Tarnation

Like "Grey Gardens" and other films about family struggles with mental illness, "Tarnation" is an unflinching mixed bag of triumph and sorrow. It's a complete life "caught on tape" and other various media by filmmaker and subject Jonathan Caouette growing up in Texas during the 80's with his mentally ill mother and his grandparents. The frantic pace of editing and storytelling is what makes it a compelling watch -- while this is a documentary, it's use of underground-aesthetics and MTV-style transitions create a mood that's more like early Gus Van Sant than the simple Mayles Brother's realism.Of course there are times in this film where the relentless images overpower the subjects and the filmmaker-as-subject can come off as narcissistic (but then again, any teenager armed with a video camera will do that - using a means to escape and become something else). There's also uncomfortable moments that cross the line of intrusion - and your left to wonder what happened when the camera was turned off. However, this movie does have incredible heart because it goes out on a very vulnerable limb to show those telling moments where he's performing some strange monologue or his mother rambling in front of the camera. Also - as non-linear as life is, we probably do not need voice-overs, post-scripts, or any authoritative plot-like device that gives the film any more narrative than it needs.Perhaps what is most liberating about this documentary is the fact that it's very a hands-on approach to filmmaking, recalling self-published documentary's where the tools are given to the subjects and simply advised to film themselves. Apple-users will recognize iMovie tools and effects used through out, creating a patchwork of pictures and memories, all masterfully from a single desktop. Let's hope this film will inspire others to follow!

I was fortunate enough to catch the free screening of tarnation when Jonathan Caouette was the judge of the Ann Arbor Film Festival in Michigan. I was completely blown away by the film. Tarnation is the first film that I have ever seen where I truly felt i was watching someone's life unfold on screen.Tarnation is not simply the true story of a son's undying love for his mentally damaged mother, but it is a invitation into the life and history of Jonathan. Tarnation allows the audience to follow the film makers real life through the filmmakers eyes, from childhood to adulthood. The experience was additionally amazing considering Jonathan Caouette held a long question and answer session after the film, giving us an even deeper look into his life and his creation. I was at times disturbed and at other times touched while watching the film. Yet, the film was completely captavating from start to finish. Also, the music selection is great, and the more or less avant garde editing style simply adds to the original and mesmorizing nature of the film. I highly recommend Tarnation

Tarnation is one of those movies that its affect continues to resonate within me. It is deeply disturbing to witness the fractured family dynamic, and to watch a child's life become so profoundly impacted by the mistakes of others. With that said, it instilled a feeling of hope for me, as the creator of the documentary seems to rise above his damaged past, and his dedication for his mother is a wonderful example of true love. If you are delighted by disturbing scenarios that have a purpose and an eventual positive-albeit non traditional- outcome, then check this flick out.

I was looking forward to this movie as so many reviewers raved about it.At the beginning I thought the execution of the material was original and fresh, but as the movie progressed I started to feel that the focus became lobsided and a bit self centered. Some moments even came across as slightly pretentious. The style also could alienate some viewers. This is not your run-of-the-mill documentary and I would recommend it to people with a vested interested in movies (given the creative way the movie was made), rather than people interested in the subjectmatter.While I was emotionally involved in a documentary like "My Flesh and Blood", this one left me cold. Rather rent than buy.

Bought this for Abnormal Psych to understand Schizophrenia. This documentary was extremely informative on condition, history, and diagnosis. This documentary explained the root, cause and outcome and was incredibly personal. Anyone trying to understand Schizophrenia should see this video. There is much insight into comorbid disorders based on environment and family. GREAT video if you are interested in knowing about Schizophrenia or are entering Psychology.

This harrowing, yet tender ride through Jonathan's (real) life was like a blast of hot/cold air. The music was amazing.. so amazing that i went to "tindrum.com" and downloaded the music. Had to have it so then I went to i-tunes and bought the complete score. Lord, That last song as the credits went up. We just sat there in our living room paralyzed .

I just finished watching Tarnation and it was amazing. At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it because its pretty weird and experimental but I loved it. It is extremely haunting and touching. The way everything is pieced together makes this movie mesmorizing. Hopefully one day in Film History we wil be talking about and studying Jonathan Caouette. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE!

It a very strange documentary. Not for everyone. I couldn't really get into it. It jumps around. It is as far as I could tell a true to life event.

One of the most memorable and personal documentary films about mental health. Heartbreaking but also shows great warmth and hope.

Prompt delivery. Item as described

I received the dvd, completely scratched....and doesn’t work on any device.

This really is something this film. It has taken over 20 years to put together.Essentially a biography of a family told using photos, videos, audio recordings taken over the years.These images and movies are cut together with a soundtrack from the likes of Low and Iron and Wine and are 'narrated' by stark overlaid text.The film was apparently produced for next to nothing using nothing more than an iMac and it's stark simplicity simply hypnotises you.It is the story of the film-maker (Jonathon Caouette), his mother and his grand-parents. He was raised by his grand-parents whilst his mother underwent years of barbaric treatment in psychiatric wards - all sanctioned by her parents. A terrible tale of a woman who, initially, had nothing wrong with her and was subjected to hundreds of electro-shock therapy sessions and eventually a lithium overdose. This radically changed a beautiful, ex-model into a disturbed, yet still vibrant women.Her son shows her the kind of love that really hits home. Incredibly touching displays of his commitment to her.Overall, it is a very sad story which warms the heart. You can not look away from the screen for a second as the perfect cadence of the film beats on. It'll upset you and make you feel great all at once. And you will ring your mother at the end of it.

Es handelt sich hierbei um einen sehr speziellen Film der sicher nichts für jedermann ist. Man muss bedenken, dass Jonathan Caouette schon seit der frühen Jugend alles und jeden in seinem sehr bewegten Leben dokumentiert. Er hat keine erfüllte und friedliche Kindheit und auch der Rest seines Lebens verläuft nicht in den geregeltesten Bahnen. Eine sehr bewegende Geschichte/Dokumentation die sehr viel Mut brauchte sie öffentlich zu teilen. Respekt dafür und nicht umsonst preisgekrönt...Ein Vorreiter seiner Zeit, heute 2015 ist vloggen an der Tagesordnung, damals war er ein Sonderling.