DECEMBER 10, 2024
Back in 1959, Steve Allen and Jack Kerouac joined forces to release an album named "Poetry of the Beat Generation." Their collaboration resulted in a magnificent experiment that beautifully showcased the potency of poetry, accompanied by the gentle melodies of a slow piano. Even today, the album remains an exceptional representation of the Beat Generation, providing a glimpse into the future of poetry, surpassing the confines of mere words on a blank page. Now, fast forward to 2022, and we are presented with "Folded Whispers," a captivating short film that captures the essence of raw poetry, capable of breaking down the barriers of any haughty cynic who underestimates the transformative power of spoken words.
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Mark Anthony Thomas presents seventeen poignant poems that go beyond the realm of art. The project as a whole evokes the sensation of embarking on a blindfolded odyssey through life, an experience that cannot be fully grasped in solitude. Through his poetic expression, Thomas takes the audience on a thrilling rollercoaster ride across the entire spectrum of the human spirit, laying bare its vulnerabilities, imperfections, and even discovering hidden treasures in the darkest recesses of the mind, where one often hesitates to explore.
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The documentary emanates a captivating atmosphere that will become increasingly awe-inspiring as poetry evolves over time. This project has the potential to serve as a testament to the essence of past poetry performances.
The overall experience encapsulates the most daring and experimental approach that a short film can adopt—the ability of poetic bliss to convey profound meaning with just a few words. Collaborating together, Mark Anthony Thomas, Shane McFarland, and Jordon Rooney have crafted a statement that will undoubtedly leave viewers in a state of awe. While they may not fully realize it now, this work is poised to inspire countless poets and filmmakers.
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Review written by Vlad A.G