STAMGo! INTERVIEW WITH JEN TONON AT FILM THREAT.COM!
Current mood: aroused
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
My interview with the multi-talented JEN TONON is running now at www. filmthreat. com! Special Thanks to Ms. Tonon for taking the time to talk about herself and her new film SUPER TROMETTE ACTION MOVIE GO!
IT’S NOT THE SAME, BUT IT IS THE SAME: RNZ & LOOP
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
IT'S NOT THE SAME, BUT IT IS THE SAME THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN REDNECK ZOMBIES AND LOOP By Andy P.
Many directors like to do many different things, and Pericles Lewnes is one of them. Whether it's depicting the transformation of rednecks into zombies through the intoxication of mutated moonshine, to documenting the life of one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, or creating a psychological mindbender of post-9/11 nuance, Lewnes likes to take risks with his films and with his filmmaking. But since becoming involved with the promotion of LOOP, I have been confounded with a sense of aw about how many people have been taken aback with this new film and the radical differences it bears with his most popular creation, REDNECK ZOMBIES. Yes, there are differences, but there are similarities as well; and if you take a good hard look at both . . . you'll see them too. Now I know what you're thinking . . . I'm biased. This is true. I've been a fan of Peri's for some time, and in the last 6 months or so have had the good fortune to become friends with him. I've loved RNZ since I first saw it on "USA's Up All Night" as a wee-lad, and became even more transfixed when I found out he did the special effects for some of my favorite movies like TOXIC AVENGER 2 & 3 and TROMA'S WAR. When my good friend Erin Sparks laid a copy of his latest film LOOP in my hands with the subtle words "You'll love this Andy . . . this movie was made for you." I didn't really understand just how right she would be. I watched it and loved it. It was the kind of film that I had been waiting for, because not only was it technically and cinematically brilliant, it also conveyed a political viewpoint that I had been wrestling with for quite some time. LOOP doesn't admit to having any answers, but by not taking a political side it therefore creates a psychological stand. I have always been politically aware of the times we have been living in, but also philosophically confused at the feelings that had permeated my skull. LOOP helped to bring these thoughts and feelings into context, and helped me sort through the political confusion that I was feeling at the time. The greatest films and works of Art, to me, are the ones that help you understand a little about life . . . and LOOP did just that. I wrote Peri and told him how much I loved the film, and slowly and surely our friendship began to grow. I asked him if he would be willing to do an interview in which he accepted, and I eventually sold thatINTERVIEW to FILM THREAT, and was able to get a little helpful press for the movie. I do various things for a couple magazines as well as attend school and work a job, but I've had a window of time in which things were slowing down, so I enlisted myself in helping Peri get the movie out there. Things are picking up momentum with the flick, and I have a good feeling that the movie will have its day in theaters across the country. Since my involvement with the movie, I have come across many comments depicting the differences between RNZ and LOOP. Now, this is entirely credible, honest, and even predictable . . . but not exactly true. Of course the subject matter is different: RNZ is a horror-comedy while LOOP is a scathing social commentary; but the aesthetic differences are one and the same, and show the skill of an auteur. We'll start with two simple observations. Both films use rather similar framing devices, as well as start with a scroll of text that is used to set the mode of the film, and get the audience thinking about what is to come. Another thing one should notice in viewing both films is the directorial and editing style. Peri's use of odd angles and quick cutting pervade both films, and his love of pyschedelia is apparent throughout; whether it's in the transformation scene of RNZ or through Joe's dream sequence in LOOP. I actually feel like RNZ was groundbreaking in it's use of editing and camerawork, because this film came out in 1987 at a time when films were shot in a more traditional way, and this film broke the mold in that affect. The whole movie is like a trip quality, which can be said of LOOP as well. Another strong quality in both movies is the soundtracks by Adrian Bond, a superbly skilled musician who has worked with Peri for quite some time. His use of Electonica can be heard throughout both films, and helps to anchor the tone in which Peri is trying to convey, and I feel that he does an excellent job of that. The main focus one needs to realize in viewing both RNZ and LOOP is the fine balancing act Peri performs throughout both pieces. RNZ is a horror comedy, and the horror is finely executed along with the comedy. The funny bits are hysterical, and the horror is horrific . . . sometimes in the same scene . . . and it takes a deft hand to be able to manipulate something like that. LOOP is the same way; with scenes that are mind-bendingly psychological mixed in with quiet key points and funny anecdotes. It takes something special to create a mood like that, and then be able to get the audience to accept it, and Peri is a master of manipulation when it comes to that field. There are many other instances that I could dive into, but by doing so I would only ruin both films by going to into specific plot points. What needs to be understood, and I hope I have explained, is that even though both films are different, they were made by the same director; a director with a vision that translates into different genres while maintaining the same aesthetic and feel. I'm glad Peri made a different movie than RNZ . . . in fact I love it . . . but let's not forget what we've seen. We've seen a very talented director take on two separate mediums and succeed in both, but didn't forget his style and who he is. That should be applauded. . and admired.
