Tarnation

The very much talked-about autobiographical film Tarnation provides a rare depiction of child abuse, exploitation and of growing up under miserable circumstances. At the same time, it is also a film about becoming a teenager and seeing your life through an imaginary camera, as if it was a movie.
Caouette grew up with his schizophrenic mother Renee and after witnessing her being raped when he was still very young, Caouette was put into foster care. However, things only got worse as he was physically abused in his new home. In his late twenties, Caouette reconnects with his mother to find out a thing
or two about both himself as well as about her. His mom now suffers from brain damage due to a lithium overdose. By revisiting old home movie snap shots, digital documentary footage, tape recordings and interviews with his mother and his grandparents, Caouette tries to make sense of his existence.
Edited on a small computer to total cost of only $218, Tarnation was a sensation in Sundance and has gained lots of attention. John Cameron Mitchell and Gus Van Sant contributed as executive producers to this unique film.

OLLE SVALANDER