Watch Theory of Obscurity

Theory of Obscurity is a captivating documentary film released in 2015 that explores the story of the American art collective and avant-garde rock band, The Residents. Famous for experimenting with different musical styles and mediums, The Residents' music is a compilation of almost every genre and experimentation that breaks traditional music norms. The movie delves into the band members' journey towards establishing an anonymous identity and their artistic philosophy.

The film is directed by Don Hardy Jr., who traces The Residents' 40-year journey as an experimental band through various interviews and on-stage performances. The band, known for dressing up in tuxedos, eyeball masks, and top hats, is famous for their nonconformist approach to music. As the film unfolds, the viewer is taken through the band's backstory, their creative processes, and the challenges they faced in the music industry.

The movie starts by introducing the viewer to The Residents' creative process. The audience is given a tour of the band's headquarters located in a warehouse, The Hardy Tree, in San Francisco. The Residents' art director, Homer Flynn, provides insight into the construction of the band's stage props, costumes, and their music videos. The viewer also gets to observe the band's recording sessions, where they experiment with sound and noise, often surpassing the limits of what traditional music is supposed to sound like.

The film also provides a glimpse into the band's beginnings and how they established themselves as anonymous artists. The Residents' members faceless, and their identities have never been revealed. However, the movie interviews individuals who have collaborated with the band in the past, such as Jerry Casale from Devo and Chris Combs from Cake. These interviews draw out what it was like to work with The Residents and their unique creative processes.

The film also explores the challenges the band faced while pursuing their musical ambitions. The Residents were initially dismissed by the music industry for being too avant-garde and unconventional. The film takes the viewer through The Residents' experiences of rejection and how they found alternative ways to gain exposure through performance art and underground shows. The movie touches upon the challenges faced by the band with their record label, Ralph Records, and how they eventually handled it.

Theory of Obscurity provides a fascinating look at The Residents' performances, which have always been known to leave a lasting impression. The performances are portrayed through live footage, and they are compelling and creative, often featuring elaborate stage setups and mind-bending visuals. The film features snippets of their performances, such as their infamous show at the Mocambo nightclub, where all the band members entered the stage in motorized blenders.

Additionally, the movie also features interviews with Les Claypool, the bassist of the band Primus, and Russell Mills, an artist who worked with The Residents. The interviews provide insight into how The Residents' unique output has inspired other musicians and artists around the world. The film also includes footage of the band's album covers, such as Meet The Residents, a virtual replica of Meet The Beatles, featuring the iconic eyeball design that has become an integral part of the band's identity.

In conclusion, Theory of Obscurity provides a comprehensive and entertaining look at The Residents' work, creativity, and uniqueness. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in music, art, and the concept of anonymity in the creative world. It is an immersive documentary that provides a deeper understanding of the band's creative process and how they paved the way for avant-garde and alternative music.

Theory of Obscurity is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.