Vertical Roll

Vertical Roll features Joan Jonas as an electronic erotic seductress, exploring the complex and evolving roles of women through multiple costumes and identities. The film's unique technique of de-synchronizing the monitor's receiving and transmitting frequencies creates a visually striking effect, resulting in a repeated vertical descent that fragments the on-screen image.

The piece is described as a "disjunctive self portrait," where the camera's role is pivotal, reflecting and scrutinizing Jonas’s performances. This engagement implicates the viewer, as the relentless vertical roll disrupts the perception of identity, showcasing a critical examination of societal norms.

Collectors of experimental cinema will find interest in this film’s innovative approach and its commentary on gender roles. The work is a significant piece within the realm of video art, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection focused on avant-garde and feminist perspectives in film.