Lydia Lunch has been a mainstay in underground music and art since the late 1970s, and "Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006" showcases some of her most compelling and boundary-pushing performances during that time period. This collection of live footage, music videos, and spoken word pieces is a testament to Lunch's uncompromising vision and her willingness to push buttons and boundaries in her art.
The bulk of the footage in "Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006" comes from live performances, and there is a visceral and raw quality to much of it. Whether it's Lunch snarling and shrieking her way through a song with her band Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, or delivering a blistering spoken word piece about sex and violence, there is a sense that she is always pushing herself and her audience to the limit. Even when the performances are more subdued, there is a sense of intensity and purpose to Lunch's work that is hard to ignore.
In addition to the live footage, "Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006" also includes a handful of music videos that Lunch recorded during the 1980s and 1990s. These videos are fascinating time capsules, showcasing the visual aesthetics of those decades (big hair, neon colors, and lots of leather and lace). But even within those constraints, Lunch manages to inject her unique viewpoint, whether it's by dressing up as a crazed puppeteer in "Gloomy Sunday" or reciting her poetry while handcuffed in the desert in "Fields of Fire."
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006" is the way it highlights the various collaborations that Lunch embarked on throughout her career. Whether it's teaming up with Sonic Youth for a cover of "Death Valley '69" or performing alongside filmmaker Richard Kern in the provocative short film "Fingered," it's clear that Lunch thrives on working with other artists who share her passion for pushing boundaries. This collaborative spirit extends beyond just other musicians and filmmakers too; in one particularly arresting performance, Lunch teams up with choreographer Kathy Westwater to create a dance piece that is as unsettling as it is mesmerizing.
Another standout feature of "Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006" is the way it showcases Lunch's wit and charisma in interviews and other non-performance settings. Whether it's giving a tongue-in-cheek tour of her apartment in New York City, or discussing her creative process in a more serious interview, there is a sense that Lunch is always in control and always has something interesting to say. Her frankness and honesty are particularly striking; in one interview, she discusses her history of drug use and how it has shaped her art without a hint of shame or regret.
Overall, "Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006" is a fascinating and often unsettling look at one of underground music's most enduring figures. While the performances and videos showcased here may not be for everyone, there is no denying the power and impact of Lydia Lunch's art. Whether you're a longtime fan or encountering her work for the first time, this collection is essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersections of music, art, and performance.
Lydia Lunch - Video Hysterie - 1978-2006 is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.
