Watch The Many Strange Stories of Triangle Woman

The Many Strange Stories of Triangle Woman, released in 2008, is a surrealistic film that tells a series of interconnected narratives about a woman named Triangle Woman (Vivian Jimenez Hall). The movie, influenced by German expressionism and avant-garde cinema, was written, directed and produced by Chris Rentzel. The film begins with a low-budget sci-fi skit in which Triangle Woman, a space explorers duo and some aliens attend a costume party, where they discuss the end of the universe, artificial intelligence, and time travel. After this bizarre prologue, the film jumps back and forth between time periods and genres, with episodes ranging from a post-apocalyptic dystopian world to a slapstick comedy set in a supermarket.

In each segment, Triangle Woman is either the protagonist or a central character, but the supporting cast also changes frequently. There are appearances from Richard D. Curtin, Margaret Lake, and a revolving ensemble of actors, who play characters as varied as a charismatic cult leader, a feminist stand-up comedienne, a no-nonsense military general, and a traumatized survivor of a nuclear holocaust.

Each vignette has its own visual style and tone, but they all have one thing in common: a sense of absurdity and playful irreverence. The film subverts viewers' expectations by upending traditional storytelling methods, often using exaggerated humor, allegorical imagery, and minimal dialogue to convey its messages. The result is a surrealistic and thought-provoking film that challenges conventions of narrative cinema.

One of the most memorable skits in the movie is "The Man with a Thousand Shoes," a parody of classic horror films in which Triangle Woman finds herself in a haunted mansion and meets the titular protagonist (played by Richard D. Curtin). The bizarre character is a collector of shoes, which he claims are tokens of his former lovers. The scene is both absurd and unsettling, with the eerie atmosphere and oddball humor creating a creepy undertone that lingers even as the segment concludes.

In another scene, Triangle Woman attends a comedy club, where a feminist stand-up comedian delivers a monologue about social justice and gender equality. The segment shows how the film tackles social issues and political commentary in a humorous and subversive way. Triangle Woman's blank stares and inaction in this sequence act as a reminder of the limits of "talking the talk" without "walking the walk."

The segments have an underlying message about taking control of one's life and identity. Each surreal setting takes the notion of ownership and flips it on its head, prompting viewers to actively consider their own sense of self and place in the world. The overarching theme of the movie is, you cannot control the externals of your world, but you can control your outlook and how you respond the changes that occur.

The film's bold style and experimental approach may appeal to fans of underground cinema and avant-garde art, but it may be a bit perplexing to mainstream audiences. The themes explored in "The Many Strange Stories of Triangle Woman" take the form in rich irony and humor, however, a careful viewership is needed to extract the profundity of the film.

Overall, The Many Strange Stories of Triangle Woman is a captivating work of surrealistic cinema. Its surprises, inconsistencies and wacky imagery are a pleasurable cinema experience suitable to seasoned movie fans who enjoy movies that do not condescend to spoon-feed the story. Chris Rentzel proves his originality and fearless manner of experimentation in this unique film, making it a must-see for fans of the off-beat and unusual.