Glenn O'Brien
- 2005
Inevitably recalling his earlier effort, the long-incomplete Downtown 81 (which was eventually finished and issued in 2001), Edo Bertoglio returns to the same subject with this documentary effort. The film, like its predecessor, leads viewers on a tour of the New York avant-garde scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Using archival footage and interviews with such individuals as Deborah Harry, Glenn O'Brien and Victor Bockris, Bertoglio conjures up a re-evocation of the said time and place, and draws on the vivid, colorful and anecdotal recollections of his participants - thus revealing how collective experiences helped shape and define a particular environment and atmosphere in a Manhattan that no longer exists. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Walter Steding, Glenn O'Brien, (more)
Originally shot in 1980-81, this film, directed by Edo Bertoglio, is a rare real-life snapshot of ultra-hip subculture of post-punk era Manhattan. Starring renowned artist Jean Michel Basquiat (who died in 1988 at age 27) and featuring such early Village hipsters as Melle Mel, John Lurie, and Lydia Lunch, the film is a bizarre elliptical urban fairytale. The film opens with Jean (Basquiat) in the hospital with an undisclosed ailment. After checking out, he happens upon an enigmatic woman, Beatrice (Anna Schroeder), who drives around in a convertible. He arrives at his apartment only to discover that his landlord is evicting him. Later, while trying to sell his art work, he meets up with musician Arto Lindsay and his band DNA. Jean eventually does manage to sell some of his art work to a rich middle-aged woman who is interested in more than just his art, but she pays with a check. As the film progresses, he wanders the streets of New York, looking for Beatrice. He happens upon a bag lady (Debbie Harry) who turns into a princess when he kisses her. As a reward, she gives him a stack of cash. Abandoned in the mid-'80s due to financial problems, producer Maripol Fauque rediscovered the film and cleaned it up in 1999. It was screened at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean-Michel Basquiat, Anna Schroeder, (more)
- 1991
A young Moroccan woman leaves her ramshackle native town to embark upon a dangerous mission to help better the circumstances of her people. Unfortunately, she ends up nearly trapped in a deadly web of political intrigue. The girl, Mouallem must travel to the US and deliver documents to a Moroccan-American journalist, Katrina, in Washington, D.C., proving that the decadent government has been abusing the common people. Unbeknownst to her, the wicked Moroccan ruler has sent an envoy there to find a suitable mansion. The crooked king is planning to leave his native country before it collapses. The envoy finds a perfect house that coincidentally, belongs to Katrina's lover, who is an important figure in manipulating world politics. The envoy also contacts an arms dealer who though knowing little about the Middle Eastern situation, eagerly makes deals with all comers. Meanwhile, Mouallem tires to contact the seemingly elusive Katrina, not knowing that she is being stalked by a mysterious photographer. Katrina, who is anxious to get Mouallem's information, has her own hands full trying to convince her editor to allow her to write an expose of the Moroccan political situation. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Boris Major, Jessica Stutchbury, (more)
This docudrama celebrates the colorful lives of teens who live in the South Bronx. There they are seen break dancing, creating graffiti art, and listening to raucous rap. The slim story centers on Zoro, who likes to spray-paint subway cars. He gets a break when he is hired to decorate a platform for an upcoming rap concert. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lee George Quinones, Patti Astor, (more)
- 1981
This detective drama was shot on location in New York City and chronicles the bloody wake of terror left by a murderous street saxophone player who hides out on the subway. The bizarre string of murders is investigated by a hard-bitten detective. Along the way he meets assorted New Wave scumbags. The mood of the film is heightened by an avant garde musical score. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robbie Coltrane, John Lurie, (more)
- 1979
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TV Party: The Heavy Metal Show features appearances by famous musicians Chris Stein and Lenny Ferrari as well as popular New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
