Epileptic Seizure Comparison

Beauty shall be convulsive. – Andre Breton.
This is a single-screen-version of a 2-screen, stereo sound installation piece (a Location). In that form, one image was above the other, so that one could compare two different male epileptics entering convulsive states, their movements were altered on an optical printer and punctuated with colour rhythms, heightening their conditions. My fascination with this condition is not morbid (my views are made clear in Film Culture 65-66 pp . 123-5). This single-screen version has 6 equal lengthed sections. In the first section one hears patient As moans and perceives pure colour rhythms (rhythms related to the patients brain waves), in the second section, we see the victim and we hear synthesizer simulation of the brain wave frequencies/amplitudes characteristic of such a seizure, in the third section, the two soundtracks are superimposed and the colour footage is interlaced with the black and white figural images. The next three sections are devoted to patient B, in likewise manner. This version is not only an analysis of convulsions, but also it is an analysis of its own means of generating the final sound/sight images.-P.S.
I saw your piece the other day and I thought it was superb. Its been ages since Ive been that overtaken by something new. It said so much but seemed to be the result of such simple decisions. The fascination it held for me stemmed from its root in paradox – the seduction of horror, the rapid negation of the initial seduction thru formal structure, the mitigation thru repetition and duo image – and then more subjective responses of almost identification with the subjects, disorientation, loss of contact, sense of being manipulated and wanting to be…. But all came down to an event that was bizarrely beautiful.- Lesley Thornton.