Book of Splendors, Part Two, Book of Levers: Action at a Distance

About This Movie

So, Book of Splendors, Part Two, Book of Levers, it's quite the trip. Filmed by Ken Jacobs from the audience of the Ontological-Hysteric, it’s like a fever dream of avant-garde theater. You get this raw, single-frame perspective that pulls you right into the chaos of the performance—action is frantic, and there's this unflinching presentation of nudity that really cranks the intensity. The pacing keeps you on edge, and the practical effects? Oh man, they add this whole layer of surrealism that sort of unravels your perception of distance. It’s distinctive for its blend of experimental cinema and theater, forcing you to engage with every flicker of movement and sound. You feel like you're part of the madness, yet removed at the same time, which is just fascinating.

This film has had a few formats over the years, but original prints are quite the rarity. Collectors tend to prize the unique perspective Jacobs captures, and it’s one of those films that sparks a lot of discussion among enthusiasts of experimental cinema. Scarcity adds to its allure; many fans are still on the hunt for well-preserved copies, making it a notable piece for serious collectors.