Exploring Obscure Cult Art and Experimental Films

When discussing the cinematic arts, there are some films that diverge from the mainstream narrative and utterly transform the viewer's experience. These include Matthew Barney's The Cremaster Cycle, a series of hugely anticipatory and often misunderstood experimental works, along with other noteworthy gems such as Fata Morgana by Werner Herzog and The Falls by Peter Greenaway. These films challenge the viewer's perceptions, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable within the realm of cinema.

Matthew Barney's The Cremaster Cycle

One of the most intriguing and enigmatic film cycles is The Cremaster Cycle by Matthew Barney. These five films, shot between 1994 and 2002, form a complex intertextual web that is both artistically ambitious and conceptually dense. Instead of a conventional storyline, the films explore a multitude of themes through a surreal and abstract lens.

Barney's work is a radical departure from traditional cinema, with each film comprising a series of carefully crafted images and scenes that veer off into unexpected territories. While some critics hail The Cremaster Cycle as a masterpiece of High Art, others dismiss it as pretentious and overly self-indulgent. Nevertheless, Barney's efforts to create something unique and outside the norm are commendable.

When I had the opportunity to watch these films on a big screen in 2005, I found them both challenging and intriguing. The imagery, particularly certain sequences, was truly arresting. However, there were moments where I felt that the editing could have been more judicious, as some segments could have been cut for better effect. Still, Barney's commitment to artistic innovation is evident, and his films are indeed important in the evolution of cinema. Barney has pushed the envelope in an art form that could use more innovative approaches.

7362: Solarization and Optical Printing Animation

Another remarkable piece is the ten-minute animated short 7362 from 1967. Utilizing solarization and optical printing techniques, the film creates an abstract and trippy visual experience from live footage of human bodies. The effects, impressive for their time, are both fascinating and cerebral.

Fata Morgana: Werner Herzog's Sahara Documentarian

Werner Herzog's Fata Morgana is an early documentary that offers a haunting and thought-provoking look at the Sahara desert. The film explores the environmental and socio-political impacts of human activities on the region, providing a stark contrast between nature and civilization.

Herzog's directorial approach is both avant-garde and unsettling. In his review, Vincent Canby of The New York Times described Fata Morgana in a rather lukewarm manner. However, it is alleged that Canby later confessed that the film made him feel as if he was going insane, a statement that only heightened the film's allure. The film's ability to provoke such strong reactions validates its powerful and unconventional nature.

The Falls: Peter Greenaway's Debut

The Falls by Peter Greenaway is a unique and daring debut feature. Greenaway, known for his complex and often controversial films, takes on directorial duties with this mockumentary-style film. The film is intentionally styled to evoke the chaotic and sprawling narrative of Thomas Pynchon's novels.

The Falls is a bold and uncompromising exploration of a woman's turbulent journey, with Greenaway's distinctive visual and aural sensibilities permeating every frame. The film is a testament to Greenaway's visionary approach to cinema, blending fictional and documentary elements in a manner that challenges and engages the audience.

In conclusion, these films represent a fascinating exploration of cinema's boundaries. Whether it's The Cremaster Cycle's abstract and surreal visuals, 7362's innovative animation techniques, Fata Morgana's contemplative look at the desert, or The Falls's daring narrative, these works offer a rich and thought-provoking viewing experience. They are not for everyone, but for those who seek to push the limits of art and cinema, these films are invaluable.

Keywords: Cult Art, Experimental Films, Matthew Barney