These two films appear on the DVD of Bizarre which will be reviewed on Sunday.
I must warn you. Both of these are short "art" films that involve William S. Burroughs' involvement. If you don't enjoy his writing or his albums, you will definitely NOT enjoy these films. And if you don't enjoy arty "film-school" types of films, you will definitely NOT enjoy these films.
I like both, sometimes. You have to be in a certain mood to appreciate either of them. (Or have tons of fucking drugs around, which I do not. Anymore. *Sigh* Growing up really is hard to do.)
I can't really give plot synopsis or anything, as there are none. These are strictly mind-fuck material that are supposed to make you think for yourself as the director shows off.
Antony Balch has a leg up on the rest of his art-school poseurs because he has William fucking Burroughs writing and acting for him.
Towers Open Fire is the least of the two. A nice reading by Burroughs is the main attraction, here. Now, I don't think anyone, except for Burroughs and Balch can be sure, but I think this film is about racism, big business and war. But who the fuck knows? I mean, how does Bela Lugosi, a "snake" firework and some guy masturbating tie together? Whatever.
You're appreciation of this slice of insanity depends on whether or not you appreciate Burroughs and (even though it's not his film) David Lynch.
The Cut Ups
Now, this one connected. Probably not for most others, but here's the deal. Visuals are random, yet repeated, yet moving on. It's the vocals, once again, that are the focus.
Bill and another voice say "Hello, yes?" and "Look at that picture." "Thank you." etc.... over and over throughout this short.
Sounds like a big bunch of nothing, doesn't it?
Welcome to Scientology. I've (unfortunately) been there.
Most of these art films can be interpreted any way you want. But this is surely modeled on the Scientology exercises which involve repeating phrases and questions and getting a particular response.
And they make their point magnificently. Rock on, Bill.
