Review of Tarnation (2003) by James C — 17 Dec 2007
Undeniably moving, brilliantly edited autobiographical assemblage, particularly strong in its integration of the footage with well-chosen music tracks. Despite being quite narcissistic and closed in the centre (the historical and social context of the life is never explored), the film does nevertheless document a wider history than a personal one - that of both gay experience in the US and the disempowerment of individuals by an authoritarian and harmful medical establishment.
The film's faults are the faults of American culture - soap operatic concentration on the trials and tribulations of intrapersonal relationships and a self-involved revolving around personal issues; but curiously, the films Americanism is its strength as well, as it has enormous emotional candour and real heart.
It will be interesting to see if Caouette can apply his filmmaking acumen to subjects other than himself.
This review of Tarnation (2003) was written by James C on 17 Dec 2007.
Tarnation has generally received very positive reviews.
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