Reel Six: Charles Ludlam’s Grand Tarot

This documentary delves into the unique intersection of theater and cinema, showcasing Ludlam’s influence in the underground community. It highlights how Ludlam, along with avant-garde cinema star Mario Montez, created a space for experimental art within a porn cinema that he rented for theatrical performances.

The film captures the essence of Ludlam's extravagant burlesque, The Grand Tarot, where tarot cards dictate the performance's scenes. Katz employs inventive camera techniques, using masks to fragment the screen and reveal the layers of this avant-garde work. This approach reflects the spontaneity and creative freedom that characterized Ludlam's artistic vision.