Conclusion to Shades of Black, Wayne's 1988 feature-length student film. Includes appearances by two of his University High School fellows, Jeff Hildebrandt and Brian Ellison. Of the project Spitzer had this to say: "I think nearly all young people experience a sort of existential dilemma between their teens and 20s...a time when they have to grapple with their abandonment in the world. SHADES OF BLACK was made when I was 20 years-old, living in absurd poverty, after a devastating personal loss, at a time when I could count perhaps two friends in the world. The piece's charm--more than its attempt at being shocking--is its complete naivety and innocence (not to mention its exuberant abuse of old analog A/B rolls!). I like the idea of it being out there. It seems to have embedded in it, like the Videodrome signal only benevolent, three or four life-saving words--no, not 'I love you,' because angry, alienated young men never hear those words. Rather, it says: 'You are not alone.'

And angry young men need to hear that. Need to hear it and know it in their hearts. It doesn't take a genius to see why."

Fun Facts:

The picture of Christ was carefully covered with Saran wrap before shooting, which kind of supports the "complete naivety and innocence" thing.

The "skyline" seen behind actor/musician Jim Lorentz is, of course, entirely fake. It is comprised of cardboard boxes, filing cabinets, masking tape, Christmas lights, and a back-lit ironing board.

One of Wayne's trademarks has always been the sneaking in of humorous Easter eggs, what he calls "insurance against criticism," or the "You thought that was supposed to be serious?" defense. One of them here takes the form of a 5-foot-tall bong made of pop cans, which occupies the corner of the religious guru's meditation chamber.

Rock on, Wayne! (less info)