#Shadowless Noir

[lunelised]

The self-eating demon visited me,

As I was sitting alone in the Cafe Nocturne.

His frozen smile radiated emptiness,

Blurry shadows whirled in the depth of his pinot noir eyes.

A charming young man sat beside me,

And gracefully swallowed my tears, with taste.

Midnight empty Cafe Nocturne,

twinkling emeralds of dim green lava lamps,

jazz noir record,

a lazy sound slowed and reversed.

A lonely Moth is sipping his Morning Dew,

As he strips his lies

down to the core,

Lost drunken soul,

Reveals true intentions to his shadow.

A charming young lad offers a pill,

Sweet opioid speech,

devilishly merciless;

inevitably true,

The self-eating demon discloses Moth´s darkest shames.

To the Nobody?

To the Nobody.

Stunned and ashamed,

the Moth falls to the bloody dancefloor,

tiny legs stretched up against the ceiling,

Green glass eyes reflect a lurking smirk.

Amidst dark-rouge mist of the windy weeping night,

The dull-blue cigarette smoke covers the wounds,

Muting the non-stop buzzing of sweating nightmares.

A young carefree lad,

slowly he emerges from neon clouds of nebulous horizon.

Gently he whispers a fatal argument,

And hands a pistol to the Moth.

On the Johanneshovs bridge they stand,

The Moth against his shadow,

face to face.

How is that happening?

Sleepy river minds her own dreams,

Ignoring Moth´s tormenting thoughts.

A sudden cry scares the waters,

All at once,

Waves´ drumbeat against spiky rocks,

To the rhythm of Moth´s heartbeat,

All at last,

A wild desire dances tango

with an insane whirl

of devil´s malice and Moth´s anguish.

BANG!

splash…

Fly fly fly, my honey butterfly.

In the rigour of the northern forest,

Falling leaves,

drunk with morning dew,

Scatter a scent of freedom,

Diffuse visions of meadows dreaming.

The Moth woke up, shadowless.

Still lying on the verdant grass,

Trapped in its cold embrace.

Behind the tree,

tricky grin,

Smoky silence,

all birds gone,

The young man furtively reloads the pistol.

A lonely soul,

skilfully he articulates

a timeless monologue of the Danish Prince.

Weakly he chants,

With his eyes closed,

With his heart lost.

In his everlasting smile,

So close to shed a tear,

In the deep shade of his pinot noir eyes,

A lurking shadow

imperiously lures the Moth to switch places.

[automedia-ae]

Mastering the Art of Light: A Photographer’s Guide to Different Lighting Setups

Introduction

Light is the cornerstone of photography. It shapes the mood, atmosphere, and overall impact of an image. Understanding and effectively utilizing different lighting setups can elevate your photography. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various lighting techniques and their applications in different genres of photography.

Natural Light

Natural light, often considered the most flattering and authentic, can be harnessed in various ways:

Golden Hour and Blue Hour: The periods shortly after sunrise and before sunset offer soft, warm light that’s ideal for portraits and landscapes.

Overcast Day: Diffused light from overcast skies creates a soft, even illumination that’s excellent for outdoor portraits and product photography.

Direct Sunlight: While it can create harsh shadows, direct sunlight can be used creatively to highlight textures and details. Consider using a diffuser or reflector to soften the light.

Artificial Light

Artificial lighting provides greater control and flexibility, allowing photographers to create specific moods and effects. Common types of artificial light include:

Continuous Light: LED lights and fluorescent lights offer a constant illumination that’s useful for video and live streaming.

Flash: Speedlights and studio strobes can produce intense bursts of light, allowing for precise control over exposure and shadow placement.

Mixed Light: Combining natural and artificial light can create interesting and dramatic effects.

Lighting Techniques

High-Key Lighting: This technique involves creating a bright, airy image with minimal shadows. It’s often used in fashion and beauty photography.

Low-Key Lighting: This technique creates a dark, mysterious atmosphere with dramatic shadows. It’s popular in noir and horror genres.

Rembrandt Lighting: Named after the Dutch painter, this technique involves creating a triangular-shaped highlight on the subject’s cheek.

Butterfly Lighting: This technique involves placing the light directly above the subject, creating a butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose.

