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BRUCE CHARLESWORTH

THE HAPPINESS EFFECT

FILM AND VIDEO

Bruce-Charlesworth_video-still_The-Happiness-Effect_2001-04
Video still from The Happiness Effect, 2001/2004

THE HAPPINESS EFFECT centers on a politician's visit to a grade school classroom. He gives a lesson in spin control using a parable about a shunned puppy who triumphs through willpower and self-deceit.

Click on any image to enlarge

Bruce-Charlesworth_video-still_The-Happiness-Effect_2001-04
Bruce-Charlesworth_video-still_The-Happiness-Effect_2001-04

In May 2001, Charlesworth filmed Despot, a near-identical trial version of his monologue in The Happiness Effect. The live action portion of The Happiness Effect was shot on a classroom set in the artist's studio six months later, shortly after the events of 9/11. Although some of the monologue relates to the pervasive jingoism of that period, the central themes of personal imperialism and responsibility reflect an array of international political machinations from the Nixon/Kissinger era forward.

 

Charlesworth added his illustrations for the "sad puppy" sequence in early 2004.

 

The complete video:

The Happiness Effect, 2001/2004, digital video, 9:56

Script, Direction: Bruce Charlesworth

Camera: Peter Rudrud

Audio: Colleen Ludwig

Production Assistant: Mickey Johnson

 

CAST: Bruce Charlesworth

Copyright © Bruce Charlesworth
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