Strange Parallel

Oct 15, 1998

0h 30m

★ 5.9

Overview

Strange Parallel is a documentary/short film revolving around the American singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. The film features interviews with Elliott himself as well as fans, friends and other acquaintances of his (including Gus Van Sant, Larry Crane, and the members of Quasi). The film also includes snippets of Elliott Smith performing as well as footage of him recording an unreleased song, "Brand New Game". The film sometimes moves out of reality, with acted-out, metaphorical sequences that involve Elliott considering purchasing a mechanical hand (a "robot hand" ) to improve his music.

Genres

Documentary

Music

Fantasy

Production Companies

DreamWorks Records

Strange Parallel Trailers

No Trailers found.

Cast

Self

Elliott Smith

Self

Gus Van Sant

Self

Sam Coomes

Self

Janet Weiss

Drill Sergeant

Sean Croghan

Self

Larry Crane

Self

Joanna Bolme

Self

Amber Strom

Devil

Dave England

Robot Hand Salesman

Rossie Harris

Robot Hand Salesman

Sasha Fuentes

Self

Marne Lucas

The 1920s saw a revolution in technology, the advent of the recording industry, that created the first class of African-American women to sing their way to fame and fortune. Blues divas such as Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Alberta Hunter created and promoted a working-class vision of blues life that provided an alternative to the Victorian gentility of middle-class manners. In their lives and music, blues women presented themselves as strong, independent women who lived hard lives and were unapologetic about their unconventional choices in clothes, recreational activities, and bed partners. Blues singers disseminated a Black feminism that celebrated emotional resilience and sexual pleasure, no matter the source.

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