, but she never did tell me. But we found out quickly that it doesnt really matter. Its more about what we think of the character and about our own limits and moral boundaries. Can we deal with a woman who doesnt feel shame? It was not if she did it or not, it was the way she was treated as a human being in this trial.

On the other hand, having an answer would have given Hller a clearer idea of how to play Sandra, right? Yeah, she said. It wouldve made it so much easier for me. But I can defend this character no matter what she had or hadnt done. In the end, she gave Triet different takes to fit whatever interpretation the director wanted. And more recently, Hller even got a promise from the director: She told me two days ago that she will tell me if Sandra did it in 10 years. But not before.

By that point, Hller may well be better known in the United States: With the one-two punch of Anatomy and Zone, which are being released in the U.S. by Neon and A24, respectively, it makes sense that she may be getting interest from Hollywood. On the other hand, that shouldhave happened seven years ago after Toni Erdmann, but she said it didnt.

I dont have a crystal ball, so I really dont know if they are interested in me now, she said. Also, I dont know what kind of direction that would go. I can do some things, but there are some things I certainly cannot do like superhero stuff, I just couldnt. I would probably burst out laughing all the time.

But after emerging from the COVID shutdown with a blast of three movies and lots of Oscar buzz, does she have a sense of where she wants to go next? Have her priorities changed? Theyve changed because time has passed and Im a bit older, she said. When I was a teenager, I never had any special interests, hobbies or sports. And then my English and German teacher opened a drama club in my school when I was 14 or 15 and it was so much fun more fun than I had ever found in doing anything else. Now, COVID has shown me how fragile the system is and how fast things can just go away or be postponed. It showed me how precious it is to be able to do this.

Im curious what comes from this. But Im really, really happy that I have this experience and even if nothing happens, I cannot be disappointed. I would just go on living my life.

Read more from the Race Begins issue here.

Read more here:
'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'Zone of Interest' Star Sandra Hller Explores Shades of Darkness - TheWrap

With the ending of both the writers strike and the actors strike, production of season 20 of the hit medical drama Greys Anatomy is officially allowed to begin. The show has seen many characters come and go during its historic television run, so here is what your favorite character says about you:

Meredith Grey

The world revolves around you, whether this is a good thing or not. You probably have deep family trauma that affects every relationship you try to pursue. Despite all of that, you are the center of your loved ones world and you have managed to rise above all that you have been through.

Cristina Yang

You are bold, loud and fearless. You have never let anything stand in your way. You know your worth and do not settle for anything less than. You are probably in pursuit of some challenge, and you will stop at nothing until you have achieved everything you ever wanted.

Lexie Grey

You are a rule-follower down to your core. You have never skipped class, never taken a random day off work and you deeply feel this has paid off in some way. You have a bright energy that draws people in, although they may become jealous of your talent and work ethic.

Derek Shepherd

Just like your favorite character, you are a hotshot in whatever career, degree or life path you are embarking on. You ooze confidence, sometimes to the point of arrogance, and demand attention whenever you enter the room.

Amelia Shepherd

People are awed by your seemingly natural talent, but deep down you are constantly wondering if you are good enough. You are extremely resilient and can bounce back from everything. You are probably in a competitive field and often feel overshadowed by your peers despite the outstanding work you are doing. You joke your way through every uncomfortable or tough situation in your life and are often mistaken for a comedian because of this.

Owen Hunt

You do not take no for an answer. You think everyone should follow what you do and say exactly as you say and do it. You have probably been in or are working toward a big management or leadership position and you make this your entire personality.

Miranda Bailey

You have worked extremely hard to get to where you are, and despite all the odds, you made it. You have natural leadership traits, and while this sometimes gets mistaken as you being bossy, those traits are vital to your success. You can command the attention of an entire room with just the sound of your voice. You are also an extremely good person with good intentions and you fight hard for those around you.

Alex Karev

Life has not been kind to you. For a while, this defined you and held you back, but now you have moved past all the hardships and have gotten yourself to a much better place in your life. You care deeply about the people in your life, and deep down you are scared they may leave. You have made many mistakes but have learned something important from each one.

George OMalley

You have always been seen as the underdog. You mistake people making fun of you for jokes and compliments and are somehow unaware of the cruelties of the world. You try so hard to be perfect and while you are far from it, you always keep trying to better yourself and your skills. You are a good samaritan and are always trying to do something good. You probably rescue every stray cat you see.

Izzie Stevens

You always give people the benefit of the doubt. You are sometimes a pushover and have the tendency to let people walk all over you. You try so hard but are never fully where you want to be. You are a kind and genuine person at heart, but get caught up in circumstances that tend to paint you in a bad light.

Dr. Mark Sloan

You have some big faults and may come across as a bad person on the outside, but on the inside, you are sensitive and loving. You did not have much of a family growing up, so now that you are older, you have built a family of your own through friends you would do anything for. You are an extremely passionate person and you take your work seriously. You are confident on the outside but on the inside, you struggle with your self-worth.

April Kepner

You know your values and morals and never stray away from them. You place family above everything else and are a deeply empathetic person. You long to help people and sometimes find yourself giving unsolicited advice because of this. You know what you stand for and your opinions are not easily changed. You are loving almost to a fault and give way too many second chances.

Arizona Robbins

You are sunshine in human form. You are upbeat and can find the good in the worst situations. People know not to mistake your kindness for ignorance though. You are not afraid to put people in their place, even if you have confrontation issues.

Callie Torres

You have had many personal ups and downs and are always trying to get back to what makes you happy, whatever that may be. You are constantly in search of something greater and a bigger purpose in life. You are a fun person to be around and are always down for a good time.

et029322@ohio.edu

More:
What your favorite 'Grey's Anatomy' character says about you - The Post

Humour and liveliness are inherent to my practice. Humour serves as a conduit for generating dialogue with the material, states American artist and designer Chris Wolston. He designs an intriguing collection of wicker chairs that serve as a tangible embodiment of his ideology. The product designer has created a seating collection dubbed Nalgona in his Medelln studio in Colombia. The materiality and craftsmanship of the chairs pay tribute to the abundant tradition of mimbre, or wicker, and the rich cultural tapestry that defines South America's artistic landscape. This collection is the creative union of ergonomics and anatomy. Wolston creates a combination that skillfully combines the practical form of a chair with the elegant curves of a human body. Every chair design has its own version of 'arms' and 'legs' that strike a dynamic stances that conjure a vibrant feeling of life and movement.

Using traditional weaving methods, Colombian mimbre is used to produce the Nalgona collection. Amid the verdant vistas of the Colombian Amazon, the furniture designer sets out to find the best wicker, carefully chosen to capture the spirit of this unique area. Forming a collaboration with local Medelln weavers, this creative voyage materialises as a cultural tapestry woven into every chair. Wolston starts the process in his studio by sculpting rough clay chair forms. He then draws up the final design in blueprint form and welds a frame to weave the wicker into. After which, skilled weavers with decades of experience gradually bring each body part to life, row after row, detail by detail. I am grateful for the experienced team I work with locally and that I am able to work with such a unique material, shares Wolston. The outcome of this collection is intricate, appealing, and innovative pieces that bring a sense of humour and allow the user to stop taking themselves so seriously.

The goal of the Nalgona collection is to provide the creative domain of movement and physicality with a tangible language. Wolston, who is inspired by the rich craftsmanship history of the region, creates these chairs as works of art, rather than furniture. He combines the functionality of furniture design with a sense of fun and playfulness resulting in designs that are unique, extraordinarily humane, and intriguing. The Nalgona Chairs--a series of wicker seats--emerged from this dialogue as sybaritic totems of mortal form and craftsmanship, explains Wolston. The chairs are a body of work that is a juxtaposition of soft and strong while maintaining a technical sophistication. Wolston's sculptural chairs are living illustrations of a harmonic synthesis between nature, craftsmanship, and design, all artfully woven together inside the delicate waltz of limbs and materials.

Go here to see the original:
Chris Wolston's 'Nalgona' merges human anatomy with the ... - STIRpad

L.L. Bean has just added a third shift at its factory in Brunswick, Maine, in an attempt to keep up with demand for its iconic boot.

Orders have quadrupled in the past few years as the boots have become more popular among a younger, more urban crowd.

The company says it saw the trend coming and tried to prepare, but orders outpaced projections. They expect to sell 450,000 pairs of boots in 2014.

People hoping to have the boots in time for Christmas are likely going to be disappointed. The bootsare back ordered through February and even March.

"I've been told it's a good problem to have but I"m disappointed that customers not getting what they want as quickly as they want," said Senior Manufacturing Manager Royce Haines.

Customers like, Mary Clifford, tried to order boots on line, but they were back ordered until January.

