Watch So Wrong They're Right

So Wrong They're Right is a quirky, unconventional documentary film from 1995 directed by Russ Forster. The film is a celebration and exploration of the subculture surrounding audiophiles and collectors of vinyl records, specifically those who collect obscure, strange, and forgotten recordings known as "flexi discs". Flexi discs were thin, flexible vinyl records that were often included as free giveaways in magazines, cereal boxes, and other unconventional formats.

The movie is a sort of love letter to these neglected recordings, treated by Russ Forster almost as archaeological artifacts to be hunted down and cataloged. The film is structured around a cross-country road trip that Forster, along with some fellow audiophiles, takes in a specially outfitted van, traveling to meet and interview other collectors and enthusiasts of the obscure sounds of these flexi discs.

The film is a rollicking, humorous, and ultimately touching journey that bounces between interviews with dedicated collectors, animations, and reenactments of some of the more unusual flexi disc recordings. We get to hear bizarre audio collages, strange public service announcements, and even odd Star Trek spin-offs. It's a wild ride, and one that is as much about the passion of record collecting as it is about the sounds themselves.

So Wrong They're Right is a film that is propelled by the quirky personalities of its subjects, many of whom have dedicated their lives to accumulating these rare and unusual recordings. We meet characters like Mimi Johnson, the "Flexi Queen" and perhaps the most prolific collector of these recordings. We also meet a Vietnam veteran who got his start collecting vinyl during his deployment, and now proudly displays his collection of flexi discs in his garage.

Throughout the film, we are also treated to archival footage and photographs that provide context for the era in which these recordings were created. This information helps us understand how and why these discs were made, and why they became so popular. Additionally, the film explores the various artistic, commercial, and political reasons for the creation of these recordings.

The film is anchored by the charming and engaging commentary of Forster himself, who serves as our guide throughout this strange and wonderful sonic landscape. Despite the offbeat nature of the topic, the film never feels condescending or disrespectful to its subjects. Instead, the film takes an infectious delight in the quirkiness of the flexi disc collectors and the culture they've created around these forgotten recordings.

In conclusion, So Wrong They're Right is a fascinating look at a subculture within a subculture; a tribute to the passion of vinyl collectors and lovers of obscure cultural ephemera. It's a film that will appeal to music lovers, documentary enthusiasts, and anyone who's ever had an obsession with something strange and unusual. It's a quirky and funny film that will leave you with a new appreciation for the strange and wonderful world of vinyl collecting.