FLicKeR (2009)
A Revolution in Human Consciousness
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is FLicKeR about?
- 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.
- Who directed FLicKeR?
- FLicKeR was directed by Nik Sheehan.
- Who stars in FLicKeR?
- FLicKeR stars Richard Metzger, Brion Gysin, William S. Burroughs, Genesis P-Orridge, Kenneth Anger, Iggy Pop.
- How long is FLicKeR?
- FLicKeR has a runtime of 1h 15m (75 minutes).
- What genre is FLicKeR?
- FLicKeR is a Documentary film.