raff-10

Stephen Sayadian's (AKA: Rinse Dream)tribute to The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari tops the great style of Cafe Flesh and Night Dreams. A must see for fans of German Expressionism, New Wave (music & sets not film style, Adult humor, Sci-fi, Psychedelic cinema, Cult films and Black Comedy. The plot takes us to a cold, bleak future where the great grand daughter of the original Dr. Caligari is performing psycho-sexual experiments on mentally ill people. Her final "creation" is to switch the personalities of a serial killer cannibal and a nympho housewife, to great results!!! Dialog is delivered in an over the top, mock "arty" way. Characters pose and swish in stiff robotic style and deliver over the top, mock "arty" dialog without missing a beat of this well staged masterpiece. Not for everyone, only for the truly DEVO.

This film stars Conrad Veidt and came "out" on the heels of Cabinet of Dr. Caligari's success (1919). It was banned after a short run in Germany where theater goers were harassed at showings. It seems very brave of Conrad Veidt and the makers of the film to make a sympathetic, sexually charged film about homosexuals in 1919. The story is about a man who is blackmailed after making advances on a stranger he meets at a men only dance. Found in the 1970's, the remaining footage is a testament to the great forward thinking German Expressionist film makers. Available on video from Facets, this film will appeal to film historians, Conrad Viedt fans, and gay groups.

Amy Sedaris (sister of author David) is hilarious as Jerri Blank a 46 year old back in High School to start over. She may be close to menopause but she can still get into more trouble than 15 "After School Specials". Not for the faint of heart or Jesus freaks.