Loop Lighting: This technique involves positioning the light at a 45-degree angle to the subject, creating a loop-shaped highlight on the opposite side of the face.

Lighting for Different Genres

Portrait Photography: Soft, diffused light is generally preferred for portraits. Consider using a reflector to fill in shadows and create a more flattering look.

Product Photography: Consistent lighting is essential for product photography. Use light tents or softboxes to create a clean, shadowless background.

Landscape Photography: Natural light is often the best choice for landscape photography. However, artificial light can be used to highlight specific elements or create dramatic effects.

Event Photography: A combination of natural and artificial light is often used for event photography. Be prepared to adjust your lighting setup based on the venue and time of day.

Automotive Photography: Strong, direct light can be used to highlight the curves and details of vehicles. Consider using a polarizing filter to reduce reflections.

Conclusion

Understanding and mastering different lighting techniques is essential for any photographer. By experimenting with various setups and lighting modifiers, you can create stunning images that capture the essence of your subject.

Are you looking for a professional photographer in Dubai to capture your business’s unique story? As a leading Dubai photography agency, we offer a wide range of services, including real estate, food, product, event, and automotive photography. Our team of experienced photographers is dedicated to delivering high-quality images that exceed your expectations. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote.

[zoocoup]

2022 Favorites (and honorable mentions)

Favorite Albums & EPs of 2022

Favorite Singles of 2022

Not sure why, but I bought a lot of music in 2022, more so than usual. It was also, I think, an especially good year for music. In addition to the things that actually made my lists above, here are the releases that were close: 

• Aoife Nessa Frances / Protector • Börn / Drottningar dauðans • Babe Report / The Future of Teeth • Bees Made Honey in the Vein Tree / Harvestmen (live) • Blushing / Possessions • Bodega / Broken Equipment • Bri Barte / Hex Sign • Broadcast / Maida Vale Sessions • CLAMM / Care • Damien Jurado / Reggae Film Star • Delivery / Forever Giving Handshakes • Despondent / Other Girls • Droopies / Echoes Lightly • Dropper / Don't Talk to Me • Eliza Edens / We'll Become the Flowers • Fake Palms / Lemons • Fonteyn / Trip the Light Fantastic • J. Zunz / Del Aire • Julia Jacklin / Pre Pleasure • Marlowe / Marlowe 3 • Mellie / I Have Ideas, Too • Mizmor & Thou / Myopia • Monolithe Noir / Rin • Nadja / Nalepa • Nightshift / Made of the Earth • Options / Swimming Feeling • Papercuts / Past Life Regression • Primitive Man / Insurmountable • Public Acid / Condemnation • Renata Zeiguer / Picnic in the Dark • Smirk / Material • SOOKS / Demo 22 • Stander / Vulnerable • Stereolab / Pulse of the Early Brain [Switched On Volume 5] • The Casual Dots / Sanguine Truth • The Dankoes / Some Kind of Grit • Ty Segall / Hello, Hi • Wand / Spiders in the Rain • WEAK SIGNAL / WAR&WAR • Wednesday / Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling 'em Up • Weird Nightmare / Weird Nightmare • Wet Leg / Wet Leg • Working Men's Club / Fear Fear • “2k Hip Pocket” / Vintage Crop • “Abalone” / PACKS • “Alien” / TVOD • “Andy, Come Out” / Ted Leo & the Pharmacists • “Arena Of Blood” / Osees • “Balboa Park” / Jacob Turnbloom • “Blue Room” / Love Fiend • “Boundaries” / Jamila Woods • “Breaking Up” / Bnny • “Burning Down” / Anna Calvi • “Butterfly” / Blue Hawaii • “Can U See Me” / Justice Hill • “Combo”vLaundromat • “David” / NoSo • “Demolition Row” / METZ • “Edge of the Edge” / Panda Bear and Sonic Boom • “Forever Young” / Beth Orton • “Giving The Past Away” / Quicksand • “Head Cleaner” / Ruben Riley • “Heart String Special” / Mejiwahn • “Here To Forever” / Death Cab for Cutie • “Home Maker” / Sudan Archives • “Impossible” / Röyksopp • “In Our Hands” / Scone Cash Players • “Incinerate for KG” / Chaka Gettz • “L.A. People” / Love Fiend • “Looking Right into the Sun” / Hello Mary • “Make Believe” / Tanukichan • “Memory” / Lala Lala • “Miles and Miles” / The Heavy Heavy • “MITTOS (Make It To The Other Side)” / Sarah MK • “More Hard Times (remix)” / Ted Leo • “New Body Rhumba” / LCD Soundsystem • “Oh, Shadowless” / Neko Case • “Once Twice Melody” / Beach House • “Pastel Concrete” / MAITA • “Pet Meds” / Kamikaze Nurse • “Piggy” / St Vincent • “Pigs, Shit & Trash” / Weeping Icon • “Pins and Needles” / Cosmit • “Problem With It” / Plains • “Problems” / Floating Points • “Repetition” / Spread Joy • “Runes of Abandonment” / Ted Leo & the Pharmacists • “Selfish Soul” / Sudan Archives • “Silence is Golden” / The Beths • “Something's Going On” / Kokoroko • “Summer Nights” / Hazel English • “Summer Renaissance” / Beyoncé • “Take a Trip” / Brijean • “The Funhouse” / Francis of Delirium • “The Only Heartbreaker“ / Mitski • “The Windmill” / Ruben Riley • “Time” / Pom Poko • “To Decide” / Caution • “Together” / on hallowed ground • “Venutian Offspring” / Lucrecia Dalt • “Very Fine, pts. 1 & 2” / Neal Francis • “Was I Ever” / Queen of Jeans • “Worry” / Green/Blue

