In the mood for cult classic genre mash-up? Joining me for this E-Pastiche (the first one I’ve gotten out all month!) is a sweet friend and multidisciplinary artist, Espy Kremer. At her recommendation I watched House. I have been looking forward to pressing send on this one as I am always excited to watch movies others hold dear, and am encouraged by getting a window into the inspiration/creation cycle. My own sluggish stitching prevented it’s coming any sooner, but as far as these things go, I hope it’s an enjoyable read regardless of when it hits your inbox :)
House is a fantastical Japanese horror-commedy with a real fun flair all it’s own. “Gorgeous”, the leading lady, plans a trip to visit her elderly Aunt, bringing along her gaggle of school friends. This is a happy-go-lucky group of gals, who are understandably excited to be going anywhere together, even though something strange is immediately afoot. When they arrive to the house it’s a cobwebbed mess, but the friends, undaunted, quickly assign themselves roles to get the place in order. There is a twinkle in Auntie’s eye, and her cat’s too, but nobody seems too worried, even when the first of the girls start to disappear. Nobody will believe “Fantasy” that she saw “Mac’s” severed head, and by the time the rest catch on, it’s already much too late, and the group of 7 is dwindling fast!
This film is a blast to watch, with it’s liberal use of camera tricks and campy gimmicks, the terrifying visions brought to life bring on more laughs than fright. It’s as girly as it is bloody, it’s a horrific fantasy delight!
A Question & Answer with writer and horticulturist Espy Kremer
What makes house stand out as a favorite film?
It is gory, beautiful and silly, it doesn’t take itself too seriously but it’s a treat to the eyes! It starts out innocent enough, as we are brought into a girl’s friend group. The imagery and special effects seem so out of nowhere but it’s a wild ride!
What do you find visually compelling about it?
I’ve always wanted to visit rural Asia, and experience the nature / domestic life there. Wandering into this secret home and witnessing the horrors unfold … the piano fingers, and the bloody grandfather clock specifically, are instant classics in my mind.
I also love the girly girl clothing against the blood and gore! The girls are all stereotypes, clearly shown in their dress and names.
Is there a special memory you connect to watching this film?
Yes! I saw it at the Logan theatre in Chicago for a late night movie night. The audience was extremely engaged, almost had a rocky horror cult following feel to it. Each time one of the gals peeled off, a jolt of cries and laughter broke through the audience. People kept shouting ‘Gorgeous’ in the Sharon! Ozzy style.
How does watching movies inform your own art making practice?
Watching movies has always influenced me, since I was a young girl! I spent a lot of my late teens/early 20s working on film sets. I was drawn to costumes, set building and scriptwriting - and so it’s no surprise that House checks those boxes.
With a foreign language, the script pulls a heavier weight. There’s a lightness to this script, but also a dark undertone!
What art which you consume has the greatest impact on the art you create?
Good question! Historically, it’s always been movies, namely script PDFs of movies I like….but lately small print publication and local writing have been influencing me a ton!
There’s something super personal, and often lost, about reading a local paper with contributing artists. It’s so easy to be more in the moment when reading it too, not being glued to a screen. There’s a DIY publication called Anti-Gravity that I’m really into. It’s locally distributed in New Orleans, where I currently live, and has poetry, political pieces, photography submissions…. The works!
I highly encourage all of you to peep Espy’s diverse work and playful expression! Her most recent collection of fiction/prose writing, "Monkey Motors" is available now. Get your hands on a copy by contacting her through her website (linked above) or, for Nashville cats, shopping locally at Green Ray Books or Grimey’s.
Espy has semi-recently relocated to New Orleans, and so it was extra fun to get to catch up while talking over this film. Her freedom moving through modalities and weaving her values into her artistry inspires me!
The girls, with their persona nicknames (Gorgeous, Sweet, Melody, Mac, Fantasy, Prof and Kung Fu) and the wardrobes to match, were fun to look towards for sewing inspiration. It made me wonder what my own nickname would be, or whose clothes I gravitated towards and what that said about my personality. I loved Sweet’s feminine dresses, but was equally drawn to Prof’s utilitarian pieces, her coveralls and especially her wide-legged lavender shorts!
A common theme I recognized was a pinafore type dresses or aprons donned on top as the work around the old house was done. Now isn’t that a good marriage of the two persona’s I liked best? I guess it’s decidedly more girly, but at least there is a hint of utility!
In this vein I decided I’d make an apron. Something with a few more frills than anything currently have that I could pop on at work that would protect my clothes but also add some girlish charm. I also envisioned it transitioning into a sort of tunic/dress in the summer months that I could wear with some bloomers underneath. After gathering some more references photos, I ended up constructing the apron more similarly to the Laura Ashley apron (above left), with a wider waist band and buttons at the side. However, I was equally inspired by this vest from Olive Clothing, and think it would make it a little more easy-breezy for the summer time… maybe in time I will convert the buttons to side ties instead, we shall see!
Getting to use some lace trim was really nice, and has inspired me to find some ways to work more trims into future projects. It’s fun to collect, but now’s the time to start incorporating it! I’m excited to get some wear out of this at work, and feel that it is adding to the look rather than just covering it up.
Thank you so much for reading this edition of E-Pastiche. I’m always interested to hear any thoughts or reactions (anybody need a frilly apron?), just hit reply :) . Big thanks to Espy for joining me this week and providing thoughtful answers and a freaky watch! You can give it a watch too on the Criterion Channel!
I’d love a frilly apron! 🥰