It's a future in which the government and the media are controlled by right-wing religious fundamentalists. The writings of William Bennett have been canonized into the Bible, and art has been outlawed. Welcome to Existo's world. Existo (played by Bruce Arntson) is a manic, charismatic performance artist, living legend, and guru/leader of the guerilla art resistance movement bent on turning a repressive theocracy on it's ear and making the streets safe for art.
This is a delightful little indie from Nashville, written by Artnson and Coke Sams (both of whom who are responsible for the "Ernest" movies). Make no mistake, however; this is by no means a family movie. A particular musical sequence involving an anatomically impressive pogo stick and and backup vocalists with gynecological headgear would likely earn this film a R (or perhaps even an NC-17).
Among the memorable characters: Maxine (played by "Ernest" alumnus Jackie Welch) is Existo's lover/sidekick and is a real joy to watch; Jim Varney (of...well, you know) gives a brief appearance as beatnik Marcel Horowitz; Gailard Sartain ("The Patriot," "Fried Green Tomatoes") stars as the living-extra-large drag queen and nightclub owner Colette Watchuwill; Mark Cabus ("The Client") is convincing as smarmy provocateur Roupen Dupree who is commissioned by the President to lure Existo over to the government's side to undermine the art resistance; and Ray Thornton in his first theatrical film is wonderful as Vigo, a hyperactive Irish leather-clad bomb expert.
The music in the movie is great fun and highlights Existo's sometimes "Carrey-esque" mannerisms and speaking style (not to mention the high caliber of the local musicians used for the film).
Yes, it's three shades of hammy in places (such as a roomful of hardened street artists bursting into melodramatic tears during Existo's "I Will Cry" song). Sure, the low budget keeps all of the art terrorism off camera (with the exception of the aftermath at a shopping mall). Of course the whole religion aspect is played over-the-top, don't forget it was filmed in Nashville. But it's also a gem of an indie, and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The tunes are infectious as well. In a world filled with low-budget Gen-X angst, it's a welcome change.
This is a delightful little indie from Nashville, written by Artnson and Coke Sams (both of whom who are responsible for the "Ernest" movies). Make no mistake, however; this is by no means a family movie. A particular musical sequence involving an anatomically impressive pogo stick and and backup vocalists with gynecological headgear would likely earn this film a R (or perhaps even an NC-17).
Among the memorable characters: Maxine (played by "Ernest" alumnus Jackie Welch) is Existo's lover/sidekick and is a real joy to watch; Jim Varney (of...well, you know) gives a brief appearance as beatnik Marcel Horowitz; Gailard Sartain ("The Patriot," "Fried Green Tomatoes") stars as the living-extra-large drag queen and nightclub owner Colette Watchuwill; Mark Cabus ("The Client") is convincing as smarmy provocateur Roupen Dupree who is commissioned by the President to lure Existo over to the government's side to undermine the art resistance; and Ray Thornton in his first theatrical film is wonderful as Vigo, a hyperactive Irish leather-clad bomb expert.
The music in the movie is great fun and highlights Existo's sometimes "Carrey-esque" mannerisms and speaking style (not to mention the high caliber of the local musicians used for the film).
Yes, it's three shades of hammy in places (such as a roomful of hardened street artists bursting into melodramatic tears during Existo's "I Will Cry" song). Sure, the low budget keeps all of the art terrorism off camera (with the exception of the aftermath at a shopping mall). Of course the whole religion aspect is played over-the-top, don't forget it was filmed in Nashville. But it's also a gem of an indie, and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The tunes are infectious as well. In a world filled with low-budget Gen-X angst, it's a welcome change.