Currently
watching
:
Redneck Zombies Release date: 1998-07-08
LOOP, directed by underground legend PERICLES LEWNES, is one of the most original films I've seen in a long time, and maybe the most brilliant. Watch the trailer and read the synopsis below to get a grasp of this unique and captivating film.
THIS IS THE MOST FOOTAGE EVER PUBLICLY POSTED FROM THE FILM - AND IT'S ONLY A TASTE!
ENJOY!
SYNOPSIS
Venture into the American psyche through the twisted mind of schizophrenic perfomance artist Joseph List.
Troma's Redneck Zombies Director, Pericles Lewnes explores the the fear induce mindset of "Generation F'd," in this bold psycho-political thriller which has hearts pounding and pulses racing.
Described as a " dizzy array of fear, isolation and existential angst," LOOP's non-linear narrative has freaked out audiences and has created unusual debate and controversy as it's agnostic politics and elastic reality combine to throw modern society under the bus and never look back.
LOOP is a surreal, hypnotic, philosophical, mindbender that gently glides like the cars of a rollercoaster on it's first ascent and then plunges steeply into the paranoid madness of a polarized post 9-11 America.
Intense and challenging, LOOP is a fiercely independent movie for pissed off blue collar intellectuals who are sick of lock-step right wing slogan slinging fascists, "soundbite scholars" and left wing 9-11 Truthers who have fallen for the deceptive and distracting propaganda of "Loose Change" and "Zeitgeist.
"
If you don't want to think, avoid this movie. It is not for you.
Promo Video Edited by Pericles Lewnes ---------------------------------- What people are saying...
"Pericles Lewnes is a genuine artist and LOOP proves it.
It is entertaining, personal, and brilliant!" -Lloyd Kaufman, President of Troma Entertainment and creator of the TOXIC AVENGER.
------------------------------------ "Mr. Lewnes has concocted a primal scream into the vortex of the subconscious, a delusional kaleidoscope in circular thinking. Loop I must say was a very bizarre endeavor, an almost pretentious minimalist avante garde piece of film making..." -Rowan Harrison Indieexpress. com ------------------------------------- "Loop is one of the most ambitious and brilliant hand-made films in recent memory-- a terrifying sci-fi involving a man desperately seeking a sense of reality and sanity while trapped either in his own madness or an Orwellian nightmare. His journey takes him on an exploration of the different aspects of his psyche-- Or does it? The revelation at the end is mind-blowing and reminds us that the inner workings of our minds are perhaps indistinguishable from those of our society, or even the universe at large.
" - Maria Giese Award Winning Feature Director of Hunger ------------------------------ (LOOP) which Lewnes offered after reading and appreciating my review of Redneck Zombies, will not benefit from association with that older title. There are no zombies in Loop, nor rednecks. There is no camp and precious little humor of any kind. It's a serious, sincere, mindbender of a feature; the only other movies reviewed on this site that might be considered its kin are Darren Aronofsky's Pi (1998), or possibly Reflections of Evil (2002) minus its pop-cultural musings..." -Nathan Shumate ------------------------------------- "I've just finished watching Pericles Lewnes' LOOP for the second time, and I find myself struggling to form words, as my mind is still reeling (looping?) from the experience.
How can I adequately express my love for this remarkable film? LOOP is obviously a deeply personal reflective and observational journey, causing one to wonder how autobiographical the film is and how urgently Lewnes should be put on suicide watch.
" -Movie Guru at IMDB ------------------------------------ "Clearly a work of passion and mind-bending insight. The only kind worth anything. I really enjoyed it as it unfolded layer by layer and it kept me fascinated and open. Surprising, bizarre, sensual, brave, politically bold and personal... a 'guerrilla masterwork'.
MY SHORT CHAT WITH ARTIST WINSTON SMITH ABOUT "BEDTIME FOR DEMOCRACY".
Current mood: impressed
Category: Art and Photography
For those of you who don't know who WINSTON SMITH is, he is the genius behind such great punk art as THE DEAD KENNEDYS' logo and GREEN DAY'S INSOMNIAC album.
His work is amazing, and you should definitely check it out:
One of my favorite pieces of his is the Dead Kennedys album cover he did called "BEDTIME FOR DEMOCRACY." I've always loved the cover and wondered how he did it, so I wrote him a letter . .expecting no reply. Boy was I wrong.
What follows is the cover of "BEDTIME FOR DEMOCRACY.", and Mr. Smith's reply to my question.
Enjoy!
Hi Andy,
I'm glad you liked my drawing for the "Bedtime for Democracy" album.
Yep, that was a long slog but the results seem to have held up pretty good over the last 20 years.
Biafra had been doing some shows in New York and called me from there with this idea he had for the next LP cover.
