STEPFORD LIVES
February 02, 2010,
Written by Will Slater
Jacques Peretti is best known for his investigative journalism. I think little enough of people in this profession particularly, who dedicate their efforts to making exposés on public figures, which was why I despised his What Really Happened series. In these documentaries, Peretti set up tedious explanations as to how the likes of Paul Burrell, Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson were presenting themselves to the press and the public. So, it was much to my surprise that I discovered this wonderful short film of his, which debuted on Channel 4's The Art Show in 2002.
Stepford Lives follows the paths of three characters, Graham, Sally and Magda, whose lives circulate around a village of model homes. This plastic neighbourhood, Harton Wick, carries a made up history, created by an advertising copywriter. It is a community with no originality, built for people with no individuality or creativity whatsoever. Through a montage of photos and narration that combines acting with voices from the real world, we are taken through the tiresome routines of these characters' daily lives, constantly having their lifestyles pitched to us with brand names and statistics about the public, which carry no sources, making the viewer confused as to whether or not they're real.
Every now and then some humour about the human way of thinking is thrown in. For example, we are told that Graham likes to fantasize that if he doesn't type his security code before time runs out, when leaving his house, that it will explode into a mass of flames, or how the fact that the height of his car amongst others gives him an immediate sense of physical superiority. This information on Graham's state of mind, followed by recordings of members of the public commenting on their own lives, spoofs the way we all think, and can either make Graham's life seem all the more bleakly real, or make our lives seem fake. If that's not enough there's also a comment on the fickleness of the nation when Graham meets Magda: "Was she in the war. An illegal immigrant clinging to an undercarriage of the Eurostar. Graham feels like reporting her to immigration, but might ask her out instead." Furthermore, the ambiguous statistics raise more questions about our materialist values: "In a fire, 31% of British women would choose to save their sofa over their husband."
It's all very obvious that Peretti is having a stab at the suburban way of life and this is by no means original when you think of the many plays and films that have come before. Death of a Salesman and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf pointed out how the conformative and competitive values of the American Dream were creating a monotonous society with no decent principles. The Stepford Wives and Poltergeist sinisterly parodied the soulless suburban paradise. However, there is something so hilariously dismal about the way that Stepford Lives is presented, which separates it from the rest. The deadpan narration tells a story about the bizarre and the mundane consumerist values that have taken over most of our society. Plus it should hopefully make you realise why you shouldn't listen to the Lighthouse Family or Wet Wet Wet.
Kate - 16/03/10
Schadenfreude. I think you've pretty much covered it in the last paragraph: when we're down, we search for culture which empathises; when we're up, we search for culture which makes us see the value and worth of our current 'positive' situation. Not everyone though: some people detest dark comedy, cynical people and skeptical views. [view article]
Oliver - 16/03/10
I love having absoultely nothing to do with the podcasts. It means Ican get excited about when they get released. I was giddy this morning when Itunes started to download it for me! [view article]
Benzil - 16/03/10
The Tubelord segment was superb, poor Rob. I was confused too. Nice work lads. [view article]
Emma - 16/03/10
Hey there :) Just wondered, did you take the pictures yourself? Its just im currently completing my Final Major Project for my publishing course and im making a music magazine. Having a massive problem with copywrite :/ If you did take the pictures would i be able to use the ones of pulled apart by horses? because they are the best ive found :P they really capture how mental they are. You would be a MASSIVE help. Id put your name on the pictures and if you want i can sent you the mag when its done so you can put it in a portfolio or summat? Would be a MASSIVE help :) If your interested could you email me on only-inhuman@hotmail.com Cheers :) [view article]
Oliver - 16/03/10
Ahh, I just meant in general! Not in comparison! 40 minutes would be cool! One every two weeks Aaron? ;) [view article]