in development
THE GOLDFISH DOESEN'T SEE THE BOWL
is a film/video project where odd personalities operate in indefinable patterns; a world in which philosophical questions are displayed in a series of grotesque vignettes. the picture also strives for a unique visual aesthetic. the goal is to create a picture with small episodes questioning faith, doubt and the meaning of life. add to this a sincere humanism with which the audience can identify
this will not be a conventional film-form where a narrative story curve plays out towards a redeemed plot. nor will it be an “art house” piece which nobody can understand
this will be an alternative artistic experience. i wish to build a bridge to the audience’s senses and spirits, thus melding the message (an exploration of the width of art in our time and culture) with the manner in which the story is told. THE GOLDFISH DOESN’T SEE THE BOWL is a barrier-breaking illustration of the human condition, merging performance art, painting, photography and film language
the general field of interest springs from characters that struggle with a common lack of acceptance or knowledge of the self and the world around them. for example, one of the main characters (SO-AND-SO) is angry with god; but more profoundly he is angrier about the anger itself, which he doesn’t understand. as a furious workhorse, he tries to find the answers where there are none. simultaneously, a calm, spiritual, balanced universe plays out. in this universe, characters (atheist and priest) do not struggle with existential agony, but are serene in themselves and live life more on life’s terms
some of the characters and themes emerge through archival material consisting of film, photographs, pintings, music, dialogues, monologues, poetry and short interviews and performances. these are performed by a variety of humorous types, each with his or her own contribution. this will then be assembled into evocative montages and depictions to drive the work forward
my intention is to use myself as one of the characters (FILMMAKER) and utilize the family archives (consisting of photographs, video and 8 mm film) as a time machine or catalyst flashback converter to childhood memories and dream scenarios
THE GOLDFISH DOESN’T SEE THE BOWL is a mixture of fiction film, art house documentary (cinéma-vérité) and experimental filmmaking
the vision is stylistically inspired by the filmmakers andrei tarkovsky, harmony korine, ingmar bergman and david lynch. the philosopher and theologian, søren kierkegaard. The poet, rene ricard. the painters, cy twombly and peter halley together with the author, painter and photographer, august strindberg
most of the project takes place in new york becausei regard new york as one big fertile piece of scenery or stage that just yearns to be utilized
THE GOLDFISH DOESN’T SEE THE BOWL will be full of atmosphere, excitement and timeless energy
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