He'd been seeing all the preparations being made for the sprucing-up of Lady Liberty as it was approaching its centennial celebration.
As he talked I jotted down notes and then went off and assembled the artwork---all made on several sheets of paper since I didn't have a sheet big enough to do what would wind up becoming a two foot by four foot original.
I added a lot of little items on my own but between the two of us I think we pulled off a great image.
I even added all of us in prison garb behind bars in Lady Lib's crown.
I'm in the middle at the top with Biafra, Ray, Klaus and Darren flanking me.
It was just after that that Dead Ks got busted for their FrankenChrist Album (HR Giger Poster), so Biafra thought I'd somehow jinxed them because I drew us all in jail---Maybe I should have drawn us all sitting on big bundle of gold...
Each of the images is supposed to represent one of the songs on the record. He gave me a who bunch of hand written lyrics to work from.
I never heard the album till it was finished.
Hell, if I could find those lyrics in my archives I could probably put them on e-bay and pay my rent for a year.
Damn!
The Original is sitting in my hallway.
I think I may have sold the other original I made that was used for the inside illustration (since it was a gatefold album, 12" X 24").
The inside picture was a self portrait of me and my girlfriend at the time and a screaming crowd running away from a Godzilla-like Lady Liberty attacking the City, spewing fire and destruction while blasting helicopters and attack Jets out of the sky with her ray-gun eyes.
I even put the names of my cats and my dog into that one (101, 355 & 913).
I also put Biafra's cat "Pippin" tranquilly slumbering at the foot of Lady Liberty amidst rioting citizens and police on horse back (inspired by images first used in a tiny miniature from the 13th century showing the Battle of Pottier, the first battle where in long bowmen were able to prevail against armored knights on horseback.
Over on the far right side, embedded into the edge of the black boarder are the words "Pay Me More".
That was my personal protest over not being entirely well compensated for some of my artistic contributions to the band over all the years.
All water under the bridge now.
Unfortunately many of the things depicted on the album cover (the government "Safety Net" for the poor vanishing, the money being mainlined into Lady Lib's arteries from Big Business, our support of ruthless dictators around the world, Judges happy to immolate the Constitution, etc . etc.
) have all only gotten worse in the last 20 years since I drew those images.
I always thought we should make a poster of it but Biafra didn't want to so it never happened.
Maybe I'll do that now, adding a few up- dates to bring it into the 21st century.
It finally IS a T-shirt--- something I also suggested at the time but never happened.
I should have just boot-legged my own artwork. Everybody else did.
OK, Andy.
That's the scoop on "Bedtime for Democracy" (a title Biafra borrowed from one of my collages made a couple years earlier as well as a fake movie poster I made when Reagan was first running for president). Twisted minds run on the same channels.
It also didn't occur to me that I drew Lady Liberty as a "lefty" (since she usually holds her torch in her right hand) until Biafra pointed it out.
(Proof that at least my unconscious mind was busy working even if most of the rest of me was not).
Over & Out.
Winston
Currently
listening
:
Bedtime for Democracy
By
Dead Kennedys
Release date: 2001-09-11
MY INTERVIEW "IN THE LOOP WITH PERICLES LEWNES" AT FILMTHREAT.COM
Current mood: ecstatic
My interview IN THE LOOP WITH PERICLES LEWNES is appearing now as a featured story on www.filmthreat.com. Special thanks to Mr. Pericles Lewnes for taking the time to speak with me. Check it out!
TROMA NET NEUTRALITY POLITICAL CARTOONS
Current mood: rebellious
Category: Art and Photography
These are two cartoons I made about the threat of internet neutrality that are appearing now on www.troma.com. Special thanks to TROMA ARMY creator FAITH VON AWESOME for helping me out with these. I hope you enjoy them.
MY FIRST FILM - "AN EXPERIMENT GONE TERRIBLY WRONG"
Current mood: surprised
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
This is my first, and only, film I ever made called AN EXPERIMENT GONE TERRIBLY WRONG. It was made back in 2002, when I was 21. It's an experimental, psychedelic student film where I served as director, actor, production designer and special effects coordinator, and my best friend D-ROCK (Derek Neumann) served as editor and composer. It's a weird little film that doesn't make much sense, but people seem to really enjoy it. I hope you do too.
My monthly political cartoon series "JUNK SCIENCE" is now running at WWW.RAZORCAKE.ORG. Razorcake is a great punk magazine that covers the scene like no other. Check it out!
RAZORCAKE is the first and only official non-profit music magazine in America primarily dedicated to supporting independent music culture.
Unlike many other magazines, Razorcake is neck deep in the culture it's covering. It's a grassroots, DIY, in-the-underground magazine run by the very type of folks we hope to reach. We like fart jokes. We're politically savvy without being douchebags about it. Our primary goal isn't to sell kids to other kids, but to share in our knowledge of a powerful culture that often gets misrepresented.
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