The Emperor

1967

Dir. George Lucas, 16mm B/W Sound 00:24:00

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Description

Produced at the University of Southern California.

"Emperor" Bob Hudson was the most eccentric disc jockey in 1960s rock radio, and George Lucas's film portrait tries to find a form that matches his eccentricity while documenting the culture that supported him. The end credits appear in the middle of the film, which is also interrupted by fake commercials (some mildly witty, some acutely embarrassing). Fortunately, Hudson himself is quite perceptive about what he does, and he expresses a real appreciation for the music he plays. Lucas allows his listeners to have their say also, and he portrays them with intelligence and affection. (Thom Andersen) [Source: Viennale catalog, 2008]