[illegiblewords]

ILLEGIBLE’S TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE FAVORITE EORZEA COLLECTION DESIGNS: FEMALE

I’ve mentioned in the past, the main thing that made me start playing FFXIV properly was seeing people’s character designs. I’m still honestly blown away by the creativity and range of approaches people bring to this game, so I’ve decided to be an absolute madwoman and break my favorites into subcategories to share with anyone curious.

And to be clear. I’m not going to do something so broad as “oh top ten in-general :3″ because that would be sensible. No, I’m going to do it for all the current combat jobs. And all the current races. And different genders within the races and combat jobs as things stand. And I’m going to make a face-focus subcategory. And there are gonna be LOTS. Because I seriously cannot understate how inspired I’ve been by this community, and after however many years I just feel the need to vomit some incredible visuals I’ve encountered at you guys lol.

NOTE: In an abundance of caution, I want to stress this list isn’t a value judgment on anyone but a fragment of things that blew me personally away. Looking at the DRK sections it will be immediately clear that I Illegible really like that edgy dark knight aesthetic lmao, but there are plenty of non-edgy dark knights that I also love to bits. Other people might not like edgy dark knights. Due to a combination of size and search constraints plus trying to keep gear somewhat varied, these glamours are just what wound up on this particular list of mine. I could make another list one day. Other people can make lists too that are totally different.

Also, I was originally going to make a single post that went over male and female options presented in the character creator but straight up tumblr wouldn’t let me save because it got too big. You can see the male character post here.

Without further ado, let us begin.

COMBAT JOB GLAMOURS

PALADIN

- Sword Oath by Ariadne Lacroix

- Chevalier by Erin Arckanger

- Neo - Halone’s Sword by Goelia Sarantia

- Commander by Nya Nya

- Bellona - Goddess of War by Aurora Hearts

- Kirin by R'yo Aderyd

- In All Innocence by Lohia Aihol

- Pink Paladin Princess by Mepis Pheles

- Protector of the Creed by Kirin Anderfels

- Ivalician Spud Knight by Augwyn Usynthota 

WARRIOR

- Savage by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Bonk by Toasty Steambun

- Vinland Reaver by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Insurmountable by M'rhene Tia

- Cerberus by Lohia Aihol

- Freyja by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Warrior by Beso' Neko

- Fierce Red by Verona Lunich

- Regal Warrior by Sonora Swift

- KWEH!-rrior by Nitus Hyenborn

DARK KNIGHT

- Demon Knight by Ihon Nuzhysa 

- Demon DRK by Rosdy Mry

- Abyss by Vexa Crow

- Ritter by Miyu Fubuki

- Berserker princess by Allia Aenor

- Abaddon by Alma Sophia

- Furnace Knight by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Dark Divinity by Siren Sokute

