March 20–27, 1997
critic pick
The Lore of the Four Fingered Claw
"There are no redeeming characters in this film," says ex-Christian rocker turned garish After Dinner Mint percussionist/Big Mess actor/director Scott "Mr. Entertainment" Johnston about the debut of his 105-minute film, The Lore of The Four Fingered Claw. As "a massively evil metaphor for a world gone real bad," Johnston's epic (six years in the making) stars local rock club luminaries like Paul Berra (Serial Killers), M.T. Giaconne (e-Tribe), the Brothers Tayoun, James Babb (Atzilut), Aileen Adler (MTV's Real World), David Commander (Chickenbutt) and drag queen Brittany Lynn (Ian Morrison) in roles of complete supplication or as vampiristic underworld characters looking for world domination. It's like Rocky Horror with better-looking stars, cheesier effects (from Dead Milkmen vid maker David Deneen), and a louder, industrialized rock soundtrack (primarily by Plastic Eaters' Rob Daly). For the screening Johnston will be bringing in drag types, S/M kids and film clips from local filmmakers Felix Diaz (The Dirk Factor) and fellow Mint Lou Pepe (The Hamster Factor), adding to the carnival atmosphere. The circus continues on the Middle East's other floors: dark-poppers Thee Misfit Toys reunite with singer Jose with jugglers, magicians, Circles & Soda Pop, and the first floor will host a Star Trek convention. Klaatu barado niktu...
Sat., March 22, Middle East, 126 Chestnut St., 922-EAST.
