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It may be the weirdest narrative ever committed to hi-8 videotape, but if you can get past the stilted acting and dreamlike repetitions, The Hands of Dexter Pecan is a visually compelling little piece about a boy who becomes a tortured social outcast because he refuses to wash his hands. What’s really interesting is how it was made: a strange hybrid of live performance and animation, it was captured in one take using only silhouettes, old-school overhead projectors, puppets and outlandish costumes, with the music played live as well. It’s written and stars a funky artist I knew growing up named Jared Whitham. Dexter will always have a special place in my heart — despite its flaws — but what do you guys think? Is Jared a young David Lynch, or just wacked out on goofballs?
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whacked up on goof balls. nuff said
posted by Mean joe on 6-14-2007 at 8:56 pm
Wow! I thought this really showed some glimmerings of genius. You have to give the guy credit for coming up with ways to express his vision using the simplest of materials in a pretty compelling way. I loved the way he turns into a “paper bag head” like the rest of the world when he finally gives into the pressure. Think of what this guy could do with a few thousand bucks! I recently saw the new “Brideshead Revisited” movie with it’s gigadollar budget for locations, sets and costumes and didn’t find it a fraction as interesting as Jared’s heart-felt effort.
Stick with it, Jared!
posted by igorigor on 8-11-2008 at 2:54 pm
That was pretty great, actually. I have issues with the acting, but give amazing kudos for the realization of his vision and creativity. I think that having very limited resources forces the director to really get creative, and that’s when magic happens.
posted by Marianne on 8-11-2008 at 7:53 pm