- Absolution of Faith by Paragon Moon

- Druid DRK by Rosdy Mry

GUNBREAKER

- Flux by Flash Galathynius

- Ending SB by Una Veil

- Soldier E-075 by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Lost Allagan Future-Punk Knight by Nge Lik

- Neo - Wasteland Dust by Goelia Sarantia

- Blade’s Resolve by Erin Arckanger

- Sand Crawler by Sveta Raybrant

- Daring Gunbreaker by Radi Sativadi

- Bozjan Warfront by Keres Amiya

- Neo - Royal Guard by Goelia Sarantia

DRAGOON

- Leviathan’s Envoy by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Durium by Mihna Nhokiri

- Crimson Dragoon by Kotone Khatayin

- Heavenly Knight by Ciel Leblanc

- Gold Dragon Knight by Makenshi Dragonsbane

- Athena - The Goddess of War by Lohia Aihol

- Ryubi Warrior by Korkana Ryubi

- Native Warg by Schan Starfall

- Stranger from Across the Ruby Sea by Vederah Kilmister

- Onion Knight by Tess Tickle

SAMURAI

- Of Crimson Plumage by Cyrene Devana

- Crimson Wanderer by Sierra Delacroix

- Warmonger by Ethelin Aldren

- Yoroi of the Black Dragon by Mog Champ

- Cute war criminal by Nunui Nui

- Sirens Beckon by Adeline Grace

- Black Tide by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Kotetsu by Leisha Aysheen

- Neo - Universe’s Echo (SAM) by Goelia Sarantia

- Samurai Vagabond by Tranquil Rain

NINJA

- Midori no Ninja by Dezel Windriders

- Phtonos by R'yo Aderyd

- Neo - Flower Bowknot by Goelia Sarantia

- Church Assassin by Ien Torr

- Little Bat by Messenger Pigeon

- Birdkeep by Nya Nya

- Astrological Sign - Taurus by Leisha Aysheen

- The Nothing by Vederah Kilmister

- The Trickster by Little Toussaint

- Bloodborne-inspired Rogue by Valentyne Louvier

MONK

- Night Walker by Madoras Yorigami

- Elegant Scavenger by Mia Fletcher

- Wild Rose by Ihon Nuzhysa

- YAOI HANDS FROM HELL by Cool Mom

- Astrological Sign - Cancer by Leisha Aysheen

- Neo - Fist of Suzaku by Goelia Sarantia

- Sting Like A Bee by Arsibra Therion

- Orochi no Kaze by Liesel Mahora

- Heavensent by Ren Sakurai

- The Burn’s Wraith by Arsibra Therion

BARD

- Cherry March by Toasty Steambun

- Scarlet Vagabond by Rena Nox

- Suzaku’s Champion by Kotomi Krios

- Serpent Elite Hunter by Vesper Amaris

- Rathian by Nya Nya

- Obsolete Ribbon Bard by Karielle Davva

- Ronkan The Huntress by Raven Ashfell

- Peacock Elegance by Lohia Aihol

- Purple Rain by Franya Mohali

- Aoidos by Miyu Fubuki

DANCER

- Sidereal Goddess by Leisha Aysheen

- Crepuscule by Lohia Aihol

- Loving Blue Dancer by Kaisa Miyahara

- The First Ride by Kirin Anderfels

- Armored Bladedancer by Flower Blossom

- Masked Dancer by Aoi Umi

- Dancer of the Flame by Lohia Aihol

- Apothecary by Leisha Aysheen

- From sands to ashes by R'yo Aderyd

- The Monkey King by Stole Your'cat

MACHINIST

- Skysteel Valentine by Pastel Alerion

- Artic War by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Allied Officer by Mihri Ninaka

