| Although the title may conjure up images of the master of suspense, Storefront Hitchcock (U.S. 1996) is actually a performance film that captures oddball songwriter Robyn Hitchcock (Egyptians frontman and former Soft Boy) playing live in a New York City shop window.
Jonathan (Silence of the Lambs) Demme directed this sly pseudo-concert movie that has already become something of a legend among Hitchcock’s admirers – including favourites like "Let’s Go Thundering," "The Yip Song," "I Something You" and 11 other songs, Storefront Hitchcock is an choice sampling of the artist’s repertoire that is a must-see for fans and an excellent introduction for the uninitiated.
A minimally produced film, it features Hitchcock on guitar (mostly acoustic), playing in front of a floor-to-ceiling window that allows a view of the bustling street outside. Half the fun comes from watching passersby press their noses to the window, trying to get a glimpse of the antics going on inside. Some stare goggle-eyed, some display weird artwork amd still others don’t seem to know quite what’s happening, inside or out.
Demme uses the informal setting resourcefully, making more from less and creating a unique atmosphere for each song with subtle lighting and set changes. Many of these alterations are intentionally perceptible as the film is rolling, giving the illusion that the entire performance is taking place in real time. The simple addition of a candle or the lowering of a curtain alters the set immeasurably – some songs are performed by candlelight or the illumination of a single incandescent bulb, while during others the harsh light of day shines brightly through the unveiled window.
Ultimately, though, this is a movie about pared-down performance – Hitchcock’s songs take centre stage, where they’re allowed to breathe and frolic in the clever phrasings and offbeat wordplay that characterize them. In between tunes, Hitchcock’s acerbic wit kicks into high gear, particularly during his anti-religious diatribes. At one point, after describing the Catholic church as "a church of carcasses," Hitchcock goes on to say that he believes "very firmly in God," but also maintains an "infinite contempt for religion." It’s this bitterly funny observational comedy, informed by just enough of Hitchcock’s personal experience, that rounds out the artist’s unusual perspective.
The high point of the movie, though, surely has to be Hitchcock singing "Airscape" by the swirling white light of a disco ball. When he sings, "save your illusions for yourself," you’ll be thankful that Hitchcock and Demme have decided to share at least a few of their own here. Storefront Hitchcock is available on CD, but the visual component is a great enhancement, so you’d be better off watching it on VHS or DVD. |