"I was very surprised this is what they are known for and at Christmas time you can't get them when you need them," said Clifford.

People who do have boots are trying to capitalize on the shortage and are selling them on Ebay at a much higher cost.

L.L. Bean says it has hired dozens of new boot makers, but it takes up to six months to train someone to make a boot.

The company has also spent a million dollars on new equipment to try and keep pace with demand.

Some customers are having luck at the retail stores. They have a separate inventory, and while sizes are limited, those stores have boots on the shelves.

Continued here:
First-graders are studying human anatomy and tested in a new hands-on approach - NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The opinions expressed in this article are the writers own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

Every year around this time, as the weather gets colder, I create a list of shows I either need to watch or rewatch. Most of my free time during the colder months is spent indoors, wrapped in a blanket, usually with a glass of wine, binge-watching whatever show piques my interest.

Unfortunately, as much as Ive tried, Greys Anatomy has never been one of those shows. Of the many lists Ive read trying to find a new series to watch, Greys Anatomy is usually somewhere at the top. I have nothing against the show; Im personally just uninterested in the ongoing 20-season series. So, here is a list of shows Ive specifically selected to (hopefully) help you find your next show to binge.

Criminal Minds

Of course, at the top of my list is my all-time favourite show, Criminal Minds. If you need a long (like 16 seasons), twisted-yet-wholesome show with a group of lovable characters, this has to be your next watch. Criminal Minds follows a group of FBI agents in the Behavioural Analysis Unit that use their profiling skills to track and take down criminals, or Unsubs, across America.

Each group member has their own story, and you really need to stick around if you want to learn all their backstories, but I can promise its worth it. While it can be a bit repetitive at times, youll barely notice once you get to know the characters. However, if you dont do well with blood and talk of some sensitive topics, this may not be for you. You can watch Criminal Minds in Canada on Disney+.

Bridgerton & Queen Charlotte

There is no way that you havent heard of Bridgerton since it came out in 2020. Based on a book series written by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton follows the Bridgerton family during the Regency era in England as each child of the family falls in love. Its a show filled with drama and romance, and honestly, its a bit frustrating at times, but if you need a royal-core show with happy endings, then this is your sign to watch Bridgerton. While youre at it, definitely watch the spin-off and tie-in series, Queen Charlotte. Within the Bridgeton world, Queen Charlotte is by far my favourite season. It focuses on Queen Charlotte and King George, who are loosely based on the real-life royals in the 1700s and their love story. Its heart-warming but also painful to watch as they marry and slowly fall for each other. By the end of the season, I was absolutely bawling my eyes out. If you need a good, heartfelt cry, try Queen Charlotte. You can watch both on Netflix.

The Fosters & Good Trouble

Im currently in the midst of rewatching The Fosters and I am just as invested as I was the first time I watched it. It follows the life of the Adam-Fosters, a family consisting of two moms, one biological son, a set of adopted twins and the two foster kids whom the family is fighting to adopt. Through the ups and downs of this family, its touching to watch the unconditional love they have for each other. Following the end of The Fosters is a spin-off series called Good Trouble, which follows the two daughters of the family after theyve finished school and begin their adult life together. Callie, an aspiring lawyer, and Mariana, a tech genius, move to Los Angeles and try to navigate the confusing maze of adulthood. Its definitely a must-watch if you need something a bit more wholesome! You can find The Fosters and Good Trouble on Disney+.

How I Met Your Mother

Personally, I dont watch many sitcoms, but How I Met Your Mother holds a very special place in my heart because I used to watch this show every Monday with my dad as it came out. Apart from my emotional connection with the show, its definitely one of the funniest and easiest shows Ive ever watched. Centred around a group of friends consisting of a single architect, an aspiring news anchor, an energetic playboy and a cheesy couple, the show follows their crazy adventures throughout New York. Its lighthearted and the perfect show for a good laugh, and the short episodes in this nine-season-long series make it incredibly easy to watch. BUT please, please watch the alternative ending when you get to the end of the series. You can watch this show on Disney+.

Chicago Med

If you need an alternative to Greys Anatomy, Chicago Med is a bit more fast-paced. As a part of the expansive Chicago franchise, it weaves medical drama with the intricate workings of the fire and police departments, providing an interconnected view of emergency services in the city. Ive yet to finish this series, but honestly, its quite addictive. Its a series that grabs your attention and refuses to let go, making it perfect for a binge-watching session. I definitely recommend checking this one out if you need your fix of medical dramas. You can find this series on Prime Video.

The Alienist

This series is an American period crime drama based on a 1994 novel by Caleb Carr. It takes place in 1896 in New York City; an alienist, someone who studies mental pathologies and the deviant behaviours of those who are alienated from society, investigates gruesome murders that seem to have a connection. Its twisted and dark and incredibly easy to get addicted to. Its a shorter series that I personally watched in one weekend. The shows atmospheric storytelling and intense pacing make it a gripping experience, leaving you on the edge of your seat and yearning for more after each episode. You can find The Alienist on Netflix.

Avatar: The Last Airbender & The Legend of Korra

A childhood classic, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a Nickelodeon cartoon that takes place in the fantastical world of fire, water, air and earth benders. It follows a young boy who just woke up from being frozen in ice after a hundred-year war, who finds out he is the Avatar, a person who is meant to learn all four elements to save the world. Along with some friends, he travels throughout the different nations to learn the elements in a years time to eventually fight and overthrow the Fire Lord, a tyrannical king who aims to expand his fire nation across the world.

As cute and lighthearted as it is, it has some very emotionally gripping episodes that I wont deny shedding a tear to. As every Avatar passes, another is born, and with that was born the second series, The Legend of Korra. Its a completely different vibe from the original series but just as compelling as it goes through the last Avatars predecessors life and her struggles to meet the expectations of being the Avatar. Definitely watch this series before the live-action Netflix adaptation comes out in 2024. You can watch Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Anne with an E

As a Canadian, there are many stories that are familiar to our country. If you know anything about the small province of Prince Edward Island, youve probably heard of the story of Anne of Green Gables. This Canadian series is an adaptation of the fictional book by Lucy M. Montgomery that follows a young, orphaned girl with bright red hair who gets adopted by a brother-sister duo to help with their work on the farm. Being so different from everyone else in the town of Avonlea, Anne struggles with trying to fit in while also staying true to herself. The three-season-long series goes through her life as she grows up and discovers her passions and wants for the future. Its a family-friendly, incredibly wholesome experience to
watch. Youll fall in love with all the characters as they develop, and by the end of it, Im sure youll be asking for the next season. You can watch Anne with an E on Netflix.

Riverdale & The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Last but certainly not least (well, maybe its a bit debatable), it is one of my favourite shows to cringe at Riverdale. Riverdale, at least the first couple of seasons, tries to stay true to the original Archie comics. Following Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead, along with some other iconic characters like Cheryl Blossom and Kevin Keller, the first season focuses on the murder mystery of Cheryls twin, Jason Blossom. Other storylines within the series include Archie falling in love with his teacher, Betty becoming an FBI agent, and everyone magically gaining different superpowers, but Ill let you figure out how that all happens yourself. This is truly a series that you shouldnt take too seriously, especially past season two. The best way to watch this, in my opinion, is to pour yourself a glass of wine, alone or with friends, and let yourself cringe through the events of this series. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a (sort-of) tie-in series that follows the teenage witch Sabrina Spellman and her adventures in living both a normal, human girls life and a young witchs life. This series is centred around magic and the fantastical, so its a bit easier to understand its weirdness compared to its counterpart.

I hope this list brings as much joy and entertainment to you as it has for me and helps you get through these coming winter months!

Much love, Evelyn<3

Read the original:
9 Bingeable Shows That Aren't Grey's Anatomy - Her Campus

Frances Csar Academy has unveiled its annual Revelations list showcasing 32 emerging acting talents making their mark in the French-speaking cinema world.

The 16 selected actresses include Suzy Bemba for her performance year in Catherine Corsinis Homecoming. Bemba was also seen in Venice Golden Lion winner Poor Things this year.

More from Deadline

The selection also features Rebecca Marder for Corsica-set thriller Grand Expectations; Garance Marillier, for bio-pic Marinette about French female soccer pioneer Marinette Pichon, and Park Ji-min for her award-winning performance in Return To Seoul.

The actor list includes Milo Machado Graner, who plays the visually impaired son in Justine Triets Anatomy of a Fall, Marc Zingas for his performance in Belgiums Oscar entry Omen and Samuel Kircher for Catherine Breillats taboo-breaking drama Last Summer. His brother Paul Kircher is also in the selection for The Animal Kingdom.

The talents were selected by a committee of 18 French casting directors overseen by non-voting chairs, David Bertrand, who has cast many of the films of Franois Ozon, and Nathalie Chron, whose recent credits include The Hunting and Hamilton.

