DUMB ANGEL
Synopsis
Equal parts improvisational performance, experimental film, behind the scenes documentary, music video and audio composition, DUMB ANGEL features sensational 17-year old rock drummer Anders Erickson in a strange, acute, hyper-reality where the unfaltering magic of cinema happens right before the camera’s eye.
NOTES:
DUMB ANGEL is the Winner of the Best 16mm Film Award at the 2006 Ann Arbor Film Festival.
Looking for a newer, more contemporary approach to filmmaking, Dawson met up with Gus Van Sant at the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival. Upon viewing Van San’ts latest film “Last Days” and speaking with the director, Dawson was inspired to attempt and “improvised film.”
DUMB ANGEL was completely improvised on the day of production, including the fireworks, fog machine, filmstock, performance and dolly move.
The sound design was created by contemporary composer Matthew Patton and engineered by Scott Stewart. The live recording bed tracks were manipulated in post to help “edit” the film and performance. Although there are no cuts in the film, the sound design heightens the film and performance, helping thematically pull the performance and film together.
Anders Erickson is the drummer for the rock band Inward Eye.
THE FILMS OF DECO DAWSON