Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus

In light of our call to artists "HOT SAUCE & MAGNOLIAS: A Southern Experience", I found a unique documentary that comes pretty close to encapsulating a potent aspect of the mysterious American South. "Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus" (2003) combines many cinematic genres from documentary, drama, music video, to experimental narrative creating a surreal lens for the viewer. This combination of genres aids the viewer to remain present, relinquishing the voyeuristic tendencies that come with the "documentary genre". By the honest nature of the filmmakers and the overall tone of the film, judgment is checked at the door while experiencing this film. Also, a full experience is created not only visually but through the filmmakers creative use of sound. The narrative is weaved in and out layered over long stretches of farmland, swamps, trailers, abandoned cars and shots of local people. The soundtrack is often performed live by local musicians that become part of the storyline like the subjects of the film, bringing them from the hidden backyards of America to the forefront of our experience.

The filmmakers, director Andrew Douglas and writer Steve Haisman, are guided through the small towns of the South with musician Jim White who's poetic commentary sets a tone for reflection, spirit, good, evil, poverty, redemption & beauty. Douglas and Haisman's portrayal of the American South is a delicate piece of art that captures a unique glimpse of America's poorest people doing the best with what they have with a universal truth that we are all searching for something.

If you are intrigued, visit their website for more info about the film and musicians here. This film can be found on NetFlix. Here is a clip. There are more on Youtube.