Isolation Themed Films and Albums

By Andrew Bowman

Albums-

For Emma, Forever Ago (2007) - Bon Iver

Stand Out Tracks: Re: Stacks, Creature Fear, Skinny Love

Genre: Indie Folk

Bon Iver’s 2007 debut album For Emma, Forever Ago captures loneliness, heartbreak, and isolation better than any album I have ever heard. It was recorded from November 2006 to January 2007 in Justin Vernon’s (Bon Iver) father's remote Wisconsin hunting cabin where he was completely alone. Most of the songs were first conceptualized without words in mind and were added later with more of the subconscious than a literal meaning. I have found this album among the few others I talk about next to be the soundtrack to my personal isolation during these times. This album personally is a great coping mechanism, the rawness of the sound, the hollowness of the vocals, even the chilling album cover perfectly encapsulate my feelings, and listening to it helps me accept this new way of life. This is a one of a kind album and everyone should at least give it a try, especially now when it is extra relevant.

Modal Soul (2005) - Nujabes

Stand Out Tracks: Luv(sic.), pt. 3 (feat. Shing02), Feather (feat. Cise Starr & Akin)

Genre: Lo-fi hip hop, jazz rap

Producer and DJ Nujabes’, alongside prominent rappers from the Tokyo scene such as Shing02, put out the 2005 record modal soul. This album is the definition of chill, with a quiet but driving beat with creative piano or strings loops and thoughtful vocals on top. This album is perfect to listen to while working on something in the evening or going for a drive, I know it definitely helps me focus on work as I listen to it all the time while doing homework. Along with the chill and calming vibes, there is also an air of melancholy especially on the song Luv(sic.), pt. 3 (feat. Shing02) where Shing02 lays down the chorus: “It's funny how the music put times in perspective, Add a soundtrack to your life and perfect it, Whenever you are feeling blue keep walking and we can get far, Wherever you are,” which I found to be very relevant to the current state of many of our lives. If you want an album to chill and vibe out to, I would highly recommend Modal Soul. It is a difficult album to explain, but once it hits your ears it's easy to understand.

Telefone (2016) - Noname

Stand Out Tracks- Diddy Bop (feat. Raury & Cam O’bi), Shadow Man (feat. Saba, Smino, & Phoelix), Yesterday.

Genre: Conscious hip-hop, jazz rap, neo-soul

Telefone is American rapper Noname’s 2016 debut mixtape. It is very short and direct but filled with life. It plays much like a coming of age film, with Noname rapping about her hometown, Chicago, her neighborhood, and the beauty she finds in them. It is very warm and reminiscent and also has a homemade, bedroom aesthetic. I think this album is particularly potent with our current state of isolation not only because of its wholesome and reminiscent qualities but also because of its inclusivity and scene of community. When you listen to this album, especially as a young person, it feels as though Noname is speaking directly to you, and it is this easy and warm relatability that makes the album great. I recommend this album to everyone currently isolated from their friends or family.

Films-

The Lighthouse (2019) - Dir. Robert Eggers

Genre: Arthouse Psychological Thriller

The Lighthouse not only features two completely isolated men but also is shown in a way that is inherently claustrophobic. Egger’s employs a 1.19:1 aspect ratio, which is nearly square. This means everything in the shot needs to be squeezed together to fit, adding immensely to the claustrophobic and isolated vibes of this film. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson’s performances in this film are top-notch and their situation is currently very relatable. Pattinson’s character Ephraim Winslow is trapped with lighthouse keeper Thomas Wake for what he initially believes to be two weeks, but after disturbing discoveries and mixing alcohol into things it is unclear what is reality. This psychological thriller is philosophical in nature but can also be an enjoyable watch for most moviegoers, as long as you are open to the idea of a black and white film in which you watch two men devolve into madness while speaking in 19th-century accents. This film is great for the Halloween season and relates heavily to isolation, something we can all relate to nowadays.

The Thing (1982) - Dir. John Carpenter

Genre: 80’s Horror

The Thing follows the story of a group of American researchers on a remote facility in Antarctica. It is discovered that a creature is among them that can assimilate and then imitate organisms within the camp. As well as being a genuinely tense horror film, The Thing capitalizes on the isolation of the situation very effectively, from Morricone’s claustrophobic soundtrack to the fact that the researchers must stay within the compound to survive as well as avoid the threat from within. Aside from its dark and nihilistic tones, The Thing delivers even more with its equally visually impressive and repulsive practical effects, which still look much better than many of the CG in films today. This film is very unique and the hilarity of the effects and concepts of the film contrasted with the overdramatic performances from the actors makes for a dynamic and enjoyable watch. The Thing is the reigning king of isolation horror and what better time to enjoy it then while trapped within your OWN home...

House (ハウス) [1977] - Dir. Nobuhiko Obayashi

Genre: Surreal Arthouse Experimental Horror, Japanese Language films

Nobuhiko Obayashi’s surreal horror-comedy is the perfect film for the Halloween season, as well as having to do with isolation. This film centers around a troop of teen girls that travel to one of their friends, Gorgeous’s (Kimiko Ikegami) aunt’s house. Her aunt has lived alone in this large house for years waiting for her lover to return from World War II where he died. Gorgeous, along with six of her friends, Melody, Kung Fu, Fantasy, Prof, Mac, and Sweet all named for the things that define them all journey together. This is the most bizarre film you will probably ever watch. It contains some genuinely innovative new experimental uses of film techniques and technology, paired with an exciting plot and an exceptional soundtrack provided by the group Godiego. Nothing about this film is predictable or orthodox, and while it may look like a chaotic frenzy, I assure you that this was precisely the intention of its creators. This film is such a great experience and a unique one, and I think everyone should have that experience once. It can be streamed on both the Criterion Channel service and HBO Max, as well as rented on Amazon Prime.