Watch 200 Motels

200 Motels is a surrealistic comedy musical movie that was directed by Tony Palmer with a collaboration of Frank Zappa. The movie was released in 1971 and features the members of the American rock band Mothers of Invention, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan famously known as Flo & Eddie, and Ian Underwood who work through a series of bizarre and comedic situations.

The film follows the Mothers of Invention band as they travel from the United States to a concert in the British capital. This concert is only one of many performances during their tour, where they encounter peculiar scenarios before and after the show. One of the band members, Jeff Simmons, quits midway through the tour, leaving the rest of the band members to come up with new material and to perform without him.

Throughout the movie, the characters plunge into a series of seemingly unconnected adventures that explore themes of sexual fantasy, experimental music, and drug-induced hallucinations. The storyline is somewhat disjointed, and events tend to meander between reality and the bizarre, showcasing a unique and intriguing style of experimental surrealism. The movie embodies the non-linear and often absurd aspects of the psychedelic experience.

The movie's concept stems from lead singer Frank Zappa, who wanted to create something different and original that would showcase their ideas about music and the culture of rock and roll. The movie features a mix of live-action footage, animation, and special effects that play out in an erratic but interesting fashion. The characters are portrayed as exaggerated versions of themselves engaging in situations that are both humorous and strange.

The film's musical score features songs from the band's earlier albums, as well as newer pieces that blend together seamlessly, with the original compositions accentuating the themes and mood of each scene. The use of lighting and color is also effectively done to create different atmospheres, where the psychedelic visuals and foggy haze add to the trippy and chaotic vibe of the film.

One of the standout scenes is when the band members are stranded in a hotel room, where they encounter a giant vacuum cleaner that is sucking up everything in the room - from their clothes to their instruments. In another exciting scene, the band members are involved in a courtroom trial where they are accused of promoting immorality through their music. This satirical take on censorship and morality is done with a touch of humor and insight, making it an amusing reflection of the rock and roll culture of the time.

The movie also features a host of guest artists, including Ringo Starr, who portrays the outlandish character, Frank Zappa. The film is notable for its use of avant-garde techniques that creates a hyper-realistic atmosphere, showcasing the band's unique creativity and imagination.

In conclusion, 200 Motels is a masterpiece that successfully captures the essence of the rock and roll culture of the time. The film showcases the Mothers of Invention's unconventional and groundbreaking approach to music and artistry. The movie's surrealistic and psychedelic style, comedic elements, and experimental music combine to make it an extraordinary cinematic experience. It remains one of the most influential and memorable films of the era, and it continues to inspire generations of musicians, artists, and filmmakers.

200 Motels is a 1971 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.