Existo (1999) User Reviews

One of the worst films ever made. Period.

[DavidDeRienzo · 1/10 · 3 May 2006]

First off, I'd just like to make it clear that I did not find this movie terrible for any political reason. I am neither left or nor right, and I am totally indifferent to politics.

Now, with that out of the way. This film is utterly awful. Aiming to be a low budget, cult classic that pokes fun at right-wing conservativeness, "Existo" crashes and burns with its trite political humor that completely fails at even garnering the slightest of smirks. Coke Sams (who, by the by, directed the Ernest films, which are some of the worst films of all time), is trying way too hard, and ends up with a "beat you over the head" style of attempted satire that completely misses the point of cult fandom.

The genius of cult classics is that the directors didn't know they were making a cult classic. They just wanted to make a quirky, original film and weren't sure if anyone would like it. But Coke Sams is actually trying to intentionally make a cult classic here. He's aware of himself too much, and that makes his work extremely pretentious. It's like someone dumped the entire Criterion Collection, every episode of Inside the Actor's Studio, some of Michael Moore's 5th grade liberal poems that he scribbled on the back of his notebook, and a gallon of feces into a melting vat, mixed up the putrid contents, and then, through some undoubtedly illegal process, converted the product into a film of monumentally horrible proportions.

The film opens with a voice-over that tells of a dystopian, ultra-conservative future. Yeah, really subtle. Existo, the main character of film, played by Bruce Arnston, is a member of a secret rebel movement poised to overthrow the right-wing government. Arnston does all sorts of Zaney things that you'd see on one of those live-action children's shows on PBS, like delivering all of his lines, both in dialog and song, in the fashion of a bad Jim Carrey imitation, and while this may amuse the everloving crap out a group of 8 year olds, it does naught for someone with an attention span wide enough to realize that there's about ten billion better ways they could be wasting their time, like setting all their cherished possessions on fire or phialing down grandma's bunions.

No doubt through some kind of agreement between Sams and Jim Varney via their Ernest-built relationship, Varney makes his very last appearance in this film as an old man caked in Cream of Wheat. It's very sad to think that this was the last "professional" thing Varney did before he died, and I can't help but to think that Varney's death is somehow related to this film.

I'll close by saying, don't be fooled by the positive user comments for this film. This film was made in Nashville, and you'll note that almost all of the positive user comments are from anonymous users from Tennessee, most likely friends of Sams or even members of the crew who produced this abomination, perhaps even Sams himself.

Imaginative, funny, savage musical satire; Kudos for Bruce Arnston!

[msbissette · 9/10 · 28 September 2006]

Read on, and consider the vehemence with which others have attacked EXISTO -- why, I wonder, are they so infuriated at this movie? They could have turned it off or walked out any time.

First off, for those nay-sayers already posting reviews here on IMDb, the initial concentration of Tennessee-based reviews isn't reflective of filmmakers stacking the deck -- this film has been without a distributor and has only been seen at film fests and regionally, like, in Tennessee. I've seen it thanks initially to a friend who was born down south and now lives up here in the Godless north, and since worked to book it at a local film festival here in VT back in the spring.

EXISTO exist-os in two versions: Coke Sams's original cut, which opens with Gailard Sartain's hilarious song "Do Me," and a later (2004?) film festival slight re-edit with a whole new beginning, which provides a succinct backstory for Existo as a character and political context for the film proper, stating it as a W. Bush-era satire, though the film itself (shot in '98) predates Bush's presidency. Thus, it's pretty clear Sams, Bruce Arnston (a musical genius and satirist extraordinaire) and crew could clearly see where this country was headed before the '90s were out, and EXISTO is as timely as ever -- hence, its production was prescient more than reactionary in terms of its dystopian theocracy setting. How times change: America has become Nashville.

The Nashville-based talent was indeed behind the entire ERNEST phenomenon, and in fact Existo (Arnston) was a fixture on the old Coke Sams/John Cherry produced/directed HEY VERN, IT'S ERNEST! TV series, in a less activist fetal form -- a maladroit stage illusionist, Existo the Magician (note Jackie Welch, terrific here as Maxine, was also a regular on the show, as were Sartain and others). Arnston also contributed clever musical spots to that program, as he did for at least one of the ERNEST films, and he and Welch worked again with Sams after EXISTO touring with a country-western musical comedy duo Bill & Coo, which hopefully will reach fruition in a form more folks can see.

