Overview
This segment introduces and analyzes the pairing of Suzanne Pitt's animated short "Asparagus" (1979) with David Lynch's cult film "Eraserhead," exploring their thematic and historical connections.
Asparagus by Suzanne Pitt
- "Asparagus" is a 1979 hand-painted cell animation exploring themes of dual sexuality, femininity, and psychological landscapes.
- Pitt viewed asparagus as representing both phallic and feminine qualities depending on its stage of growth.
- The film reflects elements of Pitt's daydreams, focusing on a woman's mental journey, creativity, and sexuality.
- Influences include Jungian ideas of images being "pregnant" and organic scene transitions rather than traditional cuts.
- The animation took four years to complete and was produced while Pitt taught at Harvard.
- Critic Jim Hoberman compared it stylistically to Maya Deren's "Meshes of the Afternoon" and "Yellow Submarine."
Historical Pairing with Eraserhead
- The films were historically programmed together by Ben Barenholtz, known for curating unique late-night film experiences in New York.
- Barenholtz saw "Asparagus" as a fitting prelude to "Eraserhead," enhancing the viewing context for both.
Eraserhead by David Lynch
- "Eraserhead," Lynch’s first feature film, was completed over five years and released in 1977.
- Lynch transitioned from painting to filmmaking, often exploring psychological themes and surreal daydreams similar to Pitt.
- The plot centers on Henry, whose girlfriend gives birth to a mutant child, adopting an internal logic unique to its world.
Thematic Connections
- Both films externalize internal experiences—daydreams, nightmares, and psychological states—inviting subjective interpretation from the viewer.
- Each creates a surreal, self-contained reality where unconventional imagery is logical within its framework.