"Cremaster 3"
Boise, Idaho bred filmmaker Matthew Barney began his ambitious "The Cremaster Cycle" with "Cremaster 4" in 1994 and completed the five-part work in 2002 with "Cremaster 3." The latter entry in this cycle takes place in the under-construction Chrysler Building in New York City but brings elements from others of the cycle, including the undead Gary Gilmore, plus some new additions, like a demolition derby involving five 1967 Chrysler Crown Imperials.
"Cremaster 3" is an incredibly involved tome that, at about 3 hours long, requires the undivided attention of the viewer as it begins with Celtic mythology then follows a female corpse (the undead Gary Gilmore from "Cremaster 2," played here by actress Nesrin Karanouh) digging out of a grave only to be put into the back seat of a vintage Chrysler, the target for the cement-clad five Imperials. The ongoing destruction derby segues to the Apprentice (Matthew Barney) as he fills an elevator car with concrete to create an ashlar, a symmetrically hewn stone used in Masonic ritual. The action moves to the Cloud Club bar in the Chrysler Building where the bartender (Terry Gillespie) loses control of his station and must play the out of control taps and spigots like a bagpipe as a woman (Aimee Mullins) cuts potatoes with the blades on her shoes and stuffs them under the foundation of the bar. The bizarreness continues with an elaborate game show at the Guggenheim Museum and a peach-color clad Scotsman interacting with dancers in a chorus line then with a sexy she-lion (again, Aimee Mullins).
As you can tell from my "description" (and there is much more coming from the mind of Barney - see Laura's review at www.reelingreviews.com for more details), "Cremaster 3" is not a linear story with the traditional beginning-middle-end. It is a surrealistic adventure that is an integral part of the other four works in the cycle that may cause some confusion for the uninitiated.
This strange stream of consciousness from the filmmaker is going to require time and more than a few brain cells by the viewer. But, Barney's talented eye, spectacular imagery, outrageous sets and a bevy of high kicking Rockette types will give you lots to munch on mentally. "Cremaster 3" should come with the warning "For serious film buffs only!" It is definitely an acquired taste and will require a commitment by the viewer, but if you are of stout heart and have an open mind there is plenty to peak your interest. Casual viewers beware. I give it a B+.
For more Reeling reviews visit www.reelingreviews.com
Robin@reelingreviews.com laura@reelingreviews.com
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