The semi-claustrophobic nature of the film is due to its being set in the underground nightclub scene Existo and Maxine return to in the opening. It's essentially a theater film, and that primary-set aspect (which again seems to be fueling some reviewers here) is apropos; as in films as diverse as THE BLUE ANGEL, CABARET, CAFE FLESH and TOPSY-TURVY, the core set IS the stage Existo performs on. Thus, apart from some key set pieces (in the posh renovated restaurant supplanting a former underground performance space, the estate Existo and Penelope retreat to, and some exteriors), it all centers around the club, a conceit some obviously chafe at though it's not reflective of low-budget paucity of imagination, it's integral to the concept and characters itself. If that's a negative for you, too bad. Theater films are, by their nature, often prescribed in their settings; this is not per se indicative of cheapness.

Having spent time working theater in my college years, I can attest to the accuracy with which the film captures that insular universe, which is part of its appeal -- clearly, the filmmakers are also extrapolating from their own close-knit theatrical/video troupe. Again, despite the strong negative reviews here, there is a fine story at work -- the plot kicks in after the setup of the characters and world they live in. Every musical number (and this is a musical, as much as ROCKY HORROR, THE WICKER MAN, FORBIDDEN ZONE, etc.) is brilliantly executed, advancing characters and narrative with deft skill while being in and of themselves outstanding: brilliant, audacious, hilarious, akin to Trey Parker's abilities (though Arnston is, to my ear, by far the better musician and sharper talent; I've since snapped up the CD and love spinning it while working). To my mind, Arnston is an unsung musical genius, his entire body of work embracing (with seeming effortlessness) all idioms, genres and target audiences at one time or another, his wit quick and range astonishing. He's at the center of EXISTO, and it's his film.

Seen today, EXISTO is still a pointed, funny and pretty savage snapshot of the "Land of the Free" since the Reagan Administration, "Contract With (read:On) America" anti-NEA ReBiblican era of politics kicked into full swing. Though the film's antic flamboyance deliberately undercuts any sense of mortal danger, Existo and his band of guerrilla performance artists are fighting for their lives against crushing political repression, making the film a curious companion to V FOR VENDETTA; in fact, in some ways EXISTO is closer to aspects of the original Alan Moore/David Lloyd graphic novel (created in the 1980s, reflecting Moore & Lloyd's anxiety over Thatcher's reign), retaining and expanding the music hall/cabaret element of the original V that the film adaptation ditched. Existo and his cronies, though, are less lethal compatriots, aiming to blow minds instead of Parliament.

The venom leveled against this film by some of the IMDb reviewers is indicative of the reactions EXISTO elicits: viewers either love it or hate it. I've seen this at every showing; like a Guy Maddin film or offbeat musical oddities like FORBIDDEN ZONE or CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL, EXISTO brooks no safe middle ground. Walkouts happen, but those who are caught in the film's glow find it intoxicating, and are cheering by the finale. Those of us who love it want to see EXISTO reach a much wider audience, and it hasn't lost its bite over the years. If anything, the teeth sink deeper, as the reality of US politics and society are closer to the fictional future EXISTO posited over seven years ago.

The impatience of some viewers to any non-traditional form of cinematic satire shouldn't keep those receptive to this gem away. Give it a shot -- it's a great film!

Existo-stentialism

[Unca_Granpa · 16 February 2008]

When the U.S. government declares war on art, a group of guerrilla artists wage a counterattack with the verbose performer Existo at the helm. Attempts are made to undermine Existo's powerful hold on the artistic underground, including a plot that caters to his rampant libido, and his fellow insurgents strive to reawaken him to their cause.

Existo is the brainchild of Nashville's Coke Sams and Bruce Arnston, the creative team behind the Ernest P. Worrell movies; several of the actors from that series appear here, including Ernest himself, the late Jim Varney. However, beyond the talent involved, there is virtually NO connection to be made between EXISTO and, say, ERNEST GOES TO SCHOOL.

Like PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE, the Ernest films can be somewhat disturbing to children who pick up on their vague, low-budget creepiness. In a kids' movie, this quality can undermine the filmmakers' intentions to provide "wholesome" family entertainment; EXISTO is definitely not a children's film, but the weirdness that lay dormant in the Ernest franchise bubbles to the surface here, and bargain-basement slapstick gives way to exceptionally clever dialogue and a fascinating lead performance.