- Neo - doomsday by Goelia Sarantia

- bang bang shoot by Vegetable Juice

- Infiltrator: Lancehead and Gunmetal by Flash Galathynius

- Ruby Engineer by Lys Aludra

- GOBBIE BOOM! by Loki- Kun

- Wanderer: Dirt and Grit by Flash Galathynius

- Mysterious Stranger by Paragon Moon

BLACK MAGE

- Taker of Souls by Cassiopeia Fauconnoix

- Ruby Moon by Dezel Windriders

- The Dark Illusionist by The Fashionista

- Ferryman by Ien Torr

- Wayward Temptress by Atsinquela Athenruse

- Cybinki by Binki Bowie

- Wicked Wolf by Binki Bowie

- Black Mage by Fuu Min

- Neo - Demon Caller by Goelia Sarantia

- Paglth’an Black Mage by Erin Arckanger

SUMMONER

- Egyptian chocolate by Graceful Khamseen

- Summoner Goddess by Noire Faye

- Broken Nobility by Ylynna Aethis

- Black Bishop by Rosdy Mry

- Caller by Nya Nya

- Cute Magical Assistant by Lohia Aihol

- The Magus’ Apprentice by Pastel Alerion

- Oracle by Vesper Amaris

- Bismark by Lohia Aihol

- Siren Call by Atsinquela Athenruse

RED MAGE

- Aristocratic Intellectual by Vederah Kilmister

- Neo - Top Student by Goelia Sarantia

- Diligent Musketeer by Nitus Hyenborn

- Battle Bride by Rena Adyrin

- Neo - Golden Dance by Goelia Sarantia

- Elegant Musketeer by Yoko Okoy

- Meadow Musketeer by K'uro Hana

- Bozjan Duelist by Livia Illia

- Battlemage by Sagume Kishin

- Ruby Mage by Cyane Monis

- Caster of a Thousand Steps by Burning Heart

WHITE MAGE

- Shadowless Healer by Vinilite Beoulve

- Gridanian Medic by Luna Ariana

- Sands of Time by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Fae Healer by Amaya Nakamura

- Legacy by Larisse Larassier

- Neo - Silence Demon by Goelia Sarantia

- Vampire Chronicles by Ihon Nuzhysa

- Neo - Theresia by Goelia Sarantia

- Mechanic Heart by Ashia Luin

- Greatwood Druidess by Isilian Volantia

SCHOLAR

- Neo - Steam:Dream by Goelia Sarantia

- Timekeeper by Lohia Aihol

- Scholarly Grace by Joyce Blythe

- Neo - Checkmate by Goelia Sarantia

- Neo - Admiral by Goelia Sarantia

- Curator of the Great Library by Vederah Kilmister

- Fae Scholar by Miyu Fubuki

- Sharlayan Schooler by Lia Tales

- Druidic Knowledge by K'uro Hana

- Fairy Tales by Luma Rose

ASTROLOGIAN

- Sharay by Leisha Aysheen

- Oracle by Xiah Bajihri

- Ice Sight by Juicy Beefcake

- Winter Vibes by Verona Lunich

- Soothsayer by Nya Nya

- Goddess with a thousand jewels by Eji Ka

- Astrological Sign - Geminis by Leisha Aysheen

- Dark Astrologian by Zabine Fortemps

- Neo - Aromatherapy by Goelia Sarantia

- Cosmo Astrology by Katie Kox

BLUE MAGE

- I’m Just A Fool by Lohia Aihol

- azure by Persephone Athanasios

- Cute and Blue by Lia Tales

- Sapphire by Hana Rose

- No title by Goelia Sarantia

GLAMOUR SPILLOVER

HYUR MIDLANDER

- Skydruid by Dezel Windriders

- Shield of the Light by Ezelion Rykana

- Drachen by Nya Nya

- Jade Dragon by Ophelia Au'rel

- Faerie King by Naleia To

- Villainous Stride: Stalwart by Celer Acedius

- Souls Legacy by Ihon Nuzhysa

- forgiven impunity by Persephone Athanasios

- wanderer by Persephone Athanasios

- Off With Their Heads! by Binki Bowie

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Faerie King by Naleia To

- Makai Elemental Guide by Shard Nuphar

- Shield of the Light by Ezelion Rykana

- Discount Red Mage by Bb Channel

- Off With Their Heads! by Binki Bowie

HYUR HIGHLANDER

- Tequila Sunrise by Kirin Anderfels

- Flame Kissed Soother by Karielle Davva

- Dancer of Ala Mhigo by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Vampire Hunter by Dezel Windriders

