’60 Second Thoughts: Volume Two’, the second chapter from David Baeumler‘s anthology series – a bold, sharply edited trio of one-minute tales that poke, prod, and play with the quirks of human existence. Baeumler’s style is unmistakably his own: quick, layered, and laced with philosophical intrigue. Kevin Silva’s smooth, magnetic voice-over binds the stories, adding a touch of wry charisma that hooks you.
The first tale, ‘Last Lie’, spins an offbeat tale about the lies we’re fed and the slippery truth hidden beneath them. We follow a man (Craig Uram) trudging through life, his red suitcase in hand. Silva’s narration hints at a hidden truth buried beneath layers of deception – suggesting that in a world of constant lies, the real truth remains elusive, waiting to be uncovered.
Then comes ‘True Predictions’, a quirky look into the world of future foresight. Set ten years from now, this one-minute piece rushes through a series of bizarre predictions – some laughably surreal, others unnerving. The cuts come fast, hitting you with a sense of classic cinema flair as Baeumler dips into nostalgia while also presenting a vision of the stranger times. It’s as fleeting as it is thought-provoking.
Finally, ‘Ubik’ takes a futuristic turn, pulling us into simulated realities that blur the lines between real and artificial. Here, Silva introduces Ubik, a supposed solution for those hooked on simulated worlds. But, it’s never that simple – is Ubik truly the answer, or a trap? Baeumler leaves you questioning, and that’s precisely the point.
Each piece in Volume Two is compact yet brimming with ideas, offbeat yet universal. It’s all fast, clever, and just a bit unsettling – perfect for those who like their cinema with a side of mystery and a dose of bold, philosophical thinking. A perfect follow-up to ‘30 Second Thoughts: Volume One‘. Highly recommended.