Freak Talks About Sex

I was hanging out at my friend Derek Slocum's house when a movie called "Blowin' Smoke" came on cable late one night. Derek was amazed by how much the movie touched his heart and tickled his funny bone; he fell in love with it (he was "blown away" - pun intended)! I, too, was amazed by the movie because I had actually seen it in another incarnation...When I was living in Seattle a couple years back (playing bass for the Make Nine Quartet), the movie was screened at the Seattle Film Festival under the name, "Freak Talks About Sex!" That movie touched me tremendously. The "Blowin' Smoke" version is a shorter, fun and still moving showcase of great young actors under the deft direction of a sensitive new director. However, I hope the inspired "Freak" version comes out on DVD one day, as my bandmate James Trescott and I were transfixed by the experience at the film festival. It was the most heartfelt look at post-adolescent ennui I have ever experienced, shining a spotlight on Gen-X without any self-conscious irony. (We also fell in love with director Todisco's short film, "Skanks." My buddy J.T.'s girlfriend Jody Altmyer SWEARS the movie was ripped from her real life) I can't wait to see "Freak" again, nor can J.T., who often quotes lines spoken in it by the

brilliant Steve Zahn. It's rather annoying. In the meantime, "Blowin' Smoke" will nicely suffice as a window into the work of an inspired director who seems to have the mind a philosopher, the soul of a painter, and the heart of a poet. By all means, buy "Blowin' Smoke," enjoy it; and wait for "Freak!"