ODDSAC

The much anticipated film by Animal Collective, titled ODDSAC, will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2010. While I don’t think I can convince anyone that this is a doc, even based on the loosest definition of documentary film (I would not expect anything like Behind The Music: Animal Collective), I couldn’t resist posting a quick article.

ODDSAC sounds more like an art house installation. According to the Sundance description of the film, it incorporates mystical characters, “to form themes and a distinct vision, rather than following a traditional plot and dialogue.” The film sounds visually stunning. I can easily picture Geologist painting day glo onto 16 mm film.

That article also mentions the film’s use of flicker effects to produce phosphenes, the psychedelic visuals that occur by rubbing your closed eyes. Experimental filmmakers have always been fond of this technique, as it produces a different visual experience for each member of the audience.

Collaborator Danny Perez has directed the film. Avey Tare's sister, Abby Portner, has contributed artwork for the band in the past, and also directed their "In The Flowers" music video. No word on her involvement in the project.

I’ll be far from Park City, Utah when this is screened. But anyone who is going to Sundance with a hankering for avant-garde film should look into a screening of ODDSAC. Oh yeah, and the soundtrack is a guaranteed winner.