The film is definitely a science fiction film with elements of horror that recall the 1930s Universal horror cycle. However, that does not begin to touch it. Consider it a mash-up of the themes from Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell, Frankenstein, Robocop, all hit with a massive dose of Shane Caruth’s Upstream Color. Yet, it is much more a character study than anything else. Electric Nostalgia as an experience that sits directly in the middle of the art-house genre film (think Drive) and mainstream genre fare.
I must also take a moment to praise Stephen Goodman’s performance as our mad scientist. His screen presence is frankly incredible. He somehow manages to channel Lon Chaney Sr, the late career of Boris Karloff and Max Schreck’s performance in Nosferatu, yet entirely remain himself. It is a sight to behold. Furthermore there is not a misstep in any of the other performances.
But wait! This is not a review show…er….blog…it’s an analysis show! (or whatever)
*warning: there may be vague/mild spoilers below.
I am reminded about the analysis I offered for Ghost in the Shell a few months back. In that film as in Electric Nostalgia, we have a question of the relationship of the body to the soul. Ghost in the Shell takes a position that the soul operates entirely independent of the body. Conversely, Electric Nostalgia seems to make an argument that body and soul are somehow bound together, making any sort of full separation impossible. In the version from the Burns boys, we have an example of a western metaphysic in which there is some residual (you might call it, electric nostalgia) aspect of the soul that can in now what be separated from the body, versus Ghost in the Shell’s fully eastern (Buddhist) understanding of the body a merely a…well…shell.
This understanding has massive implications on issues concerning personhood and gender and the view of the body mattering (also the recognition of the body’s malleability and plasticity) is vital for a great number of social issues that are being discussed today. Furthermore, there is a huge question of personhood for a synthetic person. Insofar as I am avoiding spoilers I will say no more, save that this film is wrestling with and raising lots of important questions and is well worth the watch.
Dustin Sells is studying for a PhD in Screen Studies at Oklahoma State University. Sometimes he gets some sleep. Check out Dustin’s most recently viewed films on Letterboxd @DustinSells or follow him on Twitter @dustin_sells or follow him on Twitter
