Original Schtick

Director: Maciek Wszelaki

Institute History

  • 2000 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Original Schtick has a contrasting subject, Bob Fischer (the self-proclaimed Windy City Warhol), is definitely more a master of spin than spirituality. When the flamboyant self-promoter descends on the Melbourne art world with a puffed-up resume and hyper media savvy, local artists and dealers jump at the opportunity to align themselves with the American. But as his carefully orchestrated media circus whips itself into a lathery frenzy, Fischer reveals himself to be as underhanded as he is audacious.

With two persistent documentarians (one of whom is the artist’s beleaguered assistant!) recording his every move and manipulation, Bob’s outrageous deceptions are miraculously captured on tape. Originally viewing the filmmakers as pawns in his campaign of self-promotion, Bob grows increasingly angry over the constant scrutiny (and interference) of the camera. Hilarity and conflict escalate as Bob’s wily Australian collaborators expose the bizarre set of events that eventually send him scurrying for the next plane.

Unraveling in intricate and marvelous detail, the result is a jaw-dropping expose on the ultimate schtick meisters and his well-earned, desperately funny fifteen minutes of fame.

Screening Details

Credits

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