[.ca] The Residents: Eskimo - DVD

A Wonderfully Artistic Look at Eskimo Culture:
Apparently "Eskimo" was almost a nominee for Best Album upon its release. According to the Residents they didn't get on the final list, but they were invited to the ceremonies. After watching "Eskimo" you'll easily see why, and have to wonder why they didn't end up as a nominee, if not the winner. This little wonder is the visual interpretation of their album of the same name. It tells a number of stories of the Polar Eskimo. The stories themselves are composed of musical soundscapes and, originally, were accompanied by vivid linear notes. Now the notes are onscreen text and hauntingly vivid and beautiful imagery accompanies the stories. Everything has this sorta shimmery look which makes it appear quite arctic indeed. The stories are beautiful examples of an almost gone culture, and they make statements both on a way of life now gone and a way of life still trucking on solidly; our way of life. This is a piece of art in every way possible; which is also to say it is very nuanced. If you aren't into world music or studying other cultures, or you simply don't like Resident's instrumentals, then you might not like this. But for those who do... it's a great version of a classic, and it's also jammed packed with typical Residents easter eggs.... a Diskomo video, a number of old Eskimo documentary pieces (with new Residents scores) and other odd tidbits. A beautiful and haunting piece of art that really sticks with you for days after you've watched it.