A squad of downtown tastemakers are teaming on a new psychodrama called Puppet. PAPER gets a behind-the-scenes look today at the film, which is directed by Adam and Chris Levett, curators of the annual Feelings Film Festival hosted in NYC and LA.
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Puppet was written by and stars the artist and fashion designer Carly Mark, known for co-founding the brand Puppets and Puppets, as well as her surreal costume-sculptures. Also cast are Uncut Gems-star and NYC It Girl Julia Fox, and model-activist Richie Shazam. Fox and Shazam have both previously modeled for Puppets and Puppets.
Previewed with a 30-second teaser, featuring distorted voiceovers and a very creepy mask, Puppet follows "a New York Fashion designer who goes on a journey after being hit by a car. She grapples with the nature of reality and existence, as she visits the people she loves, never mentioning it might be a very long time until they see each other again." Given the shared name between Mark's brand and the film, it seems possible Puppet has a personal bent.
Based on exclusive BTS from the film — featuring yet more disturbing masks and crotchless fursuits — Puppet will be as deranged and provocative as the rest of Mark's work.
Puppet premieres tonight in New York City at Anthology Film Archives. Get more details here.
Photography: Chris Levett