Movies With Live Soundtracks

Movies With Live Soundtracks made a stop on it's North American tour here in Chicago at The Ice Factory, 526 N. Ashland Ave on August 31st. Nestled among the stooped 2-flats at Grand and Ashland, The Ice Factory occupies space originally built for a growing plumbing company back in the 70's and now houses Fresh Produce Records. The show was a fine showcase of the state of countersystematic experimental film as it stands today, and at times even dared to break free of any expectations. As we waited for the films to start, a Powerpoint presentation entertained us with slides of general interest and trivia, ala the pre-movie trivia and quiz segments found in modern commercial cinema. I found the presentation entertaining and thought-provoking. This contrasts sharply with the cinema that followed. Elegant visual pieces were punctuated by more edgy works, most notable the live soundtrack comprised of an ocillator, perhaps a bit of reverb and feedback, in a slow-motion tweak-frenzy on a bank of knobs the labels to which must have worn off two owners ago. This irregularly-vacillating sound was complemented by 2-color images of what might be described as steel wool. I enjoyed the opening film about a girl who turns into a chicken, sung by a sweet-voiced woman playing bass. The films use of staccato editing and the poetry of the lyrics (as evidenced by on-screen text for sing-along) were highlights. Too bad they won't be back anytime soon. The show was filled to capacity.

- Ray