Tarnation [videorecording] / Tarnation Films, in association with Wellspring Media, presents ; producer, Stephen Winter ; executive producer[s], John Cameron Mitchell, Gus Van Sant ; produced by Jonathan Caouette ; directed by Jonathan Caouette.
Renee LeBlanc, Jonathan Caouette, Adolph Davis, Rosemary Davis, David Sanin Paz. Filmed on location in Portland, Ore., Houston, Tex. and New York City. Originally produced as a documentary film in 2003. Special features: optional audio commentary with Caouette; 1983/1984 rushes (15 min.); music video for Califra's "Hummingbird", directed by Caouette (2 min.); music video for Califra's "I remember", directed by Caouette (3 min.); film poster gallery; American trailer; French trailer.
Summary:
"Jonathan Caouette's spellbinding debut film re-imagines the whole idea of what a documentary can be. Having filmed his life since he was eleven years old, Caouette has woven together a psychedelic whirlwind of snapshots, super-8 home movies, answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, snippets of '80s pop culture and dramatic re-enactments to create an epic portrait of an American family torn apart by dysfunction and reunited through the power of love... Begins in 2003 as Caouette learns of his mother's lithium overdose back in his native Texas. Faced with the haunting remnants of his past, including a family history of mental illness, abuse and neglect, Caouette returns home to aid in his mother's recovery. During this time, he rekindles a touching relationship with his mother, another victim of a tumultuous childhood and discovers that family ties are never truly unbound" -- Container.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.