I went to Shortbus expecting Nigh

[Fassbinder]

Someone told me Shortbus, John Cameron Mitchell's new film, was heavily influenced by the tales of The Music Tapes and the story of Nigh, and that Julian Koster worked with him on it in some compacity. I hadn't heard anything more about the movie untill I saw it on the marquee at my local theatre. I immediately dropped what I was doing and bought a ticket. What followed was quite shocking. I guess it was naive on my part but after some research I found that the tall tale I was told is partly true. There is some sort of Koster/Mitchell connection and I read they were trying to pitch a film about Nigh. Does anyone have any updates on that? I can't find any info on imdb.com about it.

As for Shortbus, it wasn't my thing but I did sit through it and respect it for what it is. I wouldn't label it porn by a long shot. Just don't expect any Music Tapes magic.

[Lusitania]

My goodness. I am sure Nigh's adventures will be nothing like Shortbus. I believe they're still looking for cash for his film.

[el topo]

I'm kind of amused that you went into Shortbus not knowing what it was about. That must have been an experience. (To those who don't know, it features explicit hardcore sex.) I want to see the film, but may have waited too long--I think it leaves my town today.

The Nigh film was always supposed to be a separate project I think.

[Fassbinder]

El Topo is a good film too

[uncle eggma]

no kidding!

[blasticpubble]

Originally posted by Fassbinder
Someone told me Shortbus, John Cameron Mitchell's new film, ......................


This isn't about Short Bus but I saw this thread and thought it would belong here rather than starting a new John Cameron Mitchell thread in the forum...

I had known that JCM was friendly with some of the E6 folk (mainly Julian and Robbee) just from having heard when I lived in Athens that he had come to town and partied with some of the E6 guys, or so said some punk rock guy I was in a class with. Then last night I was looking at the liner notes of 1st Imaginary Symphony and saw John Cameron Mitchell listed as part of the personnel of the Orbiting Human Circus. Does anybody know his involvement? Was he actually part of the touring group that did backyard shows, etc? I only saw a couple of traditional rock club performances of the 'Tapes, so i'm not quite sure what the Orbiting Human Circus was. I'm really curious about this.

[kartoonz]

In a second unexpected turn for this thread, when was the last time The Music Tapes did any kind of tour? Hopefully we'll get one when the new CD is released next year?

[el topo]

Looks like Shortbus is still playing in Madison, so I'll go this week and let you guys know if there are any Nigh references hidden among the sweaty sex.

[wingedfeetxc]

Originally posted by kartoonz
In a second unexpected turn for this thread, when was the last time The Music Tapes did any kind of tour? Hopefully we'll get one when the new CD is released next year?

He/They played a show in upstate NY this past May. Before that? It had been several years I believe.

[el topo]

I saw Shortbus tonight. Great film. Julian Koster is listed in the "special thanks" section of the ending credits.

[JulianKoster]

Hi Hello!

SO sorry it's been so long! I still have no internet, and rely on library terminals few and far between. I will write SOON about the records (forthcoming), the future travels of the Traveling Imaginary and many other nice things. I promise!

I took the liberty of reading this thread and responding because I was afraid something like this might happen. I had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with this film. Not in narrative, filming, or music. Mostly, because meer hand holding is so sacred to me that it's almost overwhelming. My imagination cannot speak the language inwhich that film is expressed. I'm much too shy and much too much like people of centuries past when it comes to how important I find even the slightest expression of love. That said, I've only seen bits of the film, and so am not qualified to offer an opinion about it. Unlike Hedwig, It's a film based on improvisations by a large group of non actors, rather than his own indevidual creation. About it's director I will say: He is a wonderful soul with a tremendous spark. On of the greatest friends a person could have, and one of the most loyal people in the world. His existence will bring into the world much it should be grateful to have.

He is also a master of voices! He is the voice of the Smoke on Smoke is a Fireman's Friend among other things. We began work on a childrens film together years ago. His visits to Athens were to work with me ( I'm not sure the word "partied" quite fits the bill), and he became a great friend to us all. Our film is still in developement and seems to be of such budgetary scope that it may remain mired in Hollywood a good deal longer, but I hope and believe that some cinematic fruits of our work together will see the light of day!

I'll write about everything within a month, there's lots to tell. I hope you are all well, it's a beautiful winter already. Already!

sincerely
Julian

[el topo]

Hip hip hooray, I wait in earnest.

[theoperahouse]

oh sweet sloppy nectar of excitement!

[poe]

This is rad.. Im very excited for a new album!