The Flesh of Language: A Haunting Exploration of Forgotten Voices

Amanda Rice’s The Flesh of Language is an evocative 17-minute film that feels like a poetic excavation of forgotten voices, extinct materials, and the layers of meaning embedded in language. Using extinct flora and fauna to create magnetic audio and video tapes, Rice transforms loss into a medium for storytelling. This short film isn’t just about memory—it’s about the stories hidden within the very fabric of our world. For me, The Flesh of Language felt like an intimate reflection on how we preserve, interpret, and give life to what’s been lost.

A Haunting Reflection on Language and Memory

From the opening frames, The Flesh of Language immerses viewers in a world of forgotten sounds and materials. The film begins with previously unheard voices on recordings, voices that feel like echoes of the past demanding to be heard. These voices aren’t just artifacts—they’re living, breathing reminders of the connections between language, memory, and materiality.

What struck me most was the film’s ability to blend the tangible with the intangible. By incorporating extinct flora and fauna into the magnetic tape, Rice makes a bold statement about the relationship between the natural world and the stories we tell. It’s as if the very materials themselves are speaking, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life.

This thematic depth reminded me of Non/Living, where microorganisms processed decaying celluloid to create something new. Both films use unconventional materials to explore the cycles of life, death, and renewal.

The Power of Forgotten Voices

The previously unheard voices in The Flesh of Language are more than just a narrative device—they’re a call to action. They challenge us to listen more deeply, not just to the words being spoken but to the silences in between.

These voices reminded me of the importance of storytelling in reclaiming forgotten histories. In many ways, The Flesh of Language feels like a companion piece to A Fidai Film, where archival footage was used to confront cultural erasure. Both films highlight the power of reclaiming narratives, whether through voices, images, or materials.

Materiality as a Medium

One of the most striking aspects of The Flesh of Language is its use of extinct raw materials. By transforming these materials into magnetic media, Rice bridges the gap between the past and present. This act of creation from destruction is both poetic and provocative, inviting viewers to consider what it means to preserve and transform.

For me, this theme was deeply moving. It reminded me of the ways in which the natural world and human creativity intersect, creating something new and meaningful out of what has been lost. It’s a powerful reminder that nothing truly disappears—it simply changes form.

For a deeper dive into the use of historical materials in art and media, this article on Media Archaeology offers fascinating insights.

Cinematic Techniques That Amplify the Story

Rice’s use of visual and auditory elements is nothing short of masterful. The film’s textures—both visual and sonic—create a sense of intimacy that draws viewers in. Close-ups of the magnetic tapes, layered with haunting audio recordings, make the film feel tactile, almost as if you could reach out and touch the memories being explored.

The sound design, in particular, stands out. The crackle of the recordings and the hum of the magnetic tape create an auditory experience that is both eerie and captivating. It’s a reminder of the physicality of sound and its role in shaping our understanding of the past.

Themes of Loss and Renewal

At its heart, The Flesh of Language is about cycles of loss and renewal. The extinct materials used in the film are a poignant metaphor for the ways in which history and memory are preserved, transformed, and reimagined.

This theme also brought to mind Forms of Circulation #1, where seals became symbols of resilience and adaptability. Both films explore the idea that life—and memory—persist, even in the face of adversity.

Why The Flesh of Language Is a Must-Watch

For me, The Flesh of Language was more than just a film—it was an experience. Its use of forgotten voices, extinct materials, and poetic imagery creates a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. It’s a film that asks us to listen more carefully, to see more deeply, and to consider the stories embedded in the world around us.

If you were moved by the meditative tone of Non/Living or inspired by the reclamation of history in A Fidai Film, The Flesh of Language will resonate deeply. It’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, materiality, and the power of storytelling.