The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements 2000
Venture into the heart of Tokyo on December 23, 1999, for a night that defied convention at Survival Research Laboratories' most audacious spectacle.
Director: Dave Scardina
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements (2000)* about?
This documentary transports viewers to a high-energy performance by Survival Research Laboratories in downtown Tokyo, where explosive machinery, flame-throwers, and a Pitching Machine collide under precarious permits. The film captures the clash between corporate control and underground artistic rebellion, all unfolding on the Emperor's birthday in 1999.
Who directed *The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements*?
The film was directed by Dave Scardina, who expertly frames the chaotic energy of Survival Research Laboratories' most notorious performance.
Who stars in *The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements*?
The documentary features Mark Pauline, the driving force behind Survival Research Laboratories, alongside the behind-the-scenes work of editor Alan Kelly.
Is *The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements (2000)* worth watching?
For fans of experimental documentaries and avant-garde performances, this 43-minute film offers a rare glimpse into the raw, unfiltered world of Survival Research Laboratories. While it lacks traditional storytelling, its chaotic energy and historical significance make it a cult classic for those intrigued by the intersection of art and machinery.
How long is *The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements*?
The runtime is 43 minutes.
About The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements (2000) — A 43-Minute Ride Through Tokyo's Most Unhinged Art Experiment
Venture into the heart of Tokyo on December 23, 1999, for a night that defied convention at Survival Research Laboratories' most audacious spectacle. Director Dave Scardina captures *The Arbitrary Calculation of Pathological Amusements (2000)*, a 43-minute documentary that thrusts viewers into the chaotic intersection of art, technology, and corporate power. When the Japanese telecommunications giant NTT flexes its influence to secure permits for explosives, flame-throwers, and a massive Pitching Machine in the middle of downtown Tokyo, the result is a high-stakes performance that blurs the line between spectacle and subversion. Shot under the watchful eye of editor Alan Kelly, this film delivers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into one of SRL's most infamous shows, where machinery roars, sparks fly, and the boundaries of public art are pushed to their limits.
Against the backdrop of Emperor Naruhito's birthday, the documentary transforms into a cultural time capsule, documenting a moment when corporate muscle collided with underground experimentation. With Mark Pauline at the helm of SRL, the performance becomes a darkly comedic commentary on control, chaos, and the unpredictable nature of large-scale public art. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the tension of permits secured through unorthodox means and the sheer unpredictability of machinery unleashed in an urban landscape.