Turn-On

About This Movie

Turn-On is this fascinating piece of avant-garde that really pulls you into a different space. The film opens with Vito Acconci's back, and you just feel the tension build as he starts humming, then it just spirals into this intense, almost aggressive performance. It’s like a raw glimpse into a psyche, with that extreme close-up making you acutely aware of every twitch and breath. Themes of intimacy and confrontation dance around here, making it even more unsettling. The pacing can feel erratic, but that’s kind of the point—it's very much about the experience, not just the narrative. It’s not your typical documentary, and that’s what makes it stick in your mind.

Turn-On has always been a bit of an enigma in the collector's world. Its limited print history and unique approach to documentary filmmaking lend it a certain scarcity, making it an intriguing find for those who appreciate the avant-garde. Many collectors value it not just for the film itself, but for the conversations it sparks about performance art and the boundaries of cinema. Over the years, it’s become a niche interest, with some prints being quite hard to come by, which only adds to its allure.