GAZWRX : The films of Jeff Keen

GAZWRX : The films of Jeff Keen

a collection of 585 minutes of Jeff Keen, experimental British film,

The four DVDs in the box set present over forty of Keen’s films. What comes across on viewing this beautifully presented material is the vast range of Keen’s experimentation. Keen works with multiple screens and noise soundtracks, for example. He also uses a range of film stocks, preferring 8mm, which he saw as a potentially oppositional, disposable, form. His interest lies not with film as a form that might capture reality, but instead the potential richness of surreal visual imagery – how film images might have the power to problematize and pull at our experience of everyday life. He is a master of the processes of animation, of collage, and of rapid editing to set up powerful rhythms. Often images are cut together at a furious pace, and feature strobes or other bright lighting. Keen also often uses props – purloined from skips and rubbish dumps – and spray paints them. Sometimes these are set on fire and filmed. There is a wonderfully DIY/homemade aesthetic to much of his work, and the films often feature his family and friends. So, this collection offers much for the student of experimental filmmaking. It certainly demonstrates the importance of working with the materials you have available, the possibilities of creative independence, and the importance of taking creative risks.

The DVD boxset also includes a booklet of various essays by Keens and other's about his work/film making, as well as a small passages on each of the films in the box set.

Jeff Keen

Jeff Keens - 1960 to 2004

British Film Institute

2012

Jack Sargeant, Tony Rayns, Raymond Durgnat,

585 minutes duration

English

the film works of Jeff Keens

WCDVD0021

The United Kingdom