If a martian landed in your backyard and could comprehend any language on earth what films would you show him/her to plead your case for the value of humanity? Gandhi? Das Boot? Saving Private Ryan?
Whatever the roster I nominate Gizmo. This pre-beta mixtape of ridiculous footage is required viewing for anyone who has ever enjoyed an episode of Jackass. It is an amalgamation of footage from the early 1900’s that captures the adventurous industrial nature of humanity better than any film I have ever seen. Though many of the film’s participants meet sadistic failure, I personally find that all the more endearing. It is a testament to the will of an earlier generation and a challenge to the modern one.
The footage I posted earlier this week is a clip from Gizmo. Thanks to Kottke.org for the connection. Gizmo was produced by the multi-talented Howard Smith in 1977 and is available for full viewing though Google video. Smith won an oscar for his 1972 documentary Marjoe.
According to Amazon, customers who bought Gizmo ($149.99 new,$135.00 used) also commonly bought Shepard Fairey's E Pluribus Venom. Can someone explain the difference between coincidence and irony for me again?
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