If we could, we would subscribe. Michel’s work is so consistent, so mind-blowing. So joyful. So inventive. If we could bestow a “World Treasure” certification we would. He and his work would certainly have their own wing in The Ted Museum.
I can honestly say I have never learned how to see the world differently as well as I did the time I got to spend by Michel’s side as he directed “Human Nature”. He sees the world — and how to rearrange it — like no other.
Even a young mind absorbs this is something else afoot, with Michel’s brain. My son watched his work at a very young age, and holds him, like Charles Chaplin, as someone who does it all quite brilliantly — and makes the world a better place to live as a result.
This is his latest video:
Well, okay, maybe that’s an over statement, but I have always wanted to live in a museum. Maybe it comes from reading books as a child and letting them corrupt me. Maybe it’s because I can’t afford art. Maybe because I still have fond memories of my college dorm room where I glued table settings and furniture to the ceiling and built a cave to sleep in just in case it all came tumbling down.
If I had to pick one thing and one thing only that truly moved, inspired me, expanded my mind, and moved my feet, I would hand that golden stature to the greatest soul superstar you never heard of: Mingering Mike.
The desire for authenticity is an interesting thing. I often have had creative executives say to me that they are looking for something that “feels authentic”, which I take it is something entirely different from something that is authentic. The DFA is closely related to “keeping it real” which is a style I’ve seen worn quite well by those who are anything but (see Adbusters’ great article on Hipsters).
Early this year, we stumbled into a show at Joe’s Pub. We were there to see some folkie that there was some buzz about. Luckily there was some guy all alone at his table with great sight lines and we invited ourselves to join him. Then Jeffrey Lewis took the stage.
This site could not have been built without the help and insight of Michael Morgenstern. My thanks go out to him.
Help save indie film and give this guy a job in web design or film!
