FLicKeR

Story

Synopsis

In 1960, Brion Gysin invented the Dream Machine, a hypnotic light device with the power to induce hallucinations, drugless highs, and revolutionize human consciousness. It looks simple enough; a 100-watt light bulb, a motor, and a rotating cylinder with cutouts. Just sit in front of it, close your eyes, and wait for the visions to come. The Dream Machine enthralled mystics and freethinkers everywhere; Kurt Cobain had a dream machine, and William S. Burroughs thought it could be used to “storm the citadels of enlightenment.” With a custom-made Dream Machine in tow, director Nik Sheehan takes us on a journey into the life of Brion Gysin; his art, his complex ideas, and his friendships with some of the most eccentric counter-cultural icons. Taking the Dream Machine as the basis of its explorations, FLicKeR asks crucial questions about the nature of art and consciousness, and imagines a humanity liberated to explore its creativity in complete freedom.

Director

Nik Sheehan

Language

English

Release date

14 July 2009

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Richard Metzger

  Self

• 

  Brion Gysin

  Self (archive footage)

• 

  William S. Burroughs

  Self

• 

  Genesis P-Orridge

  Self

• 

  Kenneth Anger

  Self

• 

  Iggy Pop

  Self

• 

  Marianne Faithfull

  Self

• Marcus Boon

  Self

• Udo Breger

  Self

• 

  Catherine Clément

  Self

• 

  Ira Cohen

  Self

• Brett Despotovich

  Self