Backcomb

Film directed by Sarah Pucill in 1995. Performed by Karen Ashton.

Synopsis
In Backcomb the demonic is unleashed on domestic space. It takes the form of two of femininity’s mildest tokens, hair and embroidery, that serve here in the creation of a sexualised surrealist experience. Within the claustrophobic space of a table-lay, a forceful and erectile mass of hair comes alive and slithers across its surface. The hair probes into vessels and punches through the cloth till finally order overturns and all smashes to the ground.

Funded by Carlton TV and London Production Fund

Film notes
'A low-angle glimpse of a mother's petticoat initiates an encounter with a mass of tentacle hair which slithers across the table, intertwining and incorporating the objects which it encounters. These (china) objects take on the appearance of skin in contrast to the artificiality of the hair. The dishevelled hair mass engulfs the milk jug whose contents trickle climactically from the table. The depleted jug splutters, the table is drenched, and the hair devastates the scene.' - Vicky Smith, LFMC.

Author: 

Year: 

1995
Technical data

Original format: 

16mm

Speed: 

24FPS

Aspect ratio: 

1.37:1

Colour: 

Colour

Sound: 

Optical

Length: 

6 minutes

Distribution/sales: 

Copies for rent:
LUX
Light Cone
Canyon Cinema
Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre
*

Sale:

Backcomb is included in the self-published DVD compilation Sarah Pucill - Early Shorts.

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