Pilot

A deadpan, playful art-world self-portrait that mimics a TV newsmagazine, rewarding viewers who enjoy conceptual jokes and sly media satire.

Directed by

General Idea

Starring

AA Bronson, Jorge Zontal, Felix Partz

Overview

Produced for public television broadcast in Ontario, Pilot takes the form of a prime-time newsmagazine, with General Idea as the subject. As hosts, AA Bronson, Felix Partz, and Jorge Zontal describe their collective transformation from young strivers to "famous, glamorous artists," and the diversification of the General Idea media empire. Using a library of clips, they recount General Idea's public performances, films, and fashion designs (such as the "Venetian Blind Gown," modeled here by dancers, swimmers and snow skiers). They also discuss their print publication, FILE, and their decision to change the magazine's logo after Time-Life sued them for trademark infringement in June 1974. ("They didn't like our lifelike format," says Bronson.) A witty survey of the group's early work, Pilot is punctuated throughout by a voice-over manifesto on their continuing project, the Miss General Idea Pavilion of 1984.

How it feels

Measured and needs your attention.

About

Art, media, identity, celebrity

Content

Mild sexual content and language. No violence or gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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