George Kuchar, one half of the twin “Kuchar Brothers” who together are responsible for some of the strangest – and most memorable – underground films of the 60’s and 70’s, has passed away at age 69. The prolific artist was behind such short films and features as Sylvia’s Promise (1962), Lust for Ecstasy (1964), and The Devil’s Cleavage (1975 – pictured above), among countless others. Indie Wire has a very nice obit and appreciation.
Releasing the films of the Kuchar Brothers on DVD has always been a spotty issue, since they so frequently appropriated the soundtracks of big-budget Hollywood melodramas and other “sampled” sources, but here’s hoping that more of his work becomes available to the public soon. Highly recommended for an overview is It Came From Kuchar, the 2009 documentary which covers the brothers’ singularly bizarre output, zero-budget but striking and very funny films, which influenced artists such as John Waters and Guy Maddin. That is available, and well worth your time.
