Also From Japan

FUNERAL PARADE OF ROSES-1969-This eclectic experimental Japanese new wave film is part documentary and partially based on the story of Oedipus although it takes place in the gay underground of the '60's. It follows a young transvestite Eddie (Peter) and his pals in Tokyo and features real interviews, unrelated images, sped up fights with comical music, people dancing in their underwear and several violent and graphic murders. One character even shows up and thanks the audience! The ending reminded me a bit of CARNIVAL OF SOULS. 

Director Toshio Matsumoto pushes the envelope especially for the time. He made some other interesting features and shorts but I haven't seen any of them.

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