REVIEW: Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise [2015]

“The cherry blossom and the sharp sword. Humility and arrogance.” Director Mark Cousins leaves us with a quote at the end of his experimental documentary composed solely of archival video and audio entitled Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise. It’s by W.G. Sebald and reads: “We gaze at it in wonder, which in itself is a form of dawning horror.” The description is apt, especially as I found myself basking in the beauty of these mushroom clouds forming in the sky with austerity despite the carnage left behind. There’s wonder…

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REVIEW: I Am Belfast [2016]

“Brick then iron then mesh” Don’t spend too long deciphering the title to Mark Cousins‘ latest essay film on his hometown I Am Belfast because it’s meant to be taken at face value. The film itself is this Northern Ireland city and the narrator (Helena Bereen) is as well. Don’t try to project metaphors or spiritual possession on top either because Cousins wants us to embrace this woman as Belfast without irony, comedy, or fantasy. She’s 10,000 years old and remembers everything. She knows what we all think—that we remember…

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