Marc Doucet:
In one
sentence, could you give us a definition
for Cinema of Transgression?
Nick Zedd: F*%$ you!
"LLIK
YOUR IDOLS"
Running Time: 69 minutes
Produced by Kidam
Started in 2006, Kidam is a Paris-based film production company
that gathers directors, musicians, writers and producers together
to create innovative film and video works.
Kidam specializes in music documentaries, artist portraits and
music videos that explore various social, historic or artistic
themes. Kidam has had its work broadcast on TF1, Channel Fours
Four Docs, Canal+ and in film festivals such as Venice Biennale
and the Patin Film Festival.
Directed
by Angélique Bosio
After studying cultural management in Paris, Angélique
Bosio worked as an assistant producer for various companies (Les
Films de la Perrine, Mondo Films). As a journalist (Ubik, Numero),
she made a short subject on the set of "The Card Player"
by Dario Argento. She also interviewed Richard Kern on various
occasions and modeled for him. "LLIK YOUR IDOLS" is
her first documentary.
Synopsis:
"LLIK YOUR IDOLS" is a 69-minute documentary that depicts
the explosive scene in New York during the '80s, and celebrates
with cynicism the changes in that unique city under Reagan and
Bush Sr. Under the banners of Cinema of Transgression and No Wave
(Sonic Youth, The Swans, Lydia Lunch, The Butthole Surfers, Foetus),
a bunch of insolent kids (including Richard Kern,
Lydia Lunch, Joe Coleman and Nick Zedd) briefly become the new
anti-heroes. Scornful and flippant, their films and music violently
attack conformity they see all around them, highlighting an erotically
charged and sardonic movement. "LLIK YOUR IDOLS" is
a non-nostalgic examination of characters that have since become
established artists.
Interviews:
"LLIK YOUR IDOLS" draws a portrait of four main protagonists
of the Cinema of Transgression movement:
Richard
Kern: Filmmaker and photographer, born in 1954. He became
a celebrity thanks to the Cinema of Transgression and then stopped
making films to focus on photography and popular eroticism. He
initiated a more sophisticated style of pornography similar to
Helmut Newton.
Lydia Lunch:
Born in 1959, she is the icon of No Wave (Teenage Jesus and the
Jerks) and the muse of the Cinema of Transgression. She helped
make Spoken Word famous, and still tours the world with her band.
She is a writer and an actress as well.
Joe Coleman:
Born in 1955, he was frequently arrested and pursued in the late
'80s because of his infamous performances. His paintings focus
on criminals and mad people. He was recently exhibited at the
Palais de Toko, next to Jerome Bosch.
Nick Zedd:
Born in 1958, he was quite productive, making films with very
low budgets in the '80s. He coined the name the Cinema of Transgression
in 1985, and wrote a manifesto that was published in the Underground
Film Bulletin. He also formed a band. Hes still making films
in a similar vein. The last one was I Was A Quality Of Life Violation
(2004). He also made a series called Electra Elf. Hes often
considered the heir of Ed Wood.
Including:
Thurston
Moore: Born in 1958, he left the university to join the New
York scene in 1978. His Band, Sonic Youth, still is one of the
most important rock bands of our generation. He also runs the
label Ecstatic Peace!
Jack Sargeant:
Born in 1949, he has written many books about underground culture
and particularly Deathtripping: The Cinema of Transgression.
Richard
Hell: born in 1949, he is one of the first Punk figures. The
most famous of his records is Blank Generation, with his band
Richard Hell and the Voivoids. He works as a poet now.
David West:
A painter and illustrator.
Bruce Labruce:
Born in Canada in 1964, he published the fanzine J.D.s from 1985-1991.
He created the Queercore movement, between queer pornography and
punk aesthetic.
Jarboe:
Ex-member of The Swans, experimental vocalist.
Russel
Simmins: Musician, drummer of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.
For more
on LLIK YOUR IDOLS and the Cinema of Transgression:
http://www.myspace.com/llikyouridols