Strange Parallel is a documentary/short film revolving around the American singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. The film features interviews with Elliott himself as well as fans, friends and other acquaintances of his (including Gus Van Sant, Larry Crane, and the members of Quasi). The film also includes snippets of Elliott Smith performing as well as footage of him recording an unreleased song, "Brand New Game". The film sometimes moves out of reality, with acted-out, metaphorical sequences that involve Elliott considering purchasing a mechanical hand (a "robot hand" ) to improve his music.
Direction
Steve Hanft's reality-bending documentary hybrid
Production
Unreleased 'Brand New Game' studio footage
Acting
Elliott's deadpan robot hand negotiations
Director
Steve Hanft
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Hanft also directed Beck's 'Loser' video and was deep in the 90s anti-folk scene—this was his passion project that almost nobody saw.
The unreleased 'Brand New Game' later surfaced on the 'New Moon' compilation; fans debate whether the documentary version is superior.
US
