A brief compilation of three promo's from the SouthWest's king of techno-bizarro (that's SouthWest England of course... not CA). First up is the classic 'On' co-directed by Jarvis Cocker, which manages to squeeze more props onto ten-square feet of beach than I can squeeze similies into this review. Cardboard cutouts of Mr James (the twin himself), constant stop-motion, and a deepsea diving suit. All very strange, but the perfect accompaniment to the early-90's tranquil techno.
Next up is the superior 'Donkey Rhubarb', with it's interesting carnival atmosphere and bouncy video. Picture three people dancing around in large multicoloured teddy-bear suits, which on closer inspection each possess the grinning, creepy visage of... yes. Richard James. Funny - yes. But bizarrely creepy, and the perfect precursor to the final promo on the tape...
Last year's 'Come To Daddy', directed by Chris Cunningham - surely the scariest and by far the best promo ever made. A group of murderous children run around an urban nightmare-scape, and each of them has... oh no, the face of Richard James! Argh! Cunningham has also recently been responsible for the equally creepy, but far more beautiful promo for Portishead's 'Only You'. A force to watch in the world of film-making, methinks. (PB)
[1997]
