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.
- Date of release
- 2009-07-14
- TMDB
- 6.8 / 10 (4)
- Runtime
- 1h 15m
- Genres
- Documentary
- Director
- Nik Sheehan
Casting
- 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
- Ira Cohen — Self
- Brett Despotovich — Self
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