Archive for June, 2009
Tangent from: Objects
Yes — objects. Some weeks ago I saw two very different but equally wonderful movies that focus on the value of material objects (monetary, sentimental, etc).
Olivier Assayas‘ Summer Hours shows the simultaneously solemn, humorous, and emotional introspection that occurs when one has to decide how to deal with the belongings of a recently deceased loved one. It questions the true value of objects and examines attachments to material things. It’s a quiet, thoughtful movie that moved me so much that I found it difficult to hold back tears when recounting the story to a friend.
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Objectified, on the other hand, touches on sentiment, but focuses more on the utility, efficacy, and aesthetic of objects. Gary Hustwit, the design-focused filmmaker who aimed his camera at Helvetica two years ago, now turns his attention away from typography and towards industrial design. He speaks with some big names in the field who offer their historical knowledge and philosophical outlook on the subject. It was clever, enlightening, and certainly gave me a deeper appreciation for the potato peeler. (Seriously.)
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Since watching these films I’ve been absorbed with material objects. I’ve thought about my own — what I love, what I’ve paid loads for, what affection and memory won’t let me part with, etc. This got me thinking about my friends and their possessions — particularly those whose interests have led to the accumulation of a lot of… stuff. So I asked them about it. And they told me about it…
The Thin Man: Mingus
A mini tribute to Jon and Tim (aka Shank and Bludgeon)
When I was in college I had the good fortune of knowing two people with the most excellent music collection: roommates Jon and Tim. I spent loads of time at their place — eating their food, watching their movies, using Jon’s computer so I could write my papers in an environment more comfortable than the computer lab. And in all the times I was over, there was always — no exaggeration — always music playing. These guys woke up to music and fell asleep to music. Their individual collections covered an impressive range of genres; combined, it was just amazing.
The first time I heard The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady was at their place. Tim was rifling through his stuff when he decided on this album. “Trish, you’ll love this,” he predicted. The music played and immediately I pictured car headlights, shadows in alleyways, near empty diners, tough men in trench coats, and mysterious women with wavy hair that seductively draped over their eyes.
After listening to that album, I acquired my own Mingus collection. Whenever I hear his music, I don’t always imagine a detective story, but there’s definitely a narrative running through my brain. I like to to think the album covers function in a similar way.
The Thin Man: Wine and Spirits
Nick Charles likes to drink. This is actually one of his distinct characteristics. Given the time period, I’m sure it was meant to be one of his charming flaws. And the man drinks with such style and grace — no matter what time of day or night. I think he’d be pleased with the beautiful work designers are creating for his favorite beverages (gathered from The Dieline and Lovely Package — two excellent sites that showcase gorgeous packaging).
