Ontic Antics Starring Laurel and Hardy: Bye Molly (2005)

• 45%
• 2005
• Ken Jacobs

Originally a live Nervous System work (presented using a special film-projection contrivance that wife Flo and I would set up here and there), it hurt us that these were ephemeral works. Someone surprised us with a videotaping that caught more of the technique's unique visual effects than we expected. Still, re-filming wasn't good enough. I then began to investigate computer possibilities, first with FLO ROUNDS A CORNER (1999). But only after completing STAR SPANGLED TO DEATH (2003-4) was it possible to go farther. ONTIC ANTICS is our first Nervous System piece made permanent. The 1929 Laurel and Hardy short BERTH MARKS, filmed twice, with and without sound, is our glorious take-off point. In some ways ONTIC ANTICS now goes beyond what had been possible in live performance, especially the new (purely-digital) 3-D coda. The foot-stool that becomes a live puppy, however, is no computer effect but comes from rapid juxtaposition of opposing left-right frames, just as in the live performance. --Ken Jacobs SPECIAL NOTE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE ONTIC ANTICS: For the last 15 minutes, ONTIC ANTICS can be visually enhanced by the use of a gray Pulfrich filter in front of one of the viewer's eyes. An inch of plastic absorbing some of the light, it can deepen apparent depth and change direction of movement. If you are interested in having a set of filters sent to you, please email Ken and Flo Jacobs via the website (coming soon) and forward your Amazon proof of purchase. Warning: Flicker is used to achieve the movie's 3-D effects - may be dangerous for persons afflicted with epilepsy or other similar brain conditions.