Last years edition of Revelations was mired in controversy after news broke that one of its chosen talents Sofiane Bennacer had been indicted on allegations of rape and violence by four women.

The incident prompted the Csar Academy to introduce new protocols excluding nominees being investigated for sexual assault from its annual ceremony.

Run in partnership with fashion house Chanel, the Revelations initiative involves a photo shoot and production of a promotional film, which will be unveiled at its annual gala evening on January 15, 2024.

The participants attend the red-carpet event in the company of an established acting or directing star of their choice.

The 2024 Revelations Selection

Actresses

Suzy Bembain Homecoming

Cleste BrunnquellinNo Love Lost

Stphane Caillardin Flo

Clara CouturetinDirtyDifficultDangerous

Sonia Faidiin After The Flames

Kim Higelinin Consent

Hlose JanjaudinMidwives

Suzanne Jouannetin The Path Of Excellence

Khadija Kouyatin Midwives

Mathilde La MusseinComme une louve

Rebecca Marderin Grand Expectations

Garance MarillierinMarinette

Park Ji-Minin Return To Seoul

Daphn PatakiainSur la branche

Ella Rumpfin Marguerites Theorem

Mara Taquinin The Baby

Actors

Youssouf Abi-Ayadin You Promised Me The Sea

Melvin Boomerin Midwives

Julien De Saint Jeanin The Lost Boys

Alassane Diongin Father & Soldier

Quentin DolmaireinFifi

Jonathan Feltrein Rascals

Julien Frison in Marguerites Theorem

Khalil Gharbiain The Lost Boys

Max Gomisin The Gravity

Paul Kircherin The Animal Kingdom

Samuel Kircherin Last Summer

Flix Lefebvre inNothing To Loose

Milo Machado Granerin Anatomy Of A Fall

Raphal Quenardin Junkyard Dog

Quentin Vernedein Midwives

Marc Zingain Omen

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

See the article here:
'Anatomy Of A Fall', 'Poor Things', 'Omen' & 'Return To Seoul' Talents ... - Yahoo Entertainment

Editors note: One in four people in America has a disability, according to the CDC. Queer and Deaf/disabled people have long been a vibrant part of the LGBTQ community. Take two of the many queer history icons who were disabled: Michelangelo is believed to have been autistic. Marsha P. Johnson, a hero of the Stonewall Uprising, had physical and psychiatric disabilities. Today, Deaf-Blind fantasy writer Elsa Sjunneson, actor and bilateral amputee Eric Graise and Obama administration Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez are just a few of the people who identify as queer/Deaf/disabled. The stories of this vital segment of this queer community have rarely been told. In its series Queer, Crip and Here, the Blade is telling some of these long unheard stories.

My coming out story looks more like me telling someone my favorite cookie flavor is chocolate chip, Bobbi-Angelica Morris, a Gallaudet University graduate student, activist, poet, photographer, videographer and visual artist, told the Blade, than an emotional roller coaster.

Ive always embodied this carefree energy pertaining to who I am, what my purpose is, and how I show up for others, added Morris, who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing and identifies as a Black, nonbinary, queer and abolitionist artist.

Earlier this year, Morris, 23, received the Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award from the National AIDS Memorial, the San Francisco organization that displays the internationally acclaimed AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Over the phone and in email, Morris spoke with the Blade about a range of topics from her Deafhood to how she felt safe at a queer Halloween party.

Morris, who uses she/they pronouns, grew up in different parts of the East Coast. They spent most of that time in Richmond, Va.

Growing up, most of the people around me would ask if I was gay, Morris said, because I fit into the stereotypical realms of present day msc [masculine] presenting dykes.

No one questioned me when I actually came to terms with my queer identity, they added.

Before enrolling in Gallaudet, Morris spent most of their time as a student with hearing people in schools, where most teachers and students didnt communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). Morris was the only Deaf student in their classes until they graduated from the University of Virginia in 2022 in Charlottesville. There, they majored in global development studies and minored in ASL with a concentration in disability studies and community development.

Growing up, Morris didnt know about ASL or the creativity and history of Deaf culture.

It wasnt until I was in elementary school, Morris said, that an audiologist said I qualified for hearing aids.

In their poetry, Morris, who speaks and signs their work, reflects on their family and their experience of being Deaf.

I reflect on my own Deafhood:/ my playground fights/ with uneducated parents, Morris writes in a poem, When little Black Deaf girl doesnt hear someone speak to her,/that someone thinks little Black Deaf girl is disrespectful.

Like many Deaf/Hard of Hearing people, who go to school when they dont know American Sign Language, and there are no ASL interpreters, Morris felt isolated.

I had no knowledge of the Deaf community or of Black Deaf history, they said.

Some in Morriss family and community couldnt accept that Morris is Deaf. Some, not out of maliciousness, prayed for my healing, they said.

What Morris calls her Black Deafhood, has been a long journey at the intersection of sexuality, Deafness, disability, Blackness, gender, activism, and art.

Deafhood is a journey that a Deaf person undertakes to discover his, her or their identity and purpose in life, according to a Deafhood Foundation statement on deafhood.org.

Hearing people often perceive of Deafness as a disease that should be cured, and of Deaf people as incompetent, second-class, less-valued, citizens.

Just as coming out helps queer people to affirm their sexuality and connect with the LGBTQ community and history, Deafhood empowers Deaf people to have pride in themselves to connect with the Deaf community, history and culture.

As it often goes with finding and loving your queer self, Deafhood is a process.

In middle school, Morris watched Switched at Birth, the popular TV series. The teen and family drama features Deaf and hearing actors and scenes in ASL.

The show jump-started Morriss interest in Deafness and the Deaf community. But, I still didnt understand my connection [with the Deaf community], Morris said.

Curious to discover something about Deaf culture, Morris started an informal class a club. There, they and their friends learned signs from YouTube videos.

At the University of Virginia, Morris took a sign language class. They studies abroad for a time in India.

At Gallaudet, Morris began to feel connected to the Deaf community. They are a student in the Master of Social Work program at Gallaudets School of Civic Leadership, Business, and Social Change. Morris will graduate with an M.S.W. degree in 2024.

They are equally committed to making art and activism to working for social justice for Black, Deaf/disabled, queer, and other marginalized groups. A love of art and social change is etched in their bones.

I am an abolitionist and an artist, Morris said, I cannot be one without the other.

Their abolitionist identity is connected to how they experience intersectionality. Morris sees their life as connected to the movement for total liberation of all our people, beings, and non-beings in this present day and beyond, they said.

Because they are an artist, they have a responsibility to use their skills to educate, inspire and protect everyone and everything that abolitionists fight for daily, Morris said.

From early on, Morris loved being creative. During an unstable childhood, art helped Morris to express their feelings.

Fortunately, art ran in Morriss family. My bio-mom is an amazing artist, Morris said, so we would draw things together.

Later, Morriss god-mom gave Morris materials that sparked their interest in painting and photography.

In middle school, Morris got into spoken word poetry when one of their Boys and Girls Club mentors showed them a spoken word video. At the University of Virginia, Morris participated in poetry slams. In their Gallaudet social work program, they impressively deploy their artistic and activism chops.

Their advocacy projects are numerous. Morris is developing ASL G, a non-profit organization. The groups mission is to develop community garden coalitions and programming for art and health wellness through disability justice, Morris said.

Morris was the former creative outreach coordinator of VOCA, a non-profit that supports BIPOC, Deaf artists.

I have family members that have been incarcerated, Morris said. Because of that, I want to fight the injustice of the prison industry and mass incarceration.

Morris is the president of Students Against Mass Incarceration (SAMI), a student club at Gallaudet.

Ableism, audism (discrimination against Deaf people), homophobia and racism are issues for Morris. The white presence is prominent in many institutions, they said, often theyre predominantly white.

Morris likes being a Gallaudet student. But, theres a lack of racial competency at Gallaudet as there is in the whole of America, they said.

The queer community has provided safe s
paces for Morris.

Once, Morris and their partner attended a queer Halloween party in Charlottesville. Half the people in attendance knew or were learning sign language, Morris said. I think it was then that I realized how connected the queer community was in ensuring no one was left out.

Morris went to the party as Beast Boy, and their partner went as Raven from Teen Titans.

Follow Morris on Instagram @Blckrainbow5

See the article here:
Anatomy of a post-cancellation comedy tour: Ashley Gavin in D.C. - Washington Blade

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Anatomy of a Fall.

