Palace of Pleasure is a therapeutic collage made of previous films by John Hofsess. It was made for the generation growing up in the era of different and confusing social trends, which leaves many with paranoia and various social issues.
The film captures the different moods experienced by couples, crafted into a beautiful work of art and framed to serve as a therapeutic experience. Everyone who saw the film praised and rebuked John Hofsess in equal measure. The police even watched them for breaking the laws by making films that exposed too much skin and obscenity.
Palace of Pleasure is a modern take on classical film, breaking boundaries and taking a new creative direction. Some would say it is both art and trash, with the controversy around it making the perfect film experience, but at the end of the day, it is a masterpiece by the director.
It was originally planned as a trilogy with the first part being "Black Zero", the other named "November" and finally the "Resurrection of The Body", but the filmmaker John Hofsess never had the chance to finish the story. Some might sometimes refer to it as an abandoned project. In the beginning, we can see how John Hofsess made a very impressive introduction to the imagery work by fitting the images in a kaleidoscope form.
When the first part of the film, entitled, "Redpath 25" begins, the primary point of focus is the sculpture of a globe bathed in red and brown light, and alongside it are the leaves of an artificial plant. Eventually, the woman whose face was unseen is revealed as Patricia Murphy, who also funded Hofsess's first production.
The film lingers around her as some sort of icon, and that is because the film is about entering into the subject, meant to reflect the dynamic character of youth which suggests passion and also some kind of nocturne. As the film progresses Murphy tends to provoke the different senses, in specific the sensual depiction of touch and taste to create some haptic response in the viewer to quicken the heart.
The erotic scenes of "Redpath 25" are in no way pornographic but it’s a film that is very sincere in its sense of longing. John Hofsess wanted to give the viewers a fantasy that only a lone deprived mind would produce. There are a lot more images that can help you dive into thought in this film that can’t all be discussed in order not to risk the whole point of one watching it. This was a great piece of work that was created, definitely helpful when one feels lost.
What ages would this film be suitable for?
Judging by the different topics and scenes in this film, it is right to say that the audience is viewers that are 18 years and above. The erotic images might be better suited for more mature audiences.
Why would it be advisable to show this film?
The film tends to engage the viewers both mentally and emotionally and helps them find some idea of life and control of their emotions. It is a piece of art that invokes a sense of wonder and is a great piece to show what classical film is.
What kind of film series would this film fit in?
The film can fit in both drama and romance categories, for it depicts both types.