- The Red Princess by Asra Ashryver

- Black Hare by Lominn Lomi 

- Overseer by Ien Torr

- Falcon of Light by Tess Tickle

- Waiting in the Shire by Tess Tickle

- Alexandrian Ninja by Tranquil Rain

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Warmonger by Ethelin Aldren

- Bozjan Warfront by Keres Amiya

- The Red Princess by Asra Ashryver

- Black Hare by Lominn Lomi

- Vampire Hunter by Dezel Windriders

ELEZEN

- Alexandrian Huntress by Louise Aquitaine

- The Forgotten Knight by Nova Kie

- Halone’s Royal Guard by Isilian Volantia

- Theatrics by Giomeo Wind

- Aeolian Tempest by Ariadne Lacroix

- East Hingashi Company Admiral by Louise Aquitaine

- Death’s Embrace by Ophelia Au'rel

- Seeing Leadwitch by Flash Galathynius

- The Golden Dahlia by Yurina Dia-oerb

- Wings of Fate by Louise Aquitaine

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Theatrics by Giomeo Wind

- Vinland Reaver by Tenpenny Tiffany

- Legacy by Larisse Larassier

- Eorzean Army Lady by Dezel Windriders

- Wandering Weaponmaster by Ariadne Lacroix

LALAFELL

- Winter Doll by Lohia Aihol

- Pistachio Colored Velveteen by Corrigible Argyros

- Flippant Eulmoran by Vederah Kilmister

- Priestess of the East by Liesel Mahora

- Samurai of Darkness by MsYue

- Lominsan Guardian by Mizora Saphira

- Valerian Hunter by Ashia Luin

- Wolf Warrior by Lalatua Ul'tua

- Breath of the Wildwood by Vederah Kilmister

- Fields Little Demoness by Liesel Mahora

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Cute war criminal by Nunui Nui

- Fierce Red by Verona Lunich

- Priestess of the East by Liesel Mahora

- Winter Doll by Lohia Aihol

- Pistachio Colored Velveteen by

MIQO’TE

- Mercantile Machinist by Nadya Lesrekta

- Western Ninja by San Kyu

- Astrologian Noble by Amira Lynn

- Gemmaster's Collection - ft. body piece by Sonora Swift

- Meiyo by Lohia Aihol

- Bozjan Thief by Specter Saruu

- Lavender Knight by Lohia Aihol

- Lycan by Aya Mihaal

- Desert Mirage by Lohia Aihol

- Aloe Vera by Lyn Saikuma

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Lycan by Aya Mihaal

- Mercantile Machinist by Nadya Lesrekta

- bang bang shoot by Vegetable Juice

- Dancer of the Flame by Lohia Aihol

- Bozjan Thief by Specter Saruu

ROEGADYN

- Blonde Ale by Kirin Anderfels

- Edenchoir Holy Knight by Marien Fury

- Dark Fae by Sahl Suh

- Thaliak’s Maiden by R'yo Aderyd

- Paladin II by Fuu Min

- Electric Princess by Anais Silverclaw

- My my, such unruly guests! by Sarafina Vadrel

- The Regal Magister by Rohariel Hellwitch

- Green Riding Hood by Tranquil Rain

- Assassin of the sands by Graceful Khamseen

FAVORITE MODELS:

- From sands to ashes by R'yo Aderyd

- Ice Sight by Juicy Beefcake

- Blonde Ale by Kirin Anderfels

- Dust and Shadows by Sarafina Vadrel

- Egyptian chocolate by Graceful Khamseen

AU RA

- Astrological Sign - Pisces by Leisha Aysheen

- Edenmorn by Kyary Valentine

- Amaranthine by Atsinquela Athenruse

- Garlean Warlord by Teresa Stormhand

- Wandering Priestess by Toasty Steambun

- Queen of the South by Leisha Aysheen

- Baphomet by Madoras

- Lone Wonderer by Bright Dancer

- Druid by Leisha Aysheen

- Dreadnaught Viking by Ormr Kishna 

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Midori no Ninja by Dezel Windriders