While the film's preoccupation with conservatism's war on art makes it seem dated even for its time--the representation of televangelists as the ultimate money-grubbers had already been taken to its satirical extreme in eighties films like REPO MAN--EXISTO's saving grace lies within the portrayal of its titular character by Bruce Arnston. Arnston's dialogue can only be described as high-mimetic scatology; it grants Shakespearean eloquence to MAD Magazine- style prurience. His brilliant logorrhea is delivered with pseudo-intellectual exaggeration reminiscent of Frank Zappa or "Weird Al" Yankovic, and he is often backed by a soundtrack that recalls the Residents.

The Existo character first appeared on "Hey Vern! It's Ernest", a highly inventive TV series that, like the film EXISTO, is hurting for widespread DVD distribution. Unless that happens, one of the most unusual comic performances of the last decade will only be available through occasional screenings and "official bootlegs" (www.existo.com), so take advantage while you can.

A Playful Poke in the Eye of Conservative Censorship

[okcfilm · 7/10 · 30 January 2001]

It's a future in which the government and the media are controlled by right-wing religious fundamentalists. The writings of William Bennett have been canonized into the Bible, and art has been outlawed. Welcome to Existo's world. Existo (played by Bruce Arntson) is a manic, charismatic performance artist, living legend, and guru/leader of the guerilla art resistance movement bent on turning a repressive theocracy on it's ear and making the streets safe for art.

This is a delightful little indie from Nashville, written by Artnson and Coke Sams (both of whom who are responsible for the "Ernest" movies). Make no mistake, however; this is by no means a family movie. A particular musical sequence involving an anatomically impressive pogo stick and and backup vocalists with gynecological headgear would likely earn this film a R (or perhaps even an NC-17).

Among the memorable characters: Maxine (played by "Ernest" alumnus Jackie Welch) is Existo's lover/sidekick and is a real joy to watch; Jim Varney (of...well, you know) gives a brief appearance as beatnik Marcel Horowitz; Gailard Sartain ("The Patriot," "Fried Green Tomatoes") stars as the living-extra-large drag queen and nightclub owner Colette Watchuwill; Mark Cabus ("The Client") is convincing as smarmy provocateur Roupen Dupree who is commissioned by the President to lure Existo over to the government's side to undermine the art resistance; and Ray Thornton in his first theatrical film is wonderful as Vigo, a hyperactive Irish leather-clad bomb expert.

The music in the movie is great fun and highlights Existo's sometimes "Carrey-esque" mannerisms and speaking style (not to mention the high caliber of the local musicians used for the film).

Yes, it's three shades of hammy in places (such as a roomful of hardened street artists bursting into melodramatic tears during Existo's "I Will Cry" song). Sure, the low budget keeps all of the art terrorism off camera (with the exception of the aftermath at a shopping mall). Of course the whole religion aspect is played over-the-top, don't forget it was filmed in Nashville. But it's also a gem of an indie, and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The tunes are infectious as well. In a world filled with low-budget Gen-X angst, it's a welcome change.

Terrible

[defjam133 · 1/10 · 3 May 2006]

Congratulations, your film was so bad it actually made my feel ill to my stomach. Every single scene makes the top 10 of things that are worse than injecting boiling titanium into my thigh. If your name can be associated with this movie in any way, then i recommend you immediately tie your feet together and jump down a flight of concrete steps.

I recommend you stop making movies forthright. Perhaps you can find another outlet? Maybe knitting? Restoring classic cars? I don't care. As long as there is absolutely no chance of seeing another one of your wretched movies again.

Amazing Movie

[random_entity · 10/10 · 14 February 2007]

"'Existo' crashes and burns with its trite political humor that completely fails at even garnering the slightest of smirks."

We'll have to chalk that comment up to different senses of humor, because everyone I saw this with and I more than slightly smirked. This movie is hilarious.

"They just wanted to make a quirky, original film and weren't sure if anyone would like it. But Coke Sams is actually trying to intentionally make a cult classic here."

If that's the case, then he did one hell of a good job. It's a quirky, original, great film.

"The film opens with a voice-over that tells of a dystopian, ultra-conservative future. Yeah, really subtle."

I agree with you on this point. If you get to see the original version of the film, give that a shot--it opens with a musical number and goes right into the story. Much better opening than the voice-over.

