Fresh
Stuffed with examples of the nose-thumbing spirit that has sustained their popularity despite the bandmates' refusal to reveal their individual identities, the film is a fine primer for the curious.
John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter
Theory of Obscurity: A Film About the Residents
2015 · 1h 27m · N/A
Documentary, Music
Directed by
Don Hardy Jr.
Overview
Theory of Obscurity tells the story of the renegade sound and video collective known as The Residents…a story that spans 40 years and is clouded in mystery. Many details surrounding the group are secret, including the identities of its members. They always perform wearing masks and costumes, which is part of their magic. At its heart, this story is about perseverance and chasing your dream. The Residents never caved to convention. They never compromised. They’ve followed their muse for decades and thousands of fans have hung on for the ride. Along the way they’ve also inspired many people to be weird, take chances and find their own voice.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
71%
Tomatometer
Rotten
We hear statements of admiration for the band from such longtime fans as Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller) and "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. But there is precious little context or critical thinking to make one truly care.
Tom Keogh, Seattle Times
Fresh
The film is a must-see for those who want to be introduced to the band, even if part way through you may find that you've hit your limit.
Peter Keough, Boston Globe
Fresh
There's plenty of eye and ear-catching stimulation in this survey of the Residents' 40-year career.
Dennis Harvey, Variety
More films
Trekkies (1997)
Documentary · PG
Denise Crosby takes a first look at the huge fans of "Star Trek" from around America and how the series has affected and shaped their lives.
- Runtime
- 1h 26m
- Director
- Roger Nygard
- Cast
- Denise Crosby, Barbara Adams, Majel Barrett
IMDb
6.9
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
Metacritic
64
Trekkies 2 (2004)
Comedy · Documentary · PG
Denise Crosby takes another look at the huge fans of "Star Trek" and how the series from around the world has affected and shaped their lives.
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Cast
- Denise Crosby, Barbara Adams, John Billingsley
IMDb
6.4
Jedi Junkies (2010)
Documentary · N/A
A film about the world's most dedicated Star Wars fans. From lightsaber wielding martial arts academies to a filmmaker who built the world's only life-size Millennium Falcon, from a Monster Garage-esque sculptor whose professional livelihood is building custom lightsabers to metal-bikini wearing dancers who embody Slave Leia, the film ...
- Runtime
- 1h 15m
- Director
- Mark Edlitz
IMDb
5.4
Ringers: Lord of the Fans (2005)
Documentary · PG-13
'Ringers: Lord of the Fans' is a feature-length documentary that explores how "The Lord of the Rings" has influenced Western popular culture over the past 50 years.
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Director
- Carlene Cordova
- Cast
- Dominic Monaghan, Elijah Wood, Peter Jackson
IMDb
6.3
The People vs. George Lucas (2010)
Comedy · Documentary · NOT RATED
The passion the original Star Wars trilogy inspires in its fans is unparalleled; but when it comes to George Lucas himself, many have found their ardor has cooled into a complicated love-hate relationship. This hilarious, heartfelt documentary delves deep into Lucas’s cultural legacy, asking all the tough questions. Has Lucas betrayed ...
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Director
- Alexandre O. Philippe
- Cast
- Mark A. Altman, John Barger, Ahmed Best
IMDb
6.7
Rotten Tomatoes
72%
Metacritic
55
The Lorax (2012)
Animation · Family · PG
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
- Runtime
- 1h 26m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Chris Renaud
- Cast
- Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms
IMDb
6.4
Metacritic
46
Banana (2010)
Animation · Comedy · Family · N/A
The Minions fight over a delicious banana... but is that all they want?!
- Runtime
- 4m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Samuel Tourneux
- Cast
- Pierre Coffin
IMDb
7.6
Home Makeover (2010)
Animation · Comedy · Family · N/A
When a social worker visits Gru’s house to assess its suitability for children, chaos ensues. Margo, Edith, and Agnes, along with the ever-mischievous Minions, scramble to give the home a makeover in record time. Their attempts to create a warm and inviting environment quickly spiral into hilarity as the Minions’ unorthodox methods lea...
- Runtime
- 5m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Samuel Tourneux
- Cast
- Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Kate Fisher
IMDb
7.1
Orientation Day (2010)
Animation · Comedy · Family · N/A
The Minions embark on their first day of work, eager to prove themselves in their new roles. After watching a hilariously outdated 'Initiation Video,' three rookie Minions take on bomb-carrying duty. Predictably, their enthusiasm quickly spirals into chaos as they bungle the simplest of tasks. Packed with slapstick comedy and the Minio...
- Runtime
- 4m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Samuel Tourneux
- Cast
- Pierre Coffin, Rob Huebel
IMDb
6.8
Gru, mi villano favorito presenta: La locura de los minions (2010)
Animation · Comedy
Comments
Talk about the film with other members