The Death Train

The Death Train was originally conceived of as part of John Moran’s opera Everyday Newt Burman. The film was honoured with a Bessie Award for outstanding design achievement during the 1992-93 theatre season. The opera was produced by Ridge Theatre, directed by Bob McGrath, and staged at La Mama, E.T.C., in March and May, 1993. The minimal dialogue was taken from the piece in which the Doctor and Mrs. Frumpington share a compartment on a train, which is transporting their souls to the Hereafter.
‘A history of cinema is played out during the film’s lifetime. Early train footage and zoetrope animation are combined with mid-century newsreel and educational films, finally concluding in a long, modern, aerial shot. Each frame is a compartment in the train of film, pausing briefly before our eyes to be observed, thereby living its life in this screening, while being carried to the Hereafter.’ – B.M.
‘Start-to-finish brilliant.’ – Brian Parks, Village Voice.
‘An extraordinary film.’ – Alex Ross, The New York Times.
‘Characteristically beautiful… engaging and hypnotic.’ – Manohla Dargis, Village Voice.