"Arnston does all sorts of Zaney things that you'd see on one of those live-action children's shows on PBS"

Whoa, they have people singing while bouncing on penis-pogo-sticks on PBS?

"This film was made in Nashville, and you'll note that almost all of the positive user comments are from anonymous users from Tennessee, most likely friends of Sams or even members of the crew who produced this abomination, perhaps even Sams himself."

I'm from nowhere near Tennessee and didn't even know Coke Sams' name before seeing this. It's just a great movie. Art is subjective. Humor is subjective. Don't skip out on this movie because one reviewer hated it. It's brilliant.

I'm speechless.

[dr_toonie · 2/10 · 1 August 2006]

The whole film appeared to be one big rant about how much the makers hate conservatives. As much as I may share their opinions, I honestly think there are other things you can put in your movie. The word 'plot' comes to mind.

I also wish to point out that nearly all the positive reviews here are from Nashville (where this was filmed) or in the surrounding Tennessee area. It makes me wonder if the people reviewing had anything to do with the actual production, and if they have anything better to do than write themselves positive reviews with temporary IMDb user names like "Scott Smith", who only ever wrote one review for this movie. I'm assuming that a certain someone has this page on bookmark, and make a point of visiting it at least once a week to read reviews. Yes, I mean you. I can only guess as to the ratings this review will get.

Rocky Horror for the new millennium!

[deer-2 · 10/10 · 10 June 1999]

Weird characters, fabulous songs, thoughtful ideas wrapped in singing and dancing. EXISTO believes that the last hope against the Christian Right is freedom of speech and art. Amazingly entertaining and hilariously funny...for an art film. Leave the kids at home.

No sacred cows here!

[Raven4 · 10/10 · 24 September 1999]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and recommend it highly. While it is most definitely an "art" film, it's not the angst ridden, woe-is-me, aren't I cool in my terminal boredom sort.

Unlike many independent films, neither the protagonists nor the antagonists are shown in an exalted light.

The dialogue is brilliant, witty and quick. The art direction and performances are engaging. What I found most impressive, however was the music. It seemed to be crossbred between David Byrne, Tom Waits, the Blues Brothers, and the Residents.

I can't recommend this film highly enough. I desperately hope that it will get a more extensive distribution so that my friends in other states can see it.

Simply one of my favorite movies of all time

[lorifredrics · 10/10 · 4 May 2011]

A really important movie and a must see for anyone who considers himself or herself an artist. Interesting to note this movie(1999), which is set in a time when there is a right wing fascist fundamentalist Christian takeover of the US predates G W Bush's presidency, therefore Ashcroft had not yet covered up the breasts of statues when this movie was released.

The message about freedom of expression, the way it is feared by those who would seek to control thought is the central brilliance of this film. It continues to serve as an inspiration to me in my artistic work.

The music and the musical performances are absolutely genius and would be appreciated on their own merit by anyone who is an educated listener.

So, if you like your political messages delivered with humor and great music, check out this film.

The next Rocky Horror

[SuHouLadoo · 23 June 1999]

Quite profane, but an interesting idea is at work here. The exaggerated extremes of the Right and the Left leave the audience pretty disgusted with both sides, even with Existo and his artistic ensemble - but that's the point. There are holes and inconsistencies in the plot, but it's interesting nonetheless. The musical numbers are pretty interesting, as are the scenes with Existo's ensemble.

Probably one of the best moments in the movie is when The Artists are emerging from the sewers to inflict guerrilla "art" on the hapless, brainwashed suburbs - the integration of the Arts into a warlike situation is very funny, and quite well executed. The various Arts being performed are completely lacking in beauty or real meaning other than to outrage and startle, but then this movie is not meant to ever be perceived as a realistic depiction of the fight between Conservatism and the Arts. It's just meant to be outrageous.

The cast is a Who's Who list of the Nashville acting elite - a particularly good performance is Jenny Littleton as Penelope. Mark Cabus as the smarmy Roupen is a cariacature at first, but in the last scenes of the movie he suddenly becomes a real person.

No twang in this Nashville film...move over Rocky Horror

[Existo · 10/10 · 15 June 1999]

Existo, written by starring character Bruce Arntson and director Coke Sams, provides a wild, witty, weird movie with ready for prime time actors. Filmed in Nashville this is the most creative movie that I have seen in a decade or more. Original score and great musical numbers...the art world battles the religious right and both come out looking fairly ridiculous but oh so funny. This political satire with farce and slapstick has some incredibly great (adult) dialogue and lyrics - which everyone needs to view and hear more than once. Some outstanding performances by mostly Nashville actors entertain us in this film.