Sure, the Palme dOr is great and all, and this years Anatomy of a Fall certainly deserved it in all its glory, but its claiming of the top prize at this years Cannes Film Festival unfortunately overshadowed another incredible victory as a result: the Palm Dog! This should come as a surprise to absolutely no one whos seen the film, given that it features the best animal performance of the year, but for those who think that the worlds most prestigious film festival is full of nothing besides pretentious elitists itching to corner you into a discussion about their top five ric Rohmer movies, youre only half right! Yes, the Cannes Film Festival was the premiere home of Apichatpong Weerasethakuls Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, but it was also the premiere home of Shrek 2, which competed for the Palme dOr just the same!

This is indicative of the fact that these programmers are hardly the snobs that the festivals reputation makes them out to be and the Palm Dog is the greatest proof of that. The Palm Dog was founded by Toby Rose, in loving memory of his pooch Mutt, who attended several festivals throughout his life. Since its inception in 2001, past winners include Sayuri the pit bull who played Brandy in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Uggie the Jack Russel Terrier of The Artist. The prize has also gone to CGI monsters like the demonic fox of Lars von Triers Antichrist, or more popularly Dug from Up, but animated or not, Anatomy of a Falls Snoop (Messi, a border collie) boldly goes where no other animal performance has gone before.

A woman is suspected of her husband's murder, and their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the sole witness.

Messi didnt just get by on his adorability in this one, even if thats another point thats hard to contest. Directed by Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall follows Sandra Voyter (Sandra Huller) and her son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner in a phenomenal child performance) after they discover the body of the familys patriarch Samuel (Samuel Theis), dead in the snow of their once-quaint Grenoble chalet. Soon after, Sandra herself comes under fire, becoming the prime suspect of Daniels potential murder after its discovered that he died from blunt force head trauma before hitting the snow. Sandra and Daniel are thus forced to uncover many deep and hidden truths about their familys dynamic in an attempt to make sense of Samuels sudden passing.

Anatomy of a Fall invigorates the courtroom drama in more ways than one, breathing new life into a genre thats given audiences some of the most heated dramatic encounters cinema has seen and asking some soul-crushing questions along the way. Like Otto Premingers similarly titled Anatomy of a Murder, Triets Anatomy of a Fall question the very notion of truth in the context of a legal battle where the truth matters less than a particular lawyers argument for or against the defendant. Sandra, a famous novelist, sees her life torn apart as every word shes ever written comes under ridiculous scrutiny and her son, still grieving over the death of his father, is forced to watch his mother attacked from every direction as he simultaneously digests some horribly uncomfortable truths about the man who raised him. With few friends (especially at a time like this), Daniels only comfort seems to be his guide dog Snoop, and to that effect, Snoop excels.

Lassie made you cry for her dedication to her best friend and Cujo made you reconsider whether you could be a cat-person instead, but whether its the reinforcement of childhood or the death of it, theres a reason that dogs in films tug on our heartstrings the way that they do. For affirmation, look no further than Puss in Boots: The Last Wishs Perrito (Harvey Guilln), whose origin story involves having been thrown into water inside a sock with a rock in it by his owners. And yet he still loves them! Dogs are the masters of unconditional love, the kind that us humans can only hope to ever embody for another person, which is why we crave their acceptance. In Anatomy of a Fall, Snoops love is tested on all fronts as he brings about a key discovery that builds into the court cases show-stopping climax.

While Sandra and Daniel initially resist the notion that Samuel committed suicide, it becomes increasingly clear throughout the court case that its the only viable alternative to his murder. As a result, Daniel (in isolation from his mother due to the fact that theyre not allowed to discuss the case outside of court) attempts to recreate his fathers loosely-remembered suspected suicide attempts. Daniel recalls the date that his mother gave for his fathers suicide attempt, claiming that he intentionally overdosed on aspirin, only to vomit the pills. Snoop, suspected of having eaten Samuels vomit that day (lets not forget that dogs can be pretty gross as well), subsequently fell ill, prompting Daniel to try and confirm the event by feeding Snoop aspirin. Big mistake.

How Triet accomplished the impossible for that scene will have the animal wranglers from Babe scratching their heads as to how she did it. When we see Snoop overdosed, he appears completely catatonic. Its not just that he lies still, but his tongue remains flapping out of his mouth while his eyes appear frozen in time. You can barely see the pooch breathing as he clings for life amidst Daniels panic, looking completely deceased in a painful manner that must have been as heart-wrenching to pull off on set as it is to watch. Hopefully, no method acting took place to achieve this devastating effect, but given Messis commitment in the role, youd be wrong to write off the possibility.

What makes Anatomy of a Fall such a brilliant courtroom drama is the fact that it focuses just as much on the effects that the trial has on the familys home life as it does the whip-smart repartee that we all love the genre for to begin with. As a result, Sandras emotional arc sees her shunned from the pieces in the family that remain, being forced to fight for reacceptance. Snoops role in that family counts for just as much as any other member, and Triet conveys that through incorporating him throughout. Its while walking Snoop that Daniel discovers his fathers dead body, brilliantly transforming a moment of childhood innocence into the worst day of that childs life, but more important is the films closing shot.

After Sandras eventual acquittal (in large part thanks to her sons highly dangerous experiment and testimony), she comments on the lack of relief shes felt as a result, contrary to her expectations. Of course, as vital as it was to win this one, the trial has dominated the defendants grieving period to the extent that now, over a year later, all she has to look forward to is a son to make amends with and a husband to mourn. Daniel accepts his mother back into the family with a sleep-ridden hug, but uncertainty looms as she descends her home for a night on the couch. To her elated surprise, Snoop jumps in and snuggles up next to her. Its a subtle way of marking her re-engagement with normalcy, and even if the trial will have undoubtedly scarred her public image, its through Snoop that we know that her relationship with her family has been mended for the time.

In accepting the enormously prestigious Palm Dog Award, Triet spoke to The Hollywood Reporter to drop some truth bombs: [Snoop] was not just another character or some animal running around [but] as much a part of the films ensemble as any of the other actors. Its hard t
o imagine that he had his own trailer, but Triets treatment of Snoop as a proper member of the family for whom it was important that Sandra make amends with when the smoke settled is the reason why his performance is so deeply effective. The Academy better be taking notes, as only upon recognizing this unsung facet of cinema will they ever amount to the prestige of the Cannes Film Festival.

Anatomy of a Fall is in cinemas now.

Buy Tickets

Go here to see the original:
'Anatomy of a Fall' Has the Best Animal Performance of the Year - Collider

Jerome Twyman likes things on his own terms. A heart attack was never in his plans. Life has a way of throwing even the most disciplined batters a curveball, however, and one morning in August 2023 while enjoying his normal morning routine of errands in his hometown of Keyser, West Virginia, Twyman was hit hard with telltale symptoms.

I had just sat down in the barber shop to wait for a haircut when I started sweating buckets, he said. Then I felt it in my left arm, and I knew right away I was having a heart attack.

It was about 25 minutes by ambulance to the UPMC Western Maryland emergency department, and though concerned, from the start Twyman had faith that whatever care lay ahead for him would work out positively. I said Im not going out like this, are you kidding me? I have plans and Im not done.

He had no way of knowing at the that his case was something his doctor had only ever read about in a textbook.

The interventional cardiologist on call that day was Dr. Hani Alkhatib, director of the structural heart program at UPMC Western Maryland. Twyman presented to the emergency department with a massive heart attack resulting from clots travelling from the heart chambers into all the main heart arteries and eventually impeding blood flow. After examining him and reviewing images of his heart, the complexity and severity of the case became clear.

Mr. Twyman was born with an extremely rare congenital anomaly affecting his heart vessels, which was not recognizable until our encounter with him, Alkhatib said.

The condition, known as anomalous left main coronary artery originating from the right coronary cusp, is a one in 400,000 diagnosed birth defect. Normally the heart has two main vessels with separate origins arising from the aorta, but in his situation, both arteries shared the same origin which made him susceptible to a devastating and life-threatening complication.

A heart attack of this kind is extremely rare and tremendously challenging given the patients anatomy, Alkhatib said. Heart attacks typically occur because of blockages caused from a cholesterol plaque forming on the inner lining of heart vessels. Mr. Twymans congenital coronary artery anatomy resulted in the clot travelling to all his arteries, and this became an event that neither myself or any of my Interventional and cardiology colleagues had ever seen.

As a result, a routine procedure that would typically take 30 minutes to complete took in excess of three hours. With the superb effort and resilience of our cardiac team we were able to aspirate all the clots out and reopen his arteries using stents and balloons, and we were able to perform this complex procedure in a timely manner, which is a huge factor in having a positive outcome, Alkhatib said. I give Mr. Twyman a lot of credit. He was hanging for his dear life and didnt give up for a second, which helped us a lot to keep going and do what we needed to do.

After three days of recovery, Twyman was able to go home full of appreciation for the specialized care he received. You have to understand something about me and about my family, he said. We dont like to bother anybody. I dont like asking for any help. We dont like relying on anybody. That used to be my motto. When I got myself into trouble, I would figure out how to get myself out of it. I am not that way anymore, and especially not with this.

