The Manhattan Book of the Dead (1995)
A Ritual Opera
The Manhattan Book of the Dead was my response to the ongoing AIDS crisis that was plaguing NYC (and elsewhere in the late 80s-mid 90s). I just felt like I needed to do something more concrete than merely going about my business. Putting my own particular talents to use seemed like a good way to go about it, and it was cathartic for me as well. It explored many sides of my musical personality—including the first “songs” I’d written in many years. But it also had some of the most advanced just intonation drone pieces and corresponding rhythmic structures I’d ever done. Also, the root/fifth drones heard throughout much of it was two ebows on the piano—I believe the first time that had been done..
Director: Ching Valdes-Aran
Genre: Music
Runtime: 105 min
Release Date: May 1, 1995
Cast
- Thomas Buckner - The Survivor
- Lisa Karrer - Ambivalent Angel
- Karen Goldfeder - Ambivalent Angel
- Karen Haight - Ambivalent Angel
- Pascal Benichou - Dancer
- Cavin Bodouin - Dancer
Screenplay
Music: David First
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Ching Valdes-Aran
More Films in Genre: Music
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Manhattan Book of the Dead about?
- The Manhattan Book of the Dead was my response to the ongoing AIDS crisis that was plaguing NYC (and elsewhere in the late 80s-mid 90s). I just felt like I needed to do something more concrete than merely going about my business. Putting my own particular talents to use seemed like a good way to go about it, and it was cathartic for me as well. It explored many sides of my musical personality—including the first “songs” I’d written in many years. But it also had some of the most advanced just intonation drone pieces and corresponding rhythmic structures I’d ever done. Also, the root/fifth drones heard throughout much of it was two ebows on the piano—I believe the first time that had been done..
- Who directed The Manhattan Book of the Dead?
- The Manhattan Book of the Dead was directed by Ching Valdes-Aran.
- Who stars in The Manhattan Book of the Dead?
- The Manhattan Book of the Dead stars Thomas Buckner, Lisa Karrer, Karen Goldfeder, Karen Haight, Pascal Benichou, Cavin Bodouin.
- How long is The Manhattan Book of the Dead?
- The Manhattan Book of the Dead has a runtime of 1h 45m (105 minutes).
- What genre is The Manhattan Book of the Dead?
- The Manhattan Book of the Dead is a Music film.