Head in Flames: Andi & Lance Olsen : Part Two

What you're about to see and hear is based on my novel, Head in Flames (Chiasmus, 2009), which is a three-voiced composition assembled from chips of observation, sensation, memory, and quotation—all structured as a series of three intersecting narraticules.

The first narraticule is set in July 1890. It focuses on Vincent Van Gogh's final days in Auvers outside Paris.

The second two are set on November 2nd 2004. They focus on Vincent's brother Theo's great-grandson (also named Theo), and his murder by the extremist Mohammed Bouyeri in Amsterdam. Theo, a filmmaker, outraged Mohammed by collaborating with the controversial politician Ayaan Hirsi Ali on a 10-minute experimental short critiquing the widespread subjugation and abuse of women in Muslim culture.

What you're about to hear is a sound collage based on the novel's opening. All the voices are mine, although manipulated electronically. You should imagine the first as Vincent's. The second as Theo's. The third as Mohammed's. That triadic pattern repeats for about 10 minutes.

What you're about to see is a manipulated version of the film Theo Van Gogh was killed for, courtesy of Andi Olsen. The original is titled Submission, the translation of the Arabic word "Islam." In the film, four Muslim women narrate how they were abused. Their naked bodies are veiled with semi-transparent shrouds as they kneel in prayer. Qur'anic verses advocating the subjugation of women are projected onto their flesh.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Head in Flames
• Andi Olsen
• Lance Olsen
• Vincent Van Gogh
• Theo Van Gogh
• Mohammed Bouyeri
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali
• Submission
• experimental short film