The Oregonian, OR
March 11 2005

Beyond the multiplex
Friday, March 11, 2005
By MARC MOHAN

MEET THE FLICKERS — Paul Sharits’ 1968 film “N:O:T:H:I:N:G” consists
almost entirely of rapidly flickering bursts of color frames, in
various rhythms but without any overall pattern. Images of a drawing
of a light bulb and a topping chair appear occasionally, but the
general effect is a hypnotic, stroboscopic exploration of the nature
of film and of perception. Which of these color blasts are actual
projections on the screen and which are residual images on the
viewer’s retina? And what does this say about the way we perceive all
projected film, which is after all just a series of rapidly flashing
still images? The 35-minute film allows plenty of time to ponder
these intellectual conundrums, but it’s just as satisfying to relax
your focus and enjoy the light show.

Also included in the Cinema Project’s program of Sharits’ work is a
more psychedelic but just as visually assaultive effort called “Razor
Blades,” and the only tedious film of the three, “Epileptic Seizure
Comparison,” would make a great band name.

“Inescapable Anxiety: Three Films by Paul Sharits” screens 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday at the New American Art Union, 922 S.E. Ankeny
St. VICARIOUS EXERCISE — In 2001, Mark Flagler hiked the entire
2,173-mile Appalachian Trail — a historic pathway that runs from
Georgia to Maine — in one season, joining the ranks of those known
as “thru-hikers.” He liked it so much he went back two years later
and brought a camera, resulting in the informative documentary
“Appalachian Impressions.” The film presents a straightforward user’s
guide of sorts, including information on the many shelters, small
towns and scenic vistas that lie along the epic path. Flagler, a
North Carolina native now living in Portland, also interviewed a
diverse array of hikers, many of whom go by “trail names” such as
“Homer” or “Brew.” If, like me, your trail name would be something
like “Outta Here,” this film may be the closest you ever get to such
an impressive outdoorsy accomplishment.

“Appalachian Impressions” screens at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hollywood
Theatre. ARMENIAN RHAPSODY — “Vodka Lemon” gets its title from the
beverage sold by Nina (Lala Sarkissian) at a remote roadside stand in
bleak, wintry, post-Soviet Armenia. One customer asks, “Why is it
called Vodka Lemon when it tastes like almonds?” The answer: “That’s
Armenia.” Nina rides the bus to the cemetery every day to lay flowers
at the grave of her husband; the elderly Hamo (Romen Avinian) does
the same to honor his recently departed wife. Their hesitant
courtship is the center of this spare, poignant and occasionally
wacky film that also joins the ranks of communist nostalgia flicks
such as Germany’s “Good Bye Lenin!” and Georgia’s “Since Otar Left.”

“Vodka Lemon” opens Friday at the Hollywood Theatre.

In his search for worthy movies of all stripes, Portland freelance
writer Marc Mohan has learned that hidden treasures often lie waiting
in places without stadium seating. He can be reached at
marc.mohan@gmail.com.