Fantastic Fest Sunday: Squid Porn, Child POW's and Japanese Biker Holocaust

I kicked off my Sunday with UNCLE'S PARADISE, which impressed me a lot. Many people didn't like it because it's loaded with wall-to-wall sex and crazy weird surreality. For me it was one of the highlights of the fest - probably THE highlight of the fest so far. It's a small film, shot on 35mm, with some of the most beautiful images I've seen in the festival. It's also full of near-hardcore sex so be advised. I wouldn't say it tackles the big issues. It's just a strange work of beauty that wouldn't benefit from too much dissection on my part so I'll just move on.

I got some work done after UNCLE'S PARADISE then watched SON OF RAMBOW, which was very sweet and well made and features some of the best direction of child actors I've ever seen. May not linger in the memory for long but it creates a real impression of the way a child looks at the world. Also, the '80s period costumery is some of the best I've seen. It gave me a sudden, but not unpleasant flashback to the 7th grade.

Next came the 1980 Japanese biker film CRAZY THUNDER ROAD, which has some amazingly experimental moments and was worthwhile viewing though somewhat tedious at times. I have a high tedium threshold though, so I was fine with sitting it out and listening to the music. I am so much more happy to put up with fumbling experimentation than the cold hands of the professional whores who create the antiseptic multiplex shit. Yaaaa!

Then I introduced HELL'S GROUND and went reluctantly home to get some sleep so I'd be ready for my actual work work today. I dreamed about a supercar.