Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents

Don Hardy's intentionally opaque documentary presents the history of the mysterious band The Residents, but never unmasks the players. Consequently, there's no way to know if the same individuals comprise the Bay Area avant-pop outfit or whether replacements have stepped in over the years. As Simpsons creator Matt Groening puts it, "There is no true story of The Residents," so Hardy keeps biographical information to a minimum, instead speaking with fans, associates, and members of the Cryptic Corporation, the organization that oversees the band's affairs. Hardy also uncovers performance footage and excerpts from their unfinished film Vileness Fats (mostly filmed between 1972-76). For those who know them best for their music, Theory of Obscurity makes it clear that the group is equally invested in film and performance art (the Museum of Modern Art has copies of all of their releases). Collaborators Penn Jillette, who narrated shows, and Gary Panter, who illustrated record jackets, talk about their own participation, while recording artists such as Mickey Melchiondo and Les Claypool discuss how the band influenced their careers (Melchiondo, for instance, prefers the pseudonym Gene Ween). The Residents, however, never speak for themselves, not even behind their famous eyeball-shaped head masks, although former Cryptic Corporation president John Kennedy jokes that he could have been a member. Presented in 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Digital stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 on Blu-ray, extras include the Residents' first live performance, Residents short films, and an excerpt from Vileness Fats (exclusive to the Blu-ray release are extended interviews). Recommended. (K. Fennessy)