DAYS GO BY, and other breakup things (2021)
Astrology, Feminism, & Breakups (A Director's Commentary)
In 2021 I participated in an interview titled, “The Grand Unified Theory of Aesthetic Vlogging,” where a still from one of my shorts was the cover photo. I hadn’t thought of this interview in years but I felt compelled to look for it the other day. I scrolled down to the bits about me and clicked the play button on one of my videos, Days Go By. I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the screen! I was ENTHRALLED! Now, here’s the thing… I started my YouTube channel end of 2011 - over 13 years ago, and I hardly ever rewatch my videos. Once they’re out I’m already moving onto the next, but watching this one years later made me realize how beautiful and wonderful these videos are! So here I am, adding context and director’s commentary on the first short in this series—DAYS GO BY, and other breakup things (2021). Enjoy!
ACT I
The scene opens with a shot of me grabbing a delectable vegan pastry by my friend, Mitra Kim. I think she dropped these off to me as a gift and I knew I had to have them in a video because they were gorgeous (and equally delicious)! Also indicates a clear sign of the (breakup) times.
The slow, drawn out shots in the kitchen are clearly inspired by Chantal Akerman who had a knack for these!
“Akerman has used the setting of a kitchen to explore the intersection between femininity and domesticity. The kitchens in her work provide intimate spaces for connection and conversation, functioning as a backdrop to the dramas of daily life. In Akerman's work, the kitchen often acts as a domestic theatre.”
I broke up with who I was dating at the time because I just felt like he was on another planet… Called WORK. I couldn’t stand it. I felt like I was in the outfield waving him down, attempting to bring myself back into focus. I soon decided I would much rather be alone!
“I am not crazy in what I’m saying about this relationship. If I want more it doesn’t mean my expectations are too high, it means men can learn from women some of the values of nurturing emotional support.”
- Shere Hite
I can’t remember how I found this interview, but it really resonated with me at the time in terms of wanting more out of a relationship. A big chunk of this short is filled with the audio of Shere Hite talking about women in relationships and the emotional support they provide that often goes unseen.
ACT II
Just girly things… A messy room, a joint on the nightstand, talking on the phone trying to stay hopeful. Sound plays a huge part in this bedroom scene! Have a listen!
Some inspo for this bedroom scene came from Somewhere, dir. Sofia Coppola (2011). To be honest I can’t remember anything about this film except for THIS SCENE. It’s slow, drawn out, almost to the point where it’s uncomfortable, and the sound design is incredible. Really love a slow zoom out!
ACT III
These last few scenes are very fun. Shortly after my breakup I had my astrological chart read by musician, Sneaks. She was offering this online for a little while and it was so informative! I really needed to hear some good juju from the Universe. This is what I am looking through on my computer, while audio is playing in the background about the planets, full moon lunar eclipses, etc. In the last part of the audio we hear the speaker say,
“Believe me, a new beginning is certainly going to get underway.”
The final scene is of me dancing alone in my living room. I filmed this from my neighbor’s steps who happened to be out of town. I really love this end scene. It represents me taking my power back and having a fresh start on my own terms.
I hope you enjoyed this first installment of me going over some of my older short films, and if this one is new to you then I hope you enjoyed!! Thank you for slowing down with me and taking a walk down memory lane! Look out for more of these SOON.
You marvel me Maddieeee 🍰