Going forward, Twyman has his cardiac health at the front of his future plans. Dr. Alkhatib is a very concerned, thorough doctor. I have him on speed dial now. If I need to call, he takes time for me. I know I can ask him anything because I never feel like I am bothering him. There was something different about my treatment and the care, he said. I didnt have any worries. I just knew this hospital was on point. I dont have many words. I knew I was going to be all right.

Twymans case is just one of many success stories to come out of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Western Maryland. I really want to commend our cardiac team, Alkhatib said. They are reliable and highly experienced and deal with all sorts of situations. Their dedication to save lives in this community is outstanding.

Journalists interested in learning more can contactmediarelations@upmc.edu.

Share this on:Copied!

View post:
UPMC Cardiologist, Team Successfully Treat Rare Anatomical ... - UPMC

Hundreds of fans battled a heavy rain to greet the 2023 IHF Mens Super Globe champions, SC Magdeburg, as the German side returned from Dammam on Monday evening. It became somewhat of a tradition, as over 10,000 people flocked to the main square in the German city last June, when the 2023 IHF Mens Junior World Championship was about to throw off, to celebrate the EHF Champions League Men title won by Bennet Wiegerts side.

This time, it was more of the same, albeit with less people, due to the difficult weather conditions, but it was still an abundance of joy and respect for their heroes, as Magdeburg sealed a historic three-peat at the IHF Mens Super Globe, after their wins in 2021 and 2022.

From the three titles secured in Saudi Arabia, the first one, in 2021 in Jeddah, looked to be the easiest, when Magdeburg sealed a 33:28 win over FC Barcelona in the final. One year later, they needed extra-time to secure another magnific 41:39 win over the Spanish squad. And this time, in the first all-German final at the IHF Mens Super Globe, they took a 34:32 win over Fchse Berlin, also in extra-time.

But how was it possible? What was Magdeburgs secret? How did the German side morphed from a contender to the second team in history to secure the IHF Mens Super Globe title three times in a row?

First of all, it must be the resilience. The German side delivered all their greatest hits in the past two seasons in extra-time or at penalties. Winning the semi-final against Barcelona in the Champions League on penalties? Checked. Winning the title in the Champions League against Industria Kielce in extra-time? Checked.

Two IHF Mens Super Globe titles won after extra-time? Checked. They say handball is all about fine margins, but Magdeburg have taken those fine margins even further, delivering outstanding team spirit, some fantastic resilience and excellent performances in crunch time, irrespective of who was on the court.

Magdeburg did not even flinch when right wing Daniel Pettersson missed a penalty with eight seconds left in the final against Fchse, as that shot could have been the decider. Instead, Pettersson was picked up by his teammates and they played as a team in the next ten minutes, outclassing their German rivals with a hard-to-beat defence.

There are some moments where one can enjoy it even more than usual. I am super proud and super happy, because with this mentality, it is very hard to lose. As a coach, one can only be proud, said Magdeburgs Bennet Wiegert.

Indeed, Wiegert has to be proud of how strong a unit Magdeburg was at the 2023 IHF Mens Super Globe, after the MVP of the EHF FINAL4, Gisli Kristjansson, did not play a minute this season, recovering from a shoulder injury, while one of their best scorers last season, right back Kay Smits, moved to SG Flensburg Handewitt.

Magdeburg faced even more uncertainty with their line-up, after left back Philipp Weber went off injured in the first match of the 2023 IHF Mens Super Globe, against Khaleej Club, adding more woes for the German side, which also had Michael Damgaard sidelined for the first matches, as his fitness was not up to par after an injury.

Any team would have been excused of dropping their level, but not Magdeburg, which delivered excellent performances over the last two months in all competitions, creating a 13-game winning streak, which also included the largest ever win in the history of the IHF Mens Super Globe, 57:14, against the University of Queensland.

After a shaky start of the season, Wiegert tweaked a bit the team, here and there, and did not back down for a moment, even when his team was down five goals in the second half of the final against Fchse.

Whether it was luck, a good gameplan or just Magdeburg doing Magdeburg things, it clearly worked and his team has now a 13-match winning streak at the IHF Mens Super Globe, conceding only one loss in the 17 matches they played in the competition, for the best winning percentage in history.

It is something really amazing, to be fair, it is spectacular, it is something that we did not expect a few years ago. We have been playing good, in this edition too, and I think we deserve to be here. The feeling is fantastic, it is a bit crazy to be in this situation, added Wiegert, after Magdeburg beat Industria Kielce in the semi-finals of this edition of the IHF Mens Super Globe.

With their third title in as many editions, Magdeburg jumped to the second place in the all-time standings in the competition, having finished second in their first appearance, in 2002. Only FC Barcelona have more titles, five, but it looks like a new king dominates over the competition.

And, who knows, maybe in the next edition, which will take place in the autumn of 2024, Magdeburg can write even more history. Then Wiegert can really say this is crazy, with his side aiming to become the first ever to win four titles in a row at the IHF Mens Super Globe.

Read the original here:
The anatomy of a success: How did Magdeburg win the IHF Men's ... - IHF

Past Lives, Normal People, Aftersun the quiet movie is having a moment in cinema. But what exactly makes these movies so special?

MANILA, Philippines In the action-packed landscape of cinema nowadays, quiet indie films seem to have become increasingly popular.

We first saw it in Manchester by the Sea and Brooklyn and now were seeing it in critically acclaimed indie darlings Past Lives and Aftersun.

This isnt the first time these kinds of movies have been made, of course, but now they seem to be gaining larger critical and commercial success than ever before. People are opting for these types of films even amidst all the big blockbusters being peddled in theaters today.

But what exactly constitutes a quiet movie, and why is it so revolutionary?

As the name might suggest, everything from the sound design to the lingering scenic shots takes a careful and slow pace most of these films can stay in just one place over the course of the entire movie.

But this principle applies to the dialogue, too take, for example, the film Past Lives released just this year, a heartbreaking story directed by Celine Song about two former lovers who grew up together as children in Korea now reconnecting as adults. When they finally meet in New York for the first time in over two decades, most of their interaction is wordless stares of disbelief, nervous laughter, long intense glances.

Words have power in quiet films, and here, whats being left unsaid becomes almost as important as what is. When directors exert this type of restraint, every single thing the characters do and say magically becomes heavy with the magnitude of their meaning.

Or take a look at these clips from Charlotte Wells Academy Award-nominated Aftersun (2022), which was named one of the best films of 2022 by the National Board of Review, and Luca Guadagninos Academy Award-winning Call Me By Your Name (2015).

Nothing of note really happens in these scenes, so why even bother showing them? But what they accomplish within just a few minutes is that very quickly, you get a sense of the world these filmmakers are creating. Youre not just shown these worlds youre immersed in them, given the time to soak it all in. The aesthetic feel of these films works beautifully to set the stage for the real star of the movie the characters within them.

Here is where the real heart of a quiet movie lies. The muted backdrop against which these stories take place allows the actors to really shine, placing their performances at the forefront. Even with an ensemble cast, these types of films often place the emotional journey these characters undergo front and center, as opposed to just the circumstances they find themselves in.

The 2015 film Manchester by the Sea (also Academy Award-winning) is widely considered to be among the best films of the 21st century, focusing entirely on Casey Afflecks character Lee as a grief-stricken man who returns to his seaside town and must confront the things he left behind. As the story progresses, we slowly learn the true nature of why he left as well as the extent of his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. We stay with Lee for the entirety of the film as he suffers in silence, dealing with the aftermath of his brothers death, having to take care of his now-orphaned nephew, and coming across his ex-wife from whom he feels he does not deserve forgiveness for the death of their children.

Quiet movies arent afraid to sit in all these uncomfortable emotions in fact, this is where they take their time. Films like Manchester by the Sea trust in their actors to deliver, always bringing the camera back to their faces so we can see what they see, feel what they feel.

Or take Brooklyn (2015) where the radiant Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis, a young Irish girl who makes her way to America from Ireland. We see Eilis struggle with fierce homesickness, eventually making a life for herself on foreign shores and even finding love. The film all comes to a head in this scene, where Eilis returns home to Ireland and finds herself having to choose between her newfound home and the only home shes ever known.

The way we come to identify with these characters is by getting to live their ups and downs right there with them. Although perhaps not climactic in the way we usually think of when we hear the word, its the films emotions that crescendo beautifully into charged, impactful scenes laced with meaning and depth and thats what makes these types of films worth watching.

