Dietmar Post's straightforward documentary chronicles the political performance art of Minnesota-born Bill Talen, 50, who uses his "Reverend Billy" persona to transform pointed criticism of transnational corporate practices into engaging street theater. Since 1997, Talen has staged a series of "actions," marching into such temples of commerce as Disney retail outlets and Starbucks Coffee shops, exhorting customers to stop shopping, citing the companies' exploitative business practices and decrying the prefabricated colonization of American culture. Talen cites the influence of pioneering neighborhood activist Jane Jacobs and Brazilian dramatist Augusto Boal, but the ...
Released:
2002
Rated:
NR
Length:
60 mins