In Theaters 03.18.2016 or Watch at Home 04.19.2016

Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents

Directed by Don Hardy Jr.
Film Movement
2015
87 Minutes
USA
English
Documentary, Music
Not Rated
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THEORY OF OBSCURITY tells the story of the iconic renegade cult band The Residents. From the group’s formation in Shreveport to their success in the burgeoning San Francisco avant-garde music scene of the 60s and 70s, The Residents redefined what a rock band could be. With the advent of music videos in the 1980s, these masked musicians gained global fame as MTV darlings and serious art world figures.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Don Hardy Jr.
  • Starring: Les Claypool
  • Starring: Matt Groening
  • Starring: Josh Freese
  • Starring: Homer Flynn
  • Starring: Hardy Fox
  • Starring: Penn Jillette

Where to Watch

Apple TV Amazon Fandango At Home Google Play

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "There's plenty of eye and ear-catching stimulation in this survey of the Residents' 40-year career."
    Dennis Harvey, Variety
  • "While hundreds of bands will be struggling to emerge from the obscurity at SXSW 2015, one set of oddballs will be celebrating a 40-year home there...the film delves deep into the apocrypha and mystery of the one-of-a-kind, dissonance-crazed band. "
    Christopher R. Weingarten, Rolling Stone
  • "Fans will appreciate this loving probe into the determinedly anonymous history of S.F.'s superstar art weirdos, now closing in on 50 years of seemingly bottomless inspiration."
    Adrian Mack, Straight.com
Official Selection
SXSW
Official Selection
Chicago Int'l Movies & Music Festival
Official Selection
San Francisco Film Festival
Official Selection
Independent Film Festival Boston