Perhaps the biggest distinguisher of quiet films is how they choose to focus on the everyday ordinary lives of very ordinary people. These movies are deceptively unassuming in that you can even imagine them actually happening to you, much unlike the overplayed extravagance were used to seeing depicted on-screen. Films like these somehow manage to take the most blas ordeals known to man and transform them into something worth watching for two hours.

Another Paul Mescal favorite, Normal People follows two young people who weave in and out of one anothers lives over the course of four years. But in this scene where one of our main characters, Connell, finally goes to therapy and breaks down, the feelings he expresses I left thinking I could have a different life But I hate it here, and now I can never get that life back. all feel achingly real and familiar.

We see Connell fidget, stumble over his words, pause for awkwardly long amounts of time, try and fail to keep the emotions from their face. But its exactly how films like these show the sides of ourselves that arent as pretty that make them meaningful. The more vulnerable and honest a story on screen is, the more it resonates with people; at its core, the kind of people portrayed by quiet movies on-screen are just achingly, painfully human.

Even the best Studio Ghibli films have this remarkable quality about them theyre often set in the most mundane settings at school or work, and yet theyre made to be so vibrant and magical that even the ordinary somehow appears extraordinary in their hands. Everything from their depiction of tasty dishes to the gorgeous hand-painted scenery inspires people to start seeing even an everyday train ride to school as something worth paying attention to and thats the power these kinds of film holds.

Quiet movies tell us: isnt it the most ordinary things that become the most important to us once we start paying attention to them?

When done well, the quiet movie masterfully portrays the heart of the human condition, putting on screen both our innermost vulnerabilities and our sources of hope. This type of filmmaking is a fresh breath of air for modern-day cinemagoers, for at its best, quiet movies are a tribute to the strength we find in ourselves and the people we love. And is there anything more human than that? Rappler.com

Dana Villano is a Rappler intern.

View original post here:
From 'Past Lives' to 'Aftersun': The anatomy of a 'quiet movie' - Rappler

One of the most exciting parts of any cruise is exploring all the different areas on board the ship. While the views of open water and tropical destinations are undoubtedly captivating, there is nothing quite like taking in the enormity and complexity of the vessel itself, including the bow of a ship.

You probably already know about the starboard side and the port side, but today, we will take an in-depth look at one of the most interesting areas of any modern-day cruise ship design the bow of the ship.

Not only will we explain everything you need to know about the anatomy and function of the bow of a ship, but we will also explore some of the amenities and activities you can enjoy at the bow. So, lets get started!

The conventionalbow of a ship is at the very front of the vessel. This part of the ship serves many vital functions, and it is home to some of the most essential pieces of equipment on board the entire ship. In fact, it is often seen as the operational heart of the whole ship, which explains why it is where you will find the ships main navigational equipment and control center.

It is also where you will find some of the most breathtaking and exciting views for cruise ships. It is an area that many passengers gravitate to, as there is nothing quite like being at the very front of a ship as it heads towards a seemingly endless horizon.

Below the areas where passenger and crew members can explore, the sharply angled bow shape is designed to glide through the water with minimal resistance. A conventional bow helps cut through the water so the entire ship can move faster and more efficiently, even in rough seas.

There are multiple types of bow shape designs: bulbous bow, axe bow, and inverted bow, to name a few. Cruise ships usually have a knife-edge bow or flared bow.

To properly understand the significance and purpose of the bow, you need to know what is located there. Here is what can be found at the bow of a typical cruise ship:

While the bridge is not typically located at the absolute front of the ship, there is some debate on whether it is technically part of the bow. It is situated close to the front of one of the upper decks.

This is because this part of the ship provides the navigational crew with an unobstructed view of the horizon and the ships surroundings. The bridge is the maritime term for a ships navigational center, where you will find the captain and other high-ranking navigation officers. It houses the ships primary navigation and communications equipment and the control systems used to guide the ship.

This is the term used to describe the forward part of the ship. It tends to sit above the main deck, providing a better view. While it had a more functional purpose in the past, it acts more as an observation deck for passengers on modern ships. This is because it provides outstanding views of everything ahead of the ship.

It provides an excellent opportunity for photographs, but given the popularity of the 1997 hit Titanic, many passengers will head to the forecastle to recreate the iconic Im flying scene.

Some ships will even feature infinity pools, hot tubs, and other amenities guests can enjoy at the forecastle while they look out into the open water and incoming waves.

Most modern ships will also feature observation lounges on higher decks near the ships bow. Just like the forecastle, the main attraction of these lounges is the unobstructed views they provide of the horizon. They will often feature large windows and outward-facing chairs where guests can comfortably take in the view and enjoy a cocktail.

Viewing the ship from land, you can see the anchor extending from the side of the ships bow. This is also where the bowsprit of the ship can be found, which is a horizontal spar that supports and holds the anchor in place.

For most cruise ships, the bow is also where you can find a landing space for helicopters, known as the helideck. While this is only really used for emergencies, like medical evacuations, it is still an essential feature of the bow.

Below the waterline, you can also find a protruding bulb at the bow of most cruise ships. The bubble helps break the friction between the water and the upper parts of the ships hull and bow. Its primary purpose is to make the ship more fuel efficient, so they are a common sight on most larger vessels.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the bow, we can explore the essential functions it serves.

As we discussed, the bow is central to the ships navigation. This is where you will find all the most important navigation equipment, including the ships radar, sonar, satellite receivers, and communications hubs.

While most of this equipment is located within the ships bridge, some components of the equipment are located on exterior surfaces, like satellite dishes and radar antennas. The reason this part of the ship is home to all of this equipment is for the simple fact that it offers the best views of the path ahead of the ship.

Secondary propulsion systems, like bow thrusters, are also located at the front of the ship. These are used to navigate tight spaces, like ports and channels, with efficiency and accuracy.

The bow design is also critical for the overall stability and balance of the ship. This is why the design is so streamlined towards the bottom of the bow. The curved design helps the vessels break through the water efficiently, even in rough water.

As mentioned, it is also where the ships primary anchoring system is located, so the bow serves a central role during docking procedures. This heavy equipment is not located at the bow by chance; it is because it helps with weight distribution and keeping the ship balanced.

You may have also noticed that the ships bow is home to a significant amount of safety equipment, including numerous lifeboats. This allows passengers and crew members to safely evacuate in an emergency.

Today, the bow also plays a vital role in scenic cruising, as it offers some of the best views of the entire ship. This explains why many ships host themed parties and events at the bow during all times of the day. It also explains why many people head to the bow with cameras or celebrate unique moments, like marriage proposals.

Yes. Cruise lines always prioritize the safety of passengers, so all areas that are not restricted in access are made as safe as possible. While visiting any part of the bow, you will notice posted guidelines and members of the ships crew. Handrails and non-slip surfaces are common at the ships bow, especially on outdoor observation decks.

If you are nervous about visiting the outside decks at the ships bow, consider speaking with a crew member about a guided tour.

While each cruise line is different, most make at least portions of the bow design open to all passengers. Access to certain lounges may be restricted, especially during certain events, but the main observation deck should be available to all passengers.

That said, they may close the outdoor portion of the observation deck if the weather conditions would make it dangerous. Again, all cruise lines prioritize passenger safety, so access to any part of the ship always depends on whether or not it is safe to enter.

The bow of a cruise ship serves several vital roles in the safe and efficient operation of a ship. Aside from its central role in navigation and stability, it also offers passengers a front-row seat to some of the
best views on the ship.

Read Also: How Ship Draft Affects a Ships Performance

Now that you know more about the bow and its important functions, take some time out of your next cruise vacation to visit this area. Take in the breathtaking views and marvel at the incredible amount of engineering that went into designing this unique part of the ship.

Continue reading here:
Exploring the Bow of a Ship: Anatomy and Function - Cruise Hive

New Delhi: In September, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a public interest litigation that asked for an audit of the source code of the Election Commissions electronic voting machines (EVMs) by an independent agency. While dismissing the case, the court said there is no material on record to indicate the Election Commission is not fulfilling its mandate.

But the jury is still out on whether the ECI is following its mandate.

In order to better understand the actual mechanics of that mandate, The Wire has, over the past month, analysed several publicly available documents and open sources of information on the machinery behind both the election process and the actual casting of ballots, i.e. the hardware, the software and the source code of EVMs.

The entire election machinery, we found, from the manufacturing of EVMs to the software loaded on to them, to the committee appointed to evaluate the software, the so-called third-party auditing this software and much more, is controlled by the Union government and the ECI has very little say.

The same holds true for the pre-election security measures put in place for the machines, such as first-level checking before they are sealed in a warehouse with 247 security. Or the random allocation of the machines to constituencies. No officer of the Election Commission is present during any of these exercises. Instead, only officials of the two manufacturers are present, as is the district collector. The Election Commission does not have a say in the allocation of machines to a state, an exercise entrusted once again to the two PSUs. The ECI, however, can track the location of the machines using the EVM Tracking Software. It is only at the second randomisation onwards that an election observer from Nirvachan Sadan is deputed.

