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this short 1989 documentary about guy debord and the situationists is not only a good watch because of the way it explains and connects debord and his movement with the political films of jean-luc godard, the new punk world of the sex pistols, and the contemporary works of barbara krueger and jenny holzer, but also because it’s vhs texture gives it a very cozy feeling. the fuzzy jazz soundtrack and basebanded narration offers up a perfect watching experience for a cold and dreary day.
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on it’s face this is not a particularly interesting documentary, the editing is serviceable and the interviews aren’t exactly dynamic, but what it lacks in creativity it more than makes up for in content. blank city tells the story of the no wave movement in 70s/80s downtown nyc from the ones who lived it. truly one of the most inspiring documentaries that i found at a pivotal point in my life that changed the trajectory of how i view filmmaking, art, and just coolness in general. blank city is the story of one of the most transgressive artist communities of all time and they’re not very well known, just a few names made it to the mainstream with many others becoming underground legends. in fact a few of the films featured in this documentary are only viewable by screening at the museum of modern art, totally unreleased everywhere else (and trust me i’ve tried to find them) this doc got me into the new york art scene, velvet underground, jim jarmusch, glenn o’brien’s tv party, patti smith, andy warhol, lydia lunch, john lurie, jean-michel basquiat and on and on and on. this film opened a gateway into filmmaking that i had never even considered at that point in my life and i’m grateful i found it. the best part is: kino lorber was kind enough to upload the entire thing on youtube to watch right now!
Jan 17, 2025
A documentary about grafitti and breakdancing. Between the antagonists (Ed Koch and Cap), the pearl clutching public and the charismatic subjects it really keeps you engaged. Also really solid editing. Tony silver was on one.
you can watch it on nightflight but if money is tight I’m sure if you poke around the usual spots you can find it ;)
May 12, 2024
IMO this is one of the finest rock-docs ever made. Not sure how close to reality it really is (maybe more "film" than "documentary"), but filmmaker Ondi Timoner followed the bands in question (Portland's Dandy Warhols and SF's Brian Jonestown Massacre) for seven years, amassing something like 2500 hours of footage, to craft a narrative that basically portrays a love/hate relationship between the bands (at one point, BJM frontman Anton Newcombe sends each member of Dandy Warhols a bullet with his/her name on it). I had the advantage of knowing both bands on their own terms -- the Dandys' Courtney Taylor-Taylor is a longtime friend, and I've been a fan of BJM for years, as my reviews/interviews would show -- so I can pick around a bit between what seems real (the music itself, life on the road, dealing with labels and the biz) and what seems contrived (the friction between the bands, Anton's seemingly over-the-top persona). The Dandys are THE most fun hang of all time -- their rehearsal space-cum-party cabin/clubhouse, the Odditorium in Portland, took up a full city block and hosted absolute ragers over the years (including an amazing night with David Bowie and band). The film is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and Timoner has added scenes and additional narration from BJM tambourine player (!!) Joel Gion to bring the movie up to date and balance out some of the overblown-ness of the original version. Compulsive viewing, dead ahead: "Choose your own adventure" with the cameras rolling.
Mar 12, 2024
Top Recs from @thorns
“everyday, once a day, give yourself a present. don’t plan it, don’t wait for it. just let it happen. it could be a new shirt at the men’s store. a catnap in your office chair. or two cups of good, hot black coffee.”
in heaven everything is fine
rest in peace david lynch..
Jan 16, 2025
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i know for a fact that i’m guilty of wanting that dopamine hit of having people see my posts and like them, but i’m trying to change my mentality around that here. i’m finding myself more at peace just posting my recommendations and taking solace that someone might find them in the future and enjoy what i suggest, rather than needing an instant gratification of a like. i feel as though i’m adding a brick to the communal building that is this cool userbase of interesting people.
Jan 20, 2025
Jan 15, 2025