The Long Road to Mazatlan

1999
Julien, Isaac
This film explores the myth of the cowboy, the outcast and the pioneer - ideas influenced by to Isaac Julien's memory of cinematic moments including James Dean walking away in 'Giant' and Andy Warhol's film 'Cowboys'. 'The Long Road to Mazatlan' features two protagonists - cowboys dressed in classic contrast, one all in white and the other in black - played by dancer/choreographers Javier de Frutos and Philippe Riera. The act of looking is intrinsic to this film, which is full of seductive colour. The sparkling swimming pool sequences, for example, recall David Hockney paintings. The title is taken from Tennessee Williams's play 'The Night of the Iguana' and signifies the end of the road. As the film closes the two men perform a jerky road-side dance - 'movements of repression' says Julien, a glimpse of how desire surfaces when it is unmediated and not inspired by a role we recognise from films or books. Isobel Johnstone Collaboration Isaac Julien and Javier de Frutos Director: Isaac Julien Choreography and movement: Javier de Frutos
  • Artwork Details: running time: 14 minutes 35seconds
  • Edition: 2 of 4 (plus 2 artist's proofs)
  • Material description: video projection on DVD, video disc and betacam sp video tape
  • Credit line: © the artist
  • Theme:
  • Medium: Film and Audio Visual
  • Accession number: ACC1/2002

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