What is source code?

The source code is a set of instructions in human readable language written by programmers. It provides the foundation for software and programme creation or basically everything that the machine does. The source code tells the machine how to function.

The petitioners contention before the Supreme Court was that the source code, or the brain of the machine, can, if altered, change the outcome of an election.

Data gathered from open sources and Right to Information responses indicate that the source code of the EVMs has never been audited, let alone revealed, either by the ECI, the manufacturers or even the experts appointed to audit it, the Technical Evaluation Committees (TECs) mandated by the ECI to audit EVM software. They have never been given the source code. Manned by professors from the premier Indian Institutes of Technology, all members are appointed by the government. The ECI has no role.

So how do the TECs carry out evaluations?

They go by what engineers working for the manufacturers say.

The crucial job of designing the source code and writing the software is carried out by a group of handpicked employees of the two public sector enterprises, Bharat Electronics Limited and Electronics Corporation of India Limited which also manufacture the EVMs. Both the PSUs are not under the control of the ECI. BEL is under the Ministry of Defence and ECIL reports to the Department of Atomic Energy.

The story of EVMs

The software of EVMs is developed in house by a selected group of engineers at BEL and ECIL independently from each other. This select software development group of few engineers design and develop the source code, says the Status Paper on EVMs. This software is tested by another set of employees in house before the TEC vets it.

The technical advice is given by the TEC. The Status Paper on EVMs does not spell out if the source code is shared with the TEC. It simply says, Entire software is vetted by the TEC and sealed by them. Golden copy [the original copy, which is meaningless unless one knows the code for writing the copy] remains under sealed condition only. This ensures that the software has really been written as per the requirements laid down for its intended use only.

The ECI does not even have access to the software that is loaded onto the EVMs. That right rests solely with the manufacturer and technical experts.

Former IIT Delhi professor, Subhashis Banerjee, says, The entire thought process is amateurish and language like golden copy is non-standard. The whole approach reflects a lack of understanding of computer security and threat models.

Source code, clarifies Banerjee, is the computer programme that runs in a computing device. It is a high-level representation programmed by developers which gets translated to a machine form (by a process called compiling) and executes on the CPU. Source code is the original version. In general, there is no way to establish that the programme that runs in a computer indeed corresponds to a given source code. Establishing it for multiple EVMs is an impossibility.

That there is not trojan or malware cannot be determined by code in the EVM units can be read out by an approved external unit and the code so read may be compared with corresponding reference code to show that code is same as that in the reference units. The scope of comparison is only to ensure that there is no trojan or other malware for EVMs in use.

Up until 2010, no one from the government, be it the ECI, the TEC, the manufacturers or third party, could actually extract the source code from the chips embedded in the machines. The ECIs Status Paper on EVMs, Edition 4, of November 2021 clearly says the exact original source code cannot be derived from the older versions of EVMs (M1 and M2) manufactured till 2010. This is because the chips or micro controllers were imported and came pre-loaded. Any attempt to tinker with the hardware would make these one-time programmable chips redundant.

Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty.

Way back in 1990 when the first evaluation was done, the TEC had recommended that source codes be made public. The TEC report of 1990 accessed under RTI says, As a matter of abundant precaution, the instruments signature may be tested by the suppliers before a poll to check that they have not been replaced.

This was repeated by the 2006 committee as well, which did not have access to the code either.

The TEC in fact recommended again and again that the veil of secrecy surrounding source codes should be lifted. In 2013, the TEC said that a facility be provided so the code in the EVM units can be read out by an approved external unit and the code so read may be compared with corresponding reference code to show that code is same as that in the reference units. The scope of comparision is only to ensure that there is no trojan or other malware for EVMs in use.

This report of 2013 was the last the government shared with activist Venkatesh Nayak via RTI. No report has been made public post 2013.

Screenshots of the TEC recommendation report.

Nayak says, It is not clear if the Election Commission of India officials are present at any stage be it manufacturing or software development or testing. I dont think they even see the machines before they reach the warehouses.

Too much secrecy?

Indias disproportionate secrecy is in marked contrast to other countries still using electronic voting devices.

Australian EVMs use Linux, an open-source software. Venezuela audits its source code before every election. The US keeps its source codes and hashes in a public repository and Ge
rmany and several other countries have got rid of electronic voting machines. In India, votaries of those fighting for transparency say if the secrecy surrounding source codes is lifted, it will be difficult for insiders to maliciously manipulate the software.

Emails and phone calls to officials of the ECI and spokesperson elicited no response. However, government officials told The Wire, There is no reason why the source code information should be shared. People have gone to the Supreme Court again and again on this matter and their efforts have been rebuffed. The Election Commission has answered the court each time. These are nothing but motivated questions.

Former CEC, Ashok Lavasa, says, There have been a number of discussions on making source code public though the ECI goes by what the TEC says. The ECI prefers to be guided by academics like those at the TEC and go with their wisdom.

Lavasa says the system should be foolproof and the intent should be to have a robust system in place. There have been suggestions on counting all VVPAT slips even though this will be time consuming. However, trust and not speed should be of the essence. Its the duty of the ECI to satisfy the maximum number of doubts by introducing a modicum of credibility, dialogue and transparency, he adds.

Election Commission of India, Government of India, GODL-India <https://data.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette_Notification_OGDL.pdf>, via Wikimedia Commons

The petitioner Sunil Ahya has been trying to access the source code since 2018 under RTI. In response, the Central Information Commissioner nudged the competent authority (the ECI) to examine if the source code details could be made public especially since this will create public trust in the voting system. The ECI stand was source codes are intellectual property rights. It has not responded to the CIC suggestion till date.

The ECIs default mode has been opacity, including the response given to RTIs submitted to them. In 2019, Ahya moved the Supreme Court since the ECI would not share the source code with him. When the petition came up before the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, the ECI told the court that a TEC of the ECI audits the software and any information is available with the TEC. But the TEC told Ahya and Nayak in separate RTI replies that audit is done by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologys (MEITYs) audit cell, called the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC).

STQC in turn said this information is with the ECI. The RTI was transferred by STQC to the ECI under Rule 6 (3) of the RTI Act, which says that if information is not available with a particular arm of the government, the appeal should be transferred to the one that has the information.

The EVM status paper explains the role of the STQC as, STQC tests and clears the EVMs before these are shipped out from BEL/ECIL. The ECI status paper simply calls STQC a third party testing agency without mentioning its parent body, MEITY.

Inside an EVM

The only time when an EVM was officially opened and its mechanics examined was under orders of the Bombay high court in May 2017.

The court was hearing a plea regarding an alleged vote mismatch in the Maharashtra 2014 assembly poll filed by Congress candidate Abhay Chhajed from Punes Parvathi constituency. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad was asked to examine, amongst other things, if the source code has been tampered with and if the hash values of these source codes were the same or different.

Chhajed says, It was strange that when the machine reached CFSL, Hyderabad, under Y plus security there were at least 40 people waiting for its arrival, right from the Intelligence Bureau, CID and other Intelligence agencies as well as state police and several others. There was so much paranoia.

The CFSL gave a clean chit but not before admitting they did not have the technical expertise to examine the machine.

Seeking additional time, the lab said, The analysis of the Exhibits pertaining to EVM appear to be complex in nature as such reference is first of its kind in this laboratory which involves interaction with the concerned technologists and to understand the nature of functioning. The report when it came, was signed by a ballistic expert and by a scientist of physics.

EVM CFSL Report by The Wire on Scribd

The experts said the microprocessor or chip was One Time Programmable, meaning once the programme is written into it, it cannot be modified. Or in other words, another software could not be written over it and it is therefore secure. The status paper echoes that position: EVM used by the commission is a standalone non networked, one-time programmable machine.

The CFSL report does not give details on the make of the machine they examined. It is also unclear which make of machine was used in the 2014 Maharashtra assembly poll but post 2013, it is the M3 type that is being manufactured by ECIL and BEL. While the M1 and M2 machines manufactured up to 2010 used OTP chips, the Status Paper on EVMs is silent about the technology used for the latest M3 machine chips or micro controllers.

Election Commission of India, Government of India, GODL-India <https://data.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette_Notification_OGDL.pdf>, via Wikimedia Commons

Software for EVMs at factory itself

The EVM Status Paper says that software for the EVMs is written at the factory itself. The software of the EVMs is developed in house by a selected group of engineers in BEL and ECIL independently from each other. This select software development group of few engineers design and develop the source code. Technological advancements now permit the writing of the machine code into the chips at PSU premises itself.