Somebody pick up this movie! We want to see and hear this movie/music again on screen and CD!!!

Made-for-Midnite Madness

[boomwrt · 20 April 1999]

A made-for-midnite movie if I ever saw one, EXISTO is the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" for the new millennium.

Set on the eve of Armageddon, after the Religious Righteous & corporate mega-mergers have turned most people's brains into salsa, EXISTO tells of a world where art is outlawed. And the greatest outlaw of ‘em all is the title character.

Both sides get jabbed – the rebels fret that they don't have time to adequately art direct an assassination and the priggish televised voice of oppression bemoans that the impending Apocalypse will pre-empt any chance he's got to wallow in his stock market windfall.

Some of the political messages are written ham-handedly. But all in all, it's a silly little movie that has a couple of really great performances – Jenny Littleton's `White Bred Poodle & a Junk Yard Dog' production number needs to have somebody pour a bucket of water on it. And Bruce Arniston as Existo, well he co-authored the screenplay & is credited with all the songs. He should be proud for a long time.

Saturdays at midnite, anyway.

destined to be a cult classic!

[jeeezmaaan · 10/10 · 31 October 2001]

it's been a long time since rocky horror. the kids of today are ready for existo. this movie took me by so much surprise. musical masterpieces throughout. and a special final appearance for the late jim varney. i wish i could take this movie intravenously... know whutta mean?!!

A rave review of the film, Existo

[Rvnhrt · 10/10 · 22 September 1999]

This film, Existo, is the funniest, most delightful, sick comedy I've seen in years! It pokes at the left, the right, the artsy crowd, the politicians, the suburbanites and just about everything else with equal vim and vigor. The most frightening thing about this movie is that Existo's wanderings into that "dark void" actually make some sense. I'll have to go back and see it again, though, I was howling too hard to catch everything he said.

Guerilla war by avant garde against the religious right.

[Tlaloq · 10/10 · 7 September 1999]

If you like your satire broad and biting, do not miss this over-the-top depiction of the conflict between political polar opposites. Neither the left nor the right is left unscathed. It is very raunchy, but not with the usual sophomoric raunch of teen sex comedies. It has a high sacrilege content as well.

Enjoy!

If Allen Ginsberg and Kurt Weill had a son, he would be my new hero... Existo!

[youmeus · 17 September 1999]

Incorrectly described as a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" for the next millennium, this rampage of images and near-Shakespearean wordplay is a dagger through the heart that makes "Rocky Horror" look like a pin prick. This is an amazing example of what truly creative people can do (for an astoundingly small amount of money) when freed of the confines of the Hollywood machine. "Existo" skewers both the bizarr-o radical left and the oh-so-self-righteous right by presenting both as their all too accurate extremes. It's filled with musical numbers that simply will not leave your head and will have you annoying your local record store until a soundtrack is released. And I can't wait to see Bruce Arnston's face on t-shirts! Pray to all the gods you've heard of that someone will pick up this monuMENTAL work for wider distribution!

9/10........Great indie flick

[Matt1567 · 9/10 · 4 April 2006]

Very creative movie. The music is amazing in this movie. The writing in this movie is also amazing expressing everything thats wrong with government today into a strong movie. Listen to the words and the points that are made in this movie.Bruce Arnston stars as Existo the leader of this rebel group who knows the truth about the government. The government brainwashed the people into believing everything they do is right and use "God" as the reason for what they are doing. Great music. Stars Bruce Arnston, Jackie Welch, and Jim Varney. I bought the DVD and cd. I give it 9/10. You can buy it on existo.com and it will soon be in stores.

want to see

[bug76 · 18 March 2011]

I have yet to see this film. But the mere fact that Varney is in it is reason enough for me to get this movie. I'm familiar with Existo from the "Hey, Vern! It's Ernest" series and also Jackie Welch and Gailard Sartain. Yes, I'm going to buy this film. Not only do I need to add it to my Jim Varney collection but I want to see what all the fuss is about. Yes, I have lollipop written all over my face when it comes to anything Varney.;) It seems this movie is political and talks of the government and its problems? But I'm curious to see this film and I will not let any reviews I have read here affect my opinions. Of course, since Varney is in it, I might tend to be a bit biased where he is concerned.