SXSW Capsule Review: 'The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye,' 'Convento,' and 'Apart'

Pandrogyne in New York, Organic Automata in Portugal, and ICD-10 F24 in Texas are just some of the eclecticisms in focus at SXSW. The following movies screened at SXSW 2011, some at their World Premiere, but all testament to strong official selections in this year's film program.

"The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye"

Filmmaker Marie Losier composed this fascinating and intimate documentary, "The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye" to share a transformative relationship. Genesis Breyer P-Orridge needs no introduction for some, but requires quite a bit of preparation for the uninitiated. Having formative years in Industrial music in groups like Throbbing Gristle and now Psychic TV, his pandrogynous transformation with life partner Lady Jaye has shocked and influenced underground art and music.

They both underwent cosmetic surgeries to become more as each other. As P-Orridge said at the SXSW screening, "Some people feel trapped as man in a woman's body; some feel trapped as woman in a man's body; with Pandrogyne you just feel trapped in a body." Their relationship pushes boundaries to question what it means to be human and to remix one's life, as P-Orridge added, "Evolution is unfinished business."

In a final love letter to the deceased Lady Jaye the film celebrates their love, as P-Orridge carries on their art and music with Psychic TV. Genesis P-Orridge and the band of Psychic TV were present for Q&A at the SXSW screening.

"Convento"

Jarred Alterman's documentary film, "Convento," explores a different species of transformative art. The film visits Dutch artist Christiaan Zwanikken, who lives with his mother and brother in a 400 year old abandon monastery called the Convento in Portugal. Living off the land with his family, Zwanikken collects skeletons and refuse from local dumps to create kinetic art using motors and robotics.

The film makes an understated, yet profound comment on the discipline of solitude as an integrated discipline with art and farming. The fusion of seeing his mother and brother as stewards of the land is beautifully paralleled to the artist as a steward of salvaged objects. His artworks and sculptures are completely alien, yet wholly inhabit the monastery.

The documentary's score blended brilliantly with the unusual sounds of the robotics. The score's composer, Lawrence Dolan was present for a Q&A at the SXSW screening.

"Apart"

In the narrative world of SXSW, Aaron Rottinghaus drummed up quite a bit of attention for his romantic thriller, "Apart." Inspired by actual case studies of the very rare, but very real psychotic condition of ICD-10 F24, it is Romeo & Juliet meets "Momento."

The condition arises when two individuals who share a deep emotional connection, usually through a traumatic experience, will have shared hallucinations. This Texas based production boasts arresting performances in Josh Danziger's debut and Olesya Rulin. It also features the talents of Joey Lauren Adams.

The film's powerful cinematic representation of the characters' emotional distress was a force to be taken in awe. Director Aaron Rottinghaus, Josh Danziger and the film's producers were on hand for Q&A at the SXSW screening.