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Chew the Fat

Chew the Fat (2011)

Jul 06, 2011 2h 4m Documentary

"Chew The Fat" (Informal) - To have a long friendly conversation with someone. In the film project 'Chew The Fat', the artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, living in New York portraits a group of 12 artists (Douglas Gordon, Angela Bulloch, Pierre Huyghe, Philippe Parreno, Dominique Gonzalez - Foerster, Elizabeth Peyton, Tobias Rehberger, Carsten Hoeller, Liam Gillick, Jorge Pardo, Andrea Zittel, Maurizio Cattelan). The artists, all chosen by Tiravanija, belong to the same generation as himself and, like him, have advanced during the nineties to achieve international success. Most importantly, all are good friends of Tiravanija. This creates a particularly relaxed situation in which conversation can flow naturally between the two with personal issues coming up as easily and often as those to do with work or career.

Directed by Rirkrit Tiravanija

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Rirkrit Tiravanija
Producer
  • Zeynep Yuecel

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Thematic Analysis

Chew the Fat represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Rirkrit Tiravanija brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Chew the Fat took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 124 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 177 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 250 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2011, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Chew the Fat shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Phantasia, which focuses more on action than character development, Chew the Fat subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Decease and Lake explore similar territory, Chew the Fat stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 6, 2011
  • Runtime: 2h 4m

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