- Garlean Warlord by Teresa Stormhand

- Dreadnaught Viking by by Ormr Kishna

- Demon Knight by Ihon Nuzhysa 

- Ivalician Oni by Leisha Aysheen

VIERA

- Yanxian Rounin by Siddh Brumedecendre

- Wealthy Merchant by San Tokki

- Desert Dancer by Erzulie One

- Dark Knight Guard by Valentyne Louvier

- Sands of Amber by Erzulie One

- Worthy Sacrifice by Erzulie One

- Lilac Wicca by Clodagh Lunaria

- Royal Musketeer by Ashia Luin

- Violet Tides by Siddh Brumedecendre

- Street Style by Yoko Okoy

FAVORITE MODELS:

- Rathian by Nya Nya

- Explorer by Yliana Oria

- Paglth’an Princess by Ximena Reign

- Cosmo Astrology by Katie Kox

- Desert Dancer by Erzulie One

[fibula-rasa]

Noirvember the 6th: The Locket (1946)

The Locket (1946)

20 December 1946 | 85 min. | B&W

Director: John Brahm

Writer: Sheridan Gibney

Cinematographer: Nicholas Musuraca

What stands out about The Locket, upon first reflection, is its plot structure. It’s often the main feature people discuss about the film. The Locket’s story is told through nested flashbacks that spiral back to a dramatic climax. It might sound complicated, but it’s actually a very lucid narrative. (BTW: If you’re someone who doesn’t watch too many older films, and you check this one out, I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Locket’s structure!)

On the day of his wedding, John Willis (Gene Raymond) gets an unexpected visit from a strange man, a psychologist called Blair (Brian Aherne). Blair tries to explain that Willis’ bride to be, Nancy (Laraine Day), is his ex-wife and a compulsive liar who has left a trail of broken men in her wake. Once Blair has sufficiently proven that he’s not some charlatan, Blair explains that after he married Nancy, he also received an unexpected visit from a strange man, a painter called Clyde (Robert Mitchum). Clyde had tried to get through to Blair that his new wife was Clyde’s ex-girlfriend, who was involved in a murder and theft and had already ruined at least three men’s lives.

This would be too niche of a crafting project, but I’d love to make a matryoshka doll set with Gene Raymond>Brian Aherne> Robert Mitchum>Laraine Day>a locket.

Each flashback segment is perfectly paced out and it’s so satisfying. Even though some people seem to laud the plot structure as if it’s an extricable part of The Locket, the style exquisitely reflects the dive into each narrating character’s psyche. (Nicholas Musuraca strikes again!)

The outer story (Willis’) is evenly lit with few shadows and many wide, conservatively constructed shots. The second story (Blair’s) starts in summertime with equally bright lighting and standard angles then, post-Clyde’s story, starts incorporating more shadows and shifty angles culminating in destabilized camera work in the midst of The Blitz. The third story (Clyde’s) is dark and wintry to begin with. But, Clyde’s story kicks off with mistrust as his first impression of Nancy is as a flippant rich girl with no real appreciation for art. Then, after Clyde learns of her trauma and becomes the only living witness placing her at a murder scene, his sequences are filled with shadow. The core story (Nancy’s) is maybe the most emotionally effective sequence of the film.

It returns us to the mostly shadowless standard angles of the start of the film, but it devolves as young Nancy is faced with her childhood trauma, which superficially might seem minor but tapped into deeper emotions of class difference. (And let’s not overlook that her mother is played by a Viennese actress with a noticeable accent.) Then, when The Locket finally returns to Willis and Nancy’s wedding day, repetition of events is paired with repetition of shots and sound cues until the film devolves stylistically again.

This is all captured in the musical score as well. The execution of Nancy’s final scene was actually jaw dropping for me. No surprise that the music was done by Roy Webb, who has a mind-bogglingly impressive resume.

I know that all probably made it seem like maybe I was lying when I said hat the plot was actually very easy to follow, but I promise it is. The structure is so cleanly presented with Nancy’s childhood trauma at the core of it all. But, each story layer outside of Nancy’s leaves room for questioning the nature of Nancy’s psychosis. Essentially, we don’t know how her mind is broken. Now, I leaned toward the ending being appropriate because of Day’s performance. Day’s Nancy is so aggressively normal that she comes off as abnormal. When she’s called out and might be caught off guard she doesn’t even flutter her lashes. At moments where no one is watching her, her facade doesn’t falter. So conscious could her facade be?

