Branded!

Last night, my lovely wife and I went to the Cinerama and waited in line with the oft-obnoxious Seattle Filmophiles to watch Guy Madden's Brand Upon the Brain! And, it turned out to be a movie experience that delivered on its title promise. I was certain, while walking home, that my dreams would be filled with the dream-like (nightmare?) images which filled it. Rather than try to summarize the plot (a la Awarapan), I'll just copy and paste the press kit description:

Brand Upon the Brain! In which the shocking truth is finally revealed about young Guy Maddin and his hellish childhood on a remote island, under the hyper-watchful eye of a crazed mother hellbent on restoring her youth and a diabolically distant scientist-father, proprietors of a mom-and-pop orphanage they surreptitiously operate within the dank confines of the family lighthouse. Watch! as the sex instinct grabs hold of young Maddin and his sister! Thrill! as the Mysteries of the Light House are divined by teen detectives! Reel! at the headstrong invention and heart-stopping rhythms of the elder Maddin¹s heroic silent moviemaking!!

Mad scientists! Teen detectives! Lesbians! And an evil mother who sits in a mechanical rotating booth high atop a lighthouse shouting orders to her children through a quasi-magical device called an Aerophone. It was a compeletely unique and engaging combinations of themes and elements that created a world and mood unlike anything I've seen. Parts of it seemed Lynchian, but more accessible and often more effective.

But, part of what made the film amazing was not only the film itself, but the live in-cinema experience that accompanied it. The movie itself is a grainy silent film by Guy Madden, but for this showing it was also accompanied by a live band, a castrato singing, live foley artists and Guy Madden himself providing narration. I've been to several other shows that combine both live elements with film (namely, Crispin Glover's performance of "What Is It?" and Portastic's live music score for "The Unknown"), and they always impress me. There is something about having a live element accompanying the film that help make the experience not only more engaging, but also special.


Sadly, the movie was so engaging that I hardly took time to look down at the foley artists and watch them do their things. But, almost every time I did, I was surprised at what I saw. The sound of a bonfire? Ruffled tin wrapping paper and crushed packing material. The surf on the shore? Sand rolled around inside a tamborien. The sound of life fluid (nectarite) being sucked out of someones neck? Two rubber gloves being twisted together.

Also, the castrato bears mentioning. (Don't they always?) Even after doing some research on the web, I couldn't verify who the castrati is, or how he became one; but his voice was unlike anything else I've heard... at least coming from a man. Possibly one of the more beautiful voices I've heard in a long time, the experience would just become surreal when I'd look over and realize that it was coming from a large man who looked like he should be standing next to the Three Tenors. Unreal. And, like the entire movie, unsettling.

The entire experience left Sarah and I with stuff to ponder over. Branded.

I saw and she saw Shaw down by the sea shore!

Actually, we weren't by the sea shore, but my wife and I did see the Seattle's Intiman theater production of Heartbreak House last night.



Between this, and recently seeing Circus Contraption again, I've come to realized that I do enjoy a good live show. Furthermore, I'm also realizing that I'm becoming increasingly interested (fixated even) in the Edwardian Era, or at least that period lasting from the final years of the 1800's through till sometime around WWI. While I have to admit a great deal of ignorance about the period in general, I also have to admit that there s a lot that appeals to me aesthetically and intellectually. From the rise of Socialism and Bohemianism, to the ongoing changes of the industrial revolution, to the rigid class structures, fashion, etiquette, to writers like HG Wells... and now George Bernard Shaw.

This was really my first exposure to George Bernard Shaw, though I've heard of him for years. And, I really enjoyed it. From its snappy dialogue (almost Mamet-esque in this production) to its zeppelin attack finale, I found Heartbreak House to be immensely enjoyable, intelligent, surprisingly funny and consistenly entertaining. I definitely would like to see additional plays of his.

I'm not sure where my interest in the Edwardian Era is coming from. Though, as I read Alvin and Heidi Toffler's Revolutionary Wealth, I'm beginning to convince myself that it stems from the fact that the change that was occuring during that time period in some ways reflects the changes that are occuring today. But, maybe that's a blog for another day (like when I finish the book and know what I'm talking about).

Regardless, I'm enjoying developing cards games involving Edwardian Era familys viaing for power, and drawing sci-fi versions of explorers in pith helmets. And, the play was great! It runs through the 26th, and is worth checking out if you have an evening to spare.

Intiman production of "Heartbreak House"

I Want To Be A Carny!

This weekend, my fiancee, some friends and I went to see Circus Contraption. Surreal, funny and slightly naughty. I was hoping it would be great, but -even then- it exceeded my expectations. A wonderful blend of costumes, music, acrobatics and clowns of the non-scary variety... OK, some were scary, but they meant to be. Anyhow, its a wonderful show, that I can't recommend enough. I believe they are playing through the end of July in Seattle, before moving on to New York (for all the NY readers... cause, y'know, I have tons). Anyhow, go see it!

Circus Contraption's Grand American Traveling Dime Museum

That's right, folks. Circus Contraption announces the imminent RE-arrival of its Grand American Traveling Dime Museum! For a modest admission you will be privy to a vast Collection of Exhibits guaranteed to Educate and Entertain. Featuring Miracles of Man and of Nature, Curiosities of the Past and Marvels of the Modern Age. A veritable Confectionery of exquisite Novelties awaits the genteel Visitor.

Official Site