What Is It?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| What Is It? | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Directed by | Crispin Glover |
| Produced by | Crispin Glover Matt Devlen Ryan Page Michael Pallagi |
| Written by | Crispin Glover |
| Starring | Crispin Glover Fairuza Balk Michael Blevis Rikky Wittman John Insinna Kelly Swiderski Lisa Fusco |
| Cinematography | Wyatt Troll |
| Editing by | Crispin Glover |
| Distributed by | Volcanic Eruptions |
| Release date(s) | 2005 |
| Running time | 72 min. |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
What Is It? is the name of a 2005 experimental film written, starring, funded and directed by Crispin Glover. It is described by IMDB as "The adventures of a young man whose principle[sic] interests are snails, salt, a pipe, and how to get home. As tormented by an hubristic, racist inner psyche." As of 2008, the film has only been shown at independent theaters, typically accompanied by a question and answer session, slideshow and meet-and-greet/autograph signing with Glover. However, an unauthorized screener version of the film has been circulating on the internet since 2007.
The film boasts an eclectic and unusual cast. Porn stars Kiva and Zoryna Dreams, as well as several other women, appear nude wearing animal heads. Most of the principal actors are young and have Down syndrome (though this condition is not addressed in the film). Fairuza Balk lends her voice to a real snail, and Glover's role in the film is officially described as "Dueling Demi-God Auteur and The young man's inner psyche." The film includes images of swastikas, a portrait of a prepubescent Shirley Temple in the nude, and songs by cult leader Charles Manson, and deals with many types and symbols of racism and prejudice. Glover defended his choices of imagery in a 2005 interview: "It's really a film to help start these kinds of discussions. Why are these things taboo, and what does that mean for the culture itself? A culture will die a death of stupidity if it doesn't have different points of view."[1] Glover made clear when touring with the film that he had no plans to sell it to a major studio nor release for home viewing.
What Is It? is the first in a planned trilogy, to be followed by It is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE. and It Is Mine.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Glover's 'What Is It?' aptly describes film. The Salt Lake Tribune (July 2005). Retrieved on 2007-02-23.
