Released:
2009-07-14

Overview:
In 1960, Brion Gysin invented the Dream Machine, a hypnotic light device with the power to induce hallucinations, drugless highs, and revolutionize human consciousness. It looks simple enough; a 100-watt light bulb, a motor, and a rotating cylinder with cutouts. Just sit in front of it, close your eyes, and wait for the visions to come. The Dream Machine enthralled mystics and freethinkers everywhere; Kurt Cobain had a dream machine, and William S. Burroughs thought it could be used to “storm the citadels of enlightenment.” With a custom-made Dream Machine in tow, director Nik Sheehan takes us on a journey into the life of Brion Gysin; his art, his complex ideas, and his friendships with some of the most eccentric counter-cultural icons. Taking the Dream Machine as the basis of its explorations, FLicKeR asks crucial questions about the nature of art and consciousness, and imagines a humanity liberated to explore its creativity in complete freedom.

Director:
Nik Sheehan

Runtime:
1h 15min

Genre:
Documentary

• Cast:
• 
  Richard Metzger
  as
  Self
• 
  Brion Gysin
  as
  Self (archive footage)
• 
  William S. Burroughs
  as
  Self
• 
  Genesis P-Orridge
  as
  Self
• 
  Kenneth Anger
  as
  Self