FLicKeR
“A Revolution in Human Consciousness”
6.8/ 10 4 votes 2009-07-14 1h 15m 1 popularity
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
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