Sins of the Fleshapoids and Freedom Fries

It's been a mad old few days (and to be honest a mad old month) thanks to broken computers and general other stuff. But with a shiny new computer (which, you know, actually works) it means I can catch up on work. Or play Arkham Asylum.

Anyhoo, the main gist of this post is to reflect on seeing SINS OF THE FLESHAPOIDS the other night at Kino Sõprus the other night. For this of you uninitiated with this gem of American Cult / Underground Cinema, it's the story of a future Earth that has been devastated by a nuclear war. The remaining inhabitants of the Earth live to indulge their sensory pleasures whilst being attended to by Fleshapoids, human shaped robots. But the Fleshapoids have developed human feelings and the decadent humans soon face the fruits of their own debauchery.

Directed by Mike Kuchar, this 60s quickie (it's 43 mins) is fondly remembered for numerous reasons. It's campy, stupid and overwrought but there's an inventiveness and general love for the medium of film. And *****SPOILERS AHOY**** any film that ends with a woman (sorry, I mean Fleshapoid) giving birth to a toy robot has to be great.

Made on a shoestring budget, the film was a cult hit in the 60s - enough so that Kuchar was able to quit his day job to work on movies. Alongside his brother George (who makes a striking appearance in the film), Kuchar influenced a generation of filmmakers including John Waters and countless others. If you've never seen it, it's a lovely example of American Indie Cinema and I prefer it's post-apocalyptic outlook over everything done by Michael Bay. We sadly lost George Kuchar last year, but it's good to know the films he made and appeared in are still appreciated by (sometimes slightly drunk) audiences.

The film was the opening of the FREEDOM FRIES series of American Cult Films screening at Kino Sõprus over the next week. Other highlights include THE EVIL DEAD, George Kuchar's ASCENSION and the less well known SKINNED DEEP.  There are some real gems in there and if you get five minutes - and happen to be in Tallinn - then get yourself along.  More info HERE

Right, back to being Batman. Erm, I mean work....

Oh, yeah and thanks to all the Sõprus crew for their usual brilliant job. And some lovely free pizza after.