Prepare to meet your new queer cultural icon in this cinematic poem that’s also a treat for the ears. Wild Combination tells the story of musical genius Arthur Russell, a true innovator in everything from modern classical to disco to experimental dance music. This quiet and dream-like masterpiece tells Arthur’s story; from sleepy Iowa farm-boy to introverted San Franciscan beatboy, underground disco scenester and experimental collaborator with Philip Glass and John Cage.
Creatively ahead of his time, Russell has long been revered by other artists and music aficionados, but wider popularity continued to elude him until his death from AIDS in the early 90s. With contributions from Talking Heads, Allen Ginsberg and The Modern Lovers, as well as touching personal recollections from his parents and long time partner Tom Lee, this is a relentlessly beautiful film in tone and vision.
In this year of celebrating unsung Queer Heroes, Wild Combination is the perfect uplifting close to the festival. We are very pleased that Director, Matt Wolf, and Arthur’s partner, Tom Lee, will be attending the screening to discuss it and Arthur’s work.
IRISH PREMIERE
‘a moving, celebratory documentary’ Screen International
‘a profoundly moving love story’ TimeOut New York
Screening with short: Dust off & Cowboy up
Dir. Laurence Arcadias
2007 USA 4mins
A brilliantly clever and entertaining animated collage of images from old Hollywood, cut and pasted together with an ever so slightly queer eye for the movies.