Category: Avant-Garde
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BLONDE
“Blonde,” a 2022 biographical drama film directed by Andrew Dominik, is a fictionalized retelling of the life of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. Based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, the film delves into the inner turmoil and complexities of Monroe’s life, exploring her struggles with identity, fame, and personal…
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DEMENTIA (DAUGHTER OF HORROR)
“Dementia,” a 1955 experimental horror film directed by John Parker, is a nightmarish and surreal journey into the mind of a disturbed young woman, often referred to as “the Gamine.” The film, notable for its lack of dialogue, relies heavily on its eerie visual style and unsettling score by George Antheil to tell the story.…
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FEMALE TROUBLE (NSFW)
“Female Trouble” is a 1974 dark comedy written and directed by John Waters. Waters, known for his subversive themes and outrageous humor, continues his brand of filmmaking with this, his second full-length feature film. The film takes place in 1960s Baltimore, where a delinquent high school student, Dawn Davenport (played by Divine), goes berserk when…
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DOGVILLE
“Dogville” is a 2003 avant-garde drama film directed by Lars von Trier. The film is notable for its minimalist set design, which uses a nearly bare soundstage with chalk outlines to represent the small town of Dogville, Colorado. This unconventional approach emphasizes the story’s themes and character dynamics. The film follows Grace Margaret Mulligan (Nicole Kidman),…
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CANDY
“Candy” is a 1968 satirical comedy film directed by Christian Marquand. Based on the novel by Terry Southern and Mason Hoffenberg, it is a surreal and provocative exploration of the sexual revolution and counterculture of the 1960s. The film features a star-studded cast and a series of bizarre, comedic vignettes. The story follows Candy Christian (Ewa Aulin), an innocent and beautiful…
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EMPEROR TOMATO KETCHUP
“Emperor Tomato Ketchup” is a 1971 experimental film directed by Shuji Terayama. It is known for its avant-garde style and surreal narrative, as well as being somewhat controversial for its depiction and actions played by children. The film is a social commentary that explores themes of power, authority, and rebellion in a dystopian society ruled…
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Q-BEC MY LOVE (NSFW)
“Q-Bec My Love” is a Canadian film that was released in 1970, directed by Jean Pierre Lefebvre. The movie is a satirical allegory that explores sexuality in the entertainment and advertising industry through a series of disconnected vignettes. Shot in black and white, the film has a direct lighting source that creates surreal vignettes, often…
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THROW AWAY YOUR BOOKS, RALLY IN THE STREETS
“Throw Away Your Books, Rally in The Streets” is a groundbreaking Japanese film directed by Shuji Terayama and released in 1971. The film is a surreal and anarchic exploration of youth rebellion, societal disillusionment, and the search for personal freedom. The story follows the protagonist, a young man named ‘Me’ (portrayed by Hideaki Sasaki), who…
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EL TOPO
“El Topo” is a surreal, avant-garde western film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky. Released in 1970, it is known for its striking visuals, allegorical storytelling, and exploration of spiritual and philosophical themes. The story follows El Topo (Alejandro Jodorowsky), a mysterious and black-clad gunslinger, as he rides through the desert with his young son, Hijo (Brontis…
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WHO ARE YOU, POLLY MAGGOO?
“Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?” is a 1966 satirical French film directed by William Klein that offers a critical and comedic exploration of the fashion industry and the nature of beauty. The film takes a mockumentary approach, blending surrealism, satire, and social commentary elements. The story revolves around Polly Maggoo (Dorothy McGowan), a young American…
The Other Cinema 