Watch Arise! The SubGenius Video
- 1992
- 1 hr 26 min
-
7.0 (194)
Arise! The SubGenius Video is a delightfully absurd documentary that follows the Church of the SubGenius, a mock-religion founded in the 1970s by J.R. 'Bob' Dobbs. The film is a mix of interviews with members of the "church" and an array of hilarious, bizarre footage that will leave you simultaneously amused and confused. The film opens with a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer stating that the filmmakers are in no way responsible for any harm that may come to your soul from watching the movie. From there, we are introduced to "Bob," a mysterious figure who is the central focus of the Church's teachings. He is depicted as a cross between a salesman, a prophet, and an alien, complete with a signature pipe and a wide grin on his face at all times. The film explores the history of the religion and what it means to be a SubGenius, which is essentially to be someone who rejects authority and societal norms and embraces absurdity and humor.
Throughout the documentary, we meet a range of colorful characters who take the teachings and practices of the Church very seriously. These include a man who has legally changed his name to "Dr. Legume" and spends his time spreading the gospel of the SubGenius on college campuses, a woman who has created a SubGenius-themed amusement park ride, and a man who claims to have been visited by aliens and taught the secrets of the universe.
The video also includes a number of hilarious skits and montages that are a staple of the Church's humor. These range from mock commercials for products like "Bob's Miracle Salve" and "Yeti Love Spray" to clips of "Bob" himself delivering absurd, nonsensical speeches. There are also a number of strange animations and bizarre imagery that are difficult to describe but are sure to induce laughter and confusion.
One of the standout aspects of Arise! The SubGenius Video is its sound design. The film features an eclectic mix of music, sound effects, and voiceovers that are used to great effect. For example, during an interview with a SubGenius musician, we hear clips of his music in the background, which is intercut with footage of him drumming on various objects. The result is a surreal and humorous experience that perfectly captures the essence of the Church's philosophy.
One of the film's most entertaining segments is a mock news broadcast that reports on the impending alien invasion. The viewer is taken on a journey through a range of zany conspiracies, including the theory that the aliens are actually employees of fast food chains trying to take over the world. The segment culminates in a "live" broadcast from the Church, where they attempt to communicate with the aliens using a homemade radio transmitter.
Overall, Arise! The SubGenius Video is a hilarious and thought-provoking look at a group of people who have fully embraced the absurdity of life. The film's humor is often crude and irreverent, but it ultimately serves as a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously. Whether you are a SubGenius yourself or just someone looking for a good laugh, this movie is a must-see.