Blonde Cobra (1963)

"Blonde Cobra" (1963) invites you into an enigmatic cinematic universe, a mesmerizing labyrinth of self-exploration and existential despair. The film follows the journey of a man who embarks on a whimsical odyssey of self-discovery, navigating through the looking glass of his own reflection. He toys with the ephemeral, fondling objects as though searching for meaning in the mundane, while his voice echoes his internal turmoil through a soundtrack imbued with melancholic melodies, philosophical musings, and fragmented poetry. Donned in a myriad of costumes, the man performs an intimate ballet of self-indulgence, weaving a narrative tapestry that oscillates between the playful and the profound. His mirrored persona morphs into a myriad of characters, from a lonely little boy to a flamboyant dame - the enigmatic Madame Nescience. The latter dreams herself as the mother superior of a convent, not of piety, but of carnal knowledge, bathing in an ocean of sexual perversion. "Blonde Cobra" amplifies the absurd, stringing together a pastiche of scenes that defy traditional narrative, a cinematic jigsaw puzzle that challenges the viewer to find coherence in chaos. The dialogue, a volley of improvised nonsensical banter, dances on the tightrope of absurdity, while the soundtrack, punctuated by discordant musical numbers, mirrors the film's unorthodox spirit. This film, an unapologetic product of the school of avant-garde artistry, is a kaleidoscope of contradictions, a maze of metaphysical musings wrapped in a cloak of artful pretentiousness. The true purpose of "Blonde Cobra" remains an enigma, a tantalizing mystery that refuses to be unraveled, inviting viewers to embark on a surreal journey into an undiscovered realm of cinematic experience.

Blonde Cobra is a short movie featuring Jack Smith and directed by Ken Jacobs.

Blonde Cobra is currently streaming on Metrograph.