The film’s exploration of New York culture and nightlife was far removed from Tsukerman’s early life in Moscow. With Liquid Sky, Tsukerman consciously constructed a cult film that offers a unique perspective on the early 1970s/late ’80s Downtown New York City arts community that uses the fantastic to stand apart from more traditional films about the scene, which typically focus on some combination of Basquiat, Haring, and Schnabel. She quickly weaponizes this discovery in her struggles with the assorted creeps and predators she meets in the fashion world, including rival model Jimmy (Carlisle in drag). Margaret realizes that something is dissolving and absorbing her sexual partners at the moment of climax. But the aliens soon discover a more potent means of harvesting the dopamine they need to survive: the human orgasm. Early in the film, a small flying saucer perches on the roof of their apartment, attracted to Adrian’s stash. But it stars Connecticut-born fashion model Margaret (Carlisle), who lives in a Manhattan penthouse with her girlfriend, performance artist and heroin dealer Adrian (Paula E Sheppard). It should be transformed into art,” he said.Ī plot description alone hardly conveys the sublime degree to which Tsukerman and crew transcend reality in this film. “We really tried to catch the style of the time, but I deeply believe that you cannot just take something from reality. In a recent phone conversation, Tsukerman - who will be present for a post-show Q&A at the screenings with star and co-writer Anne Carlisle - explained that the film’s unique look grew from the era’s fashion and then veered in a more futuristic direction. The colorful costumes and makeup are said to have influenced the personas of pop stars like Lady Gaga and Sia. A yet-to-be-announced digital release is planned.ĭespite its limited availability, Liquid Sky ’s impact on contemporary popular culture has been vast. In recent years, this deteriorating print from Tsukerman’s private collection was the only readily available means of seeing the film currently out-of-print Laserdiscs and DVDs are uncommon, and the film is unavailable on streaming platforms. On May 27 and 28, filmgoers will have their final opportunity to enjoy a precious artifact of New York City’s post-punk culture: The only surviving 35mm print of Slava Tsukerman’s 1982 cult film Liquid Sky will have two public screenings at Quad Cinema before it is permanently retired. Still from Liquid Sky (1982), directed by Slava Tsukerman (image courtesy Photofest)
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