Art Label

The Absence of Milk In the Mouths of the Lost

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

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This special limited edition slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Art Label is the new outlet for envelope-pushing arthouse and experimental cinema. Growing from previous work under the Verboden Video and Culture Shock Releasing banners, Art Label is focusing on films that challenge traditional rules of form and content. Art Label is broadening its roots in horror and exploitation, reaching into other dimensions of expression to give new kicks to a well-versed audience of cinematic thrill seekers. Even the most hardened moviegoers will find stimulation in Art Label's releases.

Maria St. John is a ghost of her former self. Ever since her daughter went missing, Maria has forgotten how to eat, how to sleep, how to exist at all. No matter where she goes, there are reminders of her missing daughter, Jessica. On the one year anniversay of Jessica’s disappearance, Maria encounters a mysterious milkman who has a strong connection with her lost child, and he may be the only person who can reunite them.

The Absence of Milk in the Mouths of the Lost is the second feature film from bold, young director Case Esparros. His first feature film, King Baby, garnered praise from beloved cult icons John Waters and Jon Moritsugu. This sophomore effort sees the addition of legendary outsider artist Gary Wilson (subject of the documentary, You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story) in the role the milkman, and a tender performance by Hannah Weir (Hustlers, A Ship of Human Skin) as the distraught mother, set to a haunting original score by Aaron Dilloway of experimental noise band Wolf Eyes.

directed by: Case Esparros
starring: Gary Wilson, Hannah Weir, Amelie Fernandez, River Faught
2023 / 75 min / 1.78:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region Free Blu-ray
  • Feature-length drunk commentary with writer-director Case Esparros
  • Interview with star Gary Wilson
  • Interview with director Case Esparros
  • Director-moderated conversation with composer Aaron Dilloway
  • Director Q&A From live screening at the University of Central Florida
  • “Herbert” Case Esparros’ short film scored by Gary Wilson
  • Remastered original trailer
  • 32-page booklet featuring concept art and behind the scenes photos
  • English SDH on feature film

      Overall rating: 4.5833335 / 5 from 48 reviews.

      AI Generated Review Summary

      The Absence of Milk In the Mouths of the Lost is a limited edition film from Art Label, featuring a haunting story of a mother searching for her missing daughter. The film has received mixed reviews, with some finding it intriguing and others considering it weird. It includes additional content such as a drunk commentary, interviews, and a conversation with the composer.

      Summary topics

      • Film Reception (22%): Customers have mixed opinions about the movie, with some liking it and others finding it weird.
      • Film Interest (33%): A substantial number of customers pointed out that this film is interesting, great, and intriguing.

      Review topics: [packaging, service, buy, film, movie, release, label, journey, slipcover, picture, restoration, commentary, cinema, soundtrack, narrative].

      Review highlights

      • "really enjoyed this one, great indie film making and i really liked the bonus features."jose c.
      • "Amazing film and packaging!"Leslie M.
      • "Disturbing and intriguing film from a very promising young filmmaker."Leslie M.

      Reviews

      AL004 SLIP

      "ART LABEL owner Warren Xian was a producer and DP on this film, so I had high hopes. Sadly it turned out to be what I was afraid of: a self righteous hipster movie with tons of weird and tried surreal imagery without a clear artistic vision. I love experimental cinema and this is indeed VERY experimental. But that's about it already. It's weird for its own sake without any substance. Not comparable to masters of surrealsim like Lynch or Bunuel. John Waters (also one of my favorites) is quoted on the cover too, but don't expect another PINK FLAMINGOS. This is very different from Water's stufd. The director Case Esparros is very young, but seemed too full of himself in the extras and just unsympathetic. Just being honest here. There's a hilarious "post screening Q&A" from a university with 6 (!) people in attendance, and they are the most stereotype hipster people you can imagine. They are talking to Case via Zoom. I didn't watch the whole thing, as it's really tiresome."

      Dominik F. (2/5)

      Killer Soundtrack

      "Love the soundtrack (which I bought this film because of the artists involvement). I did like the film too but some scenes felt overlong and not in an establishing mood sort of way. Felt padded. Stiff acting that detracts. But I liked the overall themes and visuals quite a bit. Plus the narrative was actually quite intriguing and memorable (yes, it has one!)"

      Mike S. (4/5)

      something diff

      "I rarely buy films made past the early 2000s, and the majority of my collection is 1990s and unders, but I snagged this one during a sale, and what got me was the trailer~ it looked different enough that I just might like it, and boy I was right. if you liked cornshucker, buy this, if you didnt like cornshucker, prob pass, if you don't know what cornshucker is, what are you doing on this site!"

      Tenzin T. (5/5)

      Enjoyable Film

      "The slipcover is awesome, as always with anything VS or their awesome partner Labels release! It is a cool movie that was a lot of fun to watch! I always love the unique VS service of allowing you to stack as many movies as you like in your cart during any release period and ship them for free! The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"

      Paul K. (5/5)

      Astounding

      "The milk was definitely absent from my mouth when I watched this."

      Joey B. (5/5)

      Missing kids, white demons and a milkman

      "This release is somewhat of a trip and a bit hard to classify as it transcends genres. It is entertaining and deals with themes like love and loss, with white demons in polka dot boxers, a grieving mother and an unusual milkman. Comes with nifty extras like commentary. Got mine with a neat looking slipcover."

      Kresh R. (3/5)

      Love the soundtrakc

      "Love the soundtrakc"

      Arthur B. (5/5)

      Bizarre

      "Gross and weird. Love it"

      David G. (5/5)

      A wild journey

      "An interesting journey"

      Travis O. (5/5)

      What Art Label is for

      "This is the exact type of movie I want from art label. I went in knowing very little about it and I'm glad I did. If you love art films, this is one you won't want to miss. It takes a bit to get going but stick with it until the end. It's worth it."

      Jack B. (5/5)

      Q&A

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