Customer Reviews

Outside Out - A Film by Mike Gordon

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Mike Gordon is one of those people that you immediately understand or you're constantly confused by. I personally found this movie to be incredibly funny despite the bad acting, convoluted plot*, and occasional scene that could have been edited out. There are moments of sheer surreal brillance that make up for anything. "He Taught Me How to Play My Guitar" is a great song too. If you were normally amused by Mike's Corners in the Doniac Schvice, you need this movie. Listen to the director's commentary track too. Mike commenting on Mike is even better.

* notice how I didn't even try to sum up the plot? That's because the plot is pretty vague. This movie was originally going to be a mock instructional video and grew out of that.

What, you haven't seen Mike Gordon's film yet? That's because nobody who's seen it has recommended it. From back in the day, do you remember Phish's print newsletter, the Doniac Schvice? If so, you will never forget Mike's Corner. It was Gordon's section of absurdist, poetic and comedic writings. If you're old enough to know what I'm writing about, imagine a cinematic version of Mike's Corner. That's the vision behind "Outside Out." Sobriety is this film's worst enemy. Indeed, the funniest moment is a teenager eating marshmallows - I warned you! The moment of truth happens when the audience gets to see the entire outhouse that was used on the cover of Phish's "Farmhouse." To call this a 'film' is misleading -it was shot with video, not on film. Consistently, the entire film has an amateur feel including the acting, sets, costumes and special effects. Given Gordon's bank account, we have to assume that this was intentional. The plot surrounds a teenage guitar player wannabee and the creator of a mysterious instructional video. I'm not sure how the illustrious Col. Bruce Hampton (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Codetalkers, etc.) was roped into this. Hampton either has a really good sense of humor or "Outside Out" seemed like a good idea on paper. The soundtrack is filled with original music. The credits cite the participation of both Buddy Cage and Bela Fleck. Gordon's Ramble Dove project is alluded to, but unfortunately the group is never seen performing. This film will only appeal to die-hard Phish phans. Even for those who've been to Gamehendge and back, "Outside Out" is one of those experiences best enjoyed while zooted.

This film is shot like a cheap porn. The only reason somebody would buy this is the Phish connection, if you're a rabid fan. And I do mean rabid! I will say though that the instructor is hilarious. From the extras it appears that this guy is truly strange. I would like to see a documentary on his band.

Mike Gordon never disappoints in anything he is involved in. This DVD is no exception. The movie is so funny.....it can't be categorized. Just so much dead pan humor in it that it drives me crazy. If you are a fan of surreal movies or a Mike Gordon afficianado then this DVD is for you. The short included , "Gubernatorial Cribbage" is alone worth buying the DVD version. Probably one of my favorite movies.!!