In my post on The Lodger (1944), I mentioned that, as a Twilight-Zone fan, I wanted to check out more of John Brahm’s film work. The Locket seemed more noir-ish than the The Lodger and it was still Noirvember so here we are! And, Brahm wasn’t even the only TZ crossover with The Locket! It was produced by Bert Granet, who was a producer on seasons 4 and 5 of Twilight Zone. And Brian Aherne stars in an episode of The Twilight Zone that also does a deep dive into the past and the nature of memory: “The Trouble with Templeton.” Now, if only Granet had brought a bit more of this movie into the season 4 hour-long TZ eps.

I’d wholeheartedly recommend The Locket, but there is one thing I’d keep in mind: the poor quality of Warner Brothers’ DVD release. The sound quality was so bad it was as if we were listening to the movie through a closed door. There were no captions available on the DVD to compensate either. (So, not very accessible.) Your best bet might be waiting for the next time TCM runs it.

Previous Noirvember 2018 Posts:

The Red House (1947) | Fury (1936) | Out of the Past (1947) | The Lodger (1944) | Lured (1947)

[wittypenguin]

For a Few Dollars More (1965)

Today, #LabourDayFilmFest begins with 1965’s For a Few Dollars More (or Per qualche dollaro in più) directed by legendary creator of so-called ‘Spaghetti Westerns,’ Sergio Leone. The screenplay this time is notlifted from Kurasawa-san, it’s by Luciano Vincenzoni, Sergio Leone, and an uncredited Sergio Donati.

A stranger comes to town.

[what the…‽]

Before he arrives, he’s shot from his horse in the middle of an open plain. Then the opening credits appear in all sorts of bizarre angles and entry effects, including the letters of the director’s name being individually shot away by the gunfire which occurs throughout the opening theme.

It’s a truly strange opening to a film, placing the style in the category “well, that’s certainly a brave choice…”

At one point, we arrive in El Paso, with its fine mountains looming over the bustling town.

[what the…‽]

Like Sanjuro, there are corrupt authorities, and like Yojimbo, criminals are allowed to run the towns, but Mr Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef are out to clean things up, even if their methods are ones of hired killers (which seems fair, as that is what they are). That aside, this really is a game of cat and mouse with a bank heist to wrap around it. The characters and who of them survive are what matters, the rest is a ‘Maguffin.’

Speaking of which, Mr Eastwood’s character has a name this time and we hear it right before seeing him: “Manco.” Same poncho, same hat, same cheroot. His name doesn’t matter, however, it’s the same guy who was “Joe” in the last film and he gets called “Blondie” in the next film. Same guy, same expression, different name, get over it.

Either the film stock is vastly improved, or the lenses are, or both. The image is fantastic: sharper edge to edge, the colour is richer, and the contrast is far more realistic. The ‘Day for Night' scenes are better done here than in the last film: they’re darker and have the appearance of shadowless evening lit by a partial moon.

The blood and gore is more realistic too: when a man is shot in the forehead, we see the hole clear as day.

It’s okay, but there’s no one really to root for but, unlike in film noire, there aren’t enough twists and turns to make thing interesting either. The loose editing doesn’t help matters here. There are a few threads which aren’t properly developed (the history between Colonel Mortimer and ‘el Indio,’ for instance), but even tightening up the length of some shots would get this down to a more intriguing story of under two hours. At one point it was edited down, but that was mostly for blood and violence, not for moving along the plot.

★★★☆☆

[starlessgolightly-blog]

My Enemies Runed...

My Enemies Runed…

A lot has happened in the past week. I almost confronted my homosexual cyber-stalker Levi Cox at his Catwalk hair salon. He was with a client so I dropped off an envelope I had prepared with his name written in Runes on it… So as to say I “runed” him. As it turns out “Zillah Noir” (Shadowless Noir) is Levi Brayden Cox; a gay-fag who is friends with my ex-wife and Hindu youtube personality Sarah…