Synopsis
The film examines the case of artist and professor Steve Kurtz, a member of the Critical Art Ensemble (CAE). The work of Kurtz and other CAE members dealt with genetically modified food and other issues of science and public policy. After his wife, Hope, died of heart failure, paramedics arrived and became suspicious when they noticed petri dishes and other scientific equipment related to Kurtz's art in his home. They summoned the FBI, who detained Kurtz within hours on suspicion of bioterrorism.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Tilda SwintonHope Kurtz
- Thomas Jay RyanSteve Kurtz
- Josh KornbluthSelf
- Peter CoyoteSelf
- Steve KurtzSelf
- Shoresh AlaudiniLoren
- Cassie PowellLise
- Jakob BokulichFBI Agent
- Gregg BordowitzSelf - Artist / CAE Defense Fund
- Larissa ClaytonChar
Recommendations
- 80
Film Threat
An important heads-up to what is going on in our country right now in the name of national security, and a brilliant statement on artistic freedom and the dangers it faces. This film should be seen, should be discussed and is an important document on our times. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
Electrifying and alarming film. - 80
Variety
Younger filmmakers should be looking to Hershman Leeson for lessons on how to reinvent old forms while at the same time telling an urgently topical story. - 80
Village Voice
Slipping in and out of character, variously embodying, studying, and commenting on their counterparts, the actors manage both dramatic reenactment and its deconstruction with aplomb. - 80
The New York Times
Somewhere between documentary and dramatization, fact and impression, Strange Culture molds one man’s tragedy into an engrossing narrative experiment that defies categorization. - 70
Chicago Reader
With a score by the Residents, cartoon art by Warren Heise and Timothy Stock, and scenes of the actors commenting on and interacting with the real-life Kurtz, this 2006 advocacy video brings a jumpy energy to its Orwellian tale. - 70
Salon
Lynn Hershman hasn't reached much of an audience, which makes the modest national rollout of her fascinating Strange Culture a noteworthy event. - 70
Los Angeles Times
As sad as it is to realize that youth activism in this country is dead, it's sadder still to find yourself agreeing that they have a point. Just look at what happened to Kurtz.