Questions have been sent to TEC chief D.T. Sahani and member Rajat Moona. Sahani is yet to respond to emails and phone calls. Moona told The Wire to talk to Sahani as he is heading the TEC. The TEC was asked about how it evaluates the software, whether the source code has been ever shared with the committee and whether international standards are followed in auditing the source code.

The software is developed in-house by BEL and ECIL and both PSUs are independent of each other, the ECI manual says.

This means that half of the EVMs countrywide have one software and the other half have another. If the software is developed in-house, it means that it is either developed by employees of the PSU or it is outsourced to a third party. In other words, the software for the EVMs is developed and written by government employees working for the two PSUs.

Software chips?

But what about the chip or the microcontroller on which the unknown government employees write the software? There is no clarity on specific details here. The EVM status paper says, Due to absence of requisite facilities to produce micro-controllers in India micro controllers are procured from manufacturers abroad.

In other words, the chip used in the EVMs are imported by the two government-controlled PSUs but both are silent about which country or company they are importing EVM chips from. Repeated RTIs requests seeking this information have been rebuffed by the government.

EVM Chip product info by The Wire on Scribd

In an RTI response to Venkatesh Nayak, BEL admitted that the chip they are using is from US-based NXP semiconductors. In addition, the NXP website says, this is not OTP. Instead, it has three different
kinds of memory SRAM, FLASH AND EEPROM. All three types can erase and rewrite data, or retain data bits in its memory or the memory can be electronically erased and rewritten. In other words, software that can be overwritten or reprogrammed cannot have the safeguards of being one time programmed.

In a paper on EVMs in 2010, a committee including Michigan University professor Alex J. Halderman had this to say with reference to expert committee members picked for EVMs: This time the committee members were A.K. Agarwala and D.T. Shahani, with P.V. Indiresan serving as chair. All three were affiliated with IIT Delhi, but, like the first committee, none appear to have had prior computer security expertise. Again, the committee members did not have access to EVM source code and relied on presentations, demonstrations, and site visits with the manufacturers.

In their report, the ECI has reiterated its view that the machines were tamper-proof.

In fact, Professor Indiresan is reported to have once said that questioning the ECIs integrity is like asking Sita to undergo trial by fire.

Read the original post:
The Anatomy of an Electronic Voting Machine: What We Know and ... - The Wire

By Woo Jae-yeon

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- The historical drama "12.12: The Day" revisits the fateful nine hours of a military coup on Dec. 12, 1979, that plunged South Korea's already chaotic political situation into further disarray.

During the hours, a gang of military figures, led by Chun Doo-kwang (Hwang Jung-min), stages a military coup to gain control of the army amid a political vacuum following the assassination of military dictator Park Chung-hee and the subsequent imposition of martial law.

Based on real events peppered with fictional tales, the movie intricately -- and frantically -- weaves through Chun's ride, driven by personal greed and political ambition, which capitalizes on the military's internal divisions and frictions.

Perhaps more agonizing to watch is the military's grave incompetence and bottomless pit of desire that put individual comfort and safety before safeguarding the nation.

A poster of "12.12: The Day" is seen in this image provided by Plus M Entertainment on Nov. 13, 2023. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Only a few officers, centered around Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin (Jung Woo-sung), stake everything to stand up against the coup and thwart Chun's scheme, while the defense minister runs away from the approaching rebel forces for fear of his safety and sly generals side with Chun for future gains.

The extreme chaos and confusion inside the military over who is in command and whose orders one should follow are starkly portrayed in the juxtaposition of the scenes wherein officers make frantic calls to ask for -- and discourage -- backup.

Director Kim Sung-su once again cast Hwang and Jung as the two lead characters, as they took the central roles in Kim's 2016 action crime flick "Asura: The City of Madness."

Hwang spent four hours in the makeup chair each day to become arguably one of the country's most-hated political figures.

And his dedication paid off: The actor flawlessly transformed himself into the man who violently seized power and ruled the country with an iron fist from 1980 to 1988, capturing his bald head, bulbous nose and characteristically shameless demeanor.

The veteran actor's performance as Chun reaches a climax in a spine-chilling bathroom scene, where he is seen peeing and laughing an evil, wicked laugh in front of a mirror to congratulate himself on the success of the coup. The scene marks the beginning of the country's long and arduous struggle for democracy.

Actor Jung Woo-sung (C), who plays Lee Tae-shin in "12.12: The Day," is shown in the photo provided by Plus M Entertainment on Nov. 13, 2023. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Some scenes were filled with stereotypical good-versus-evil cliches, like the face-off between triumphant Doo-kwang and desperate Tae-shin. In one scene seemingly intended to add a dramatic effect and portray him as a brave, righteous but lone warrior, Tae-shin looks up at the statue of Korea's legendary Admiral Yi Sun-shin at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square while being cornered by the rebel force.

The film ends as the Chun-led private military club Hanahoe proudly poses for a group photo to mark the success of what they call "revolution."

This image gradually fades, giving way to the historically well-documented real-life scene in Korean history. It symbolizes individuals who betrayed their nation's trust through a doomed military coup that left only a fleeting mark on Korea's long history of democracy.

The movie is set to hit local theaters next Wednesday.

jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END)

More here:
(Movie Review) '12.12: The Day': anatomy of tension-filled 9-hr coup ... - Yonhap News Agency

(Credits: Far Out / Universal Pictures)

Wed 15 November 2023 10:00, UK

For decades, David Lynch has mystified audiences with his surreal slices of cinema, prioritising non-linear narratives and offbeat characters. As a result, the filmmaker has gained a cult following, lauded for his unconventional approach to storytelling. Depending on who you ask, you will hear differing answers regarding Lynchs best film, from Eraserhead to Blue Velvet. Yet, theres no denying the fact that Mulholland Drive is a masterpiece, undoubtedly standing as one of Lynchs finest works.

The movie is a beautiful enigma, often leaving audiences dumbfounded due to the complex narrative that reveals our protagonists, Betty (Naomi Watts) and Rita (Laura Harring), to be imaginary, only existing in the mind of Watts Diane. Mulholland Drive is divided between dream and reality, with Diane using her imagination to escape from her miserable life as a failing actor. In her daydream, Diane is Betty, and Rita is an ideal version of Camilla, also played by Harring, whom Diane has been having an ultimately doomed affair with.

Lynchs film touches on many themes, yet at the heart of Mulholland Drive is an analysis of truth versus fantasy, relating back to the filmmakers frequent dissection of the American dream. In projects such as Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, Lynch has revealed the bleakness and unreliability that lies inside the American dream, sold to us under false pretences. Mulholland Drive is no exception, using the ultimate symbol of American aspiration Hollywood as a backdrop to explore the fact that we cling to false promises and hopes, which almost never come to fruition.

To cope with the tragedies that paint our existences, such as career losses or romantic unfulfillment, which are embodied in the character of Diane Selwyn, we resort to daydreams. We create our own stories like movies inside our heads to help us through. Yet, deep down, we know the truth.

The Club Silencio scene is arguably the most crucial sequence in the film, communicating this fantasy breakdown to both Diane/Betty and the audience. Until this point, we are unaware that everything we have been watching has been a figment of Dianes imagination. Yet, the truth slowly unravels from this point onwards, and Dianes fantasy life as Betty shatters in front of her (and our) eyes.

The scene begins with Betty and Rita donning matching blonde wigs to attend a performance at Club Silencio. A man steps on stage and says a few brief words about the power of illusion, indicating that everything is not as it seems. Then, Rebekah Del Rio appears from behind the red curtains and sings a powerful Spanish acapella rendition of Roy Orbisons Crying.

The lyrics of the song communicate Dianes feelings towards Camilla, When you said, So long/ Left me standing all alone/ Alone and crying, crying. Thus, as Diane (Betty in her dream world) watches Del Rios emotionally charged performance, she is forced to reckon with the fact she is living in an illusion. Whats more, in real life, Diane has hired a hitman to kill Camilla. Therefore, this performance also symbolises Dianes extreme guilt, which comes to a head at the end of the film when she kills herself.

Del Rio collapses on the floor while singing, but her vocals continue to play, further emphasising the blurred lines between reality/fantasy and truths/lies. The camera hones in on Bettys reaction to the performance she appears visibly distressed and shaky, with tears in her eyes and a look of brutal realisation on her face. We cannot live in our fantasies forever, and the artificiality of the Club Silencio performance only solidifies this for Betty/Diane.

At the end of the scene, Betty finds the blue box in her bag, which signifies a bridge into the real world, where Camilla and Diane cannot be together. Its a pivotal sequence which allows us to connect the dots, exposing us to the fact that fantasy is merely fleeting and reality will always come back to haunt us.

Continue reading here:
Anatomy of a Scene: Examining the Club Silencio scene in ... - Far Out Magazine