Voltaire on the set. Photo from Voltaire Newsletter

We can’t help but love every work of genius that Voltaire puts his heart into.  And isn’t it a good life when something you love is not only prolific and inspiring but spans so many mediums?  If you are into music, art, art toys, stop motion, goth…  or even svelte top hats, then you are bound to find and be thrilled by some work of this many-talented artist.  In his latest work of art he has teamed up with Small and Creepy Films (http://www.smallandcreepy.com), the narrating talents of Danny Elfman and the music of Rasputina to create DemiUrge Emesis, a creepy, stop-motion short about… oh please!  It’s a short people!  Get over there and watch it for yourself (http://www.smallandcreepy.com/theater.html) or watch it below.  Splendid and enjoyable!  You’ll be glad you didn’t get off on the wrong foot with my clumsy attempt to summarize.

The following article is by Gia C. Manalio-Bonaventura from the Hatford Goth Culture Examiner:
[In case you wanted a completely fresh take on the film be warned: This article summarizes parts of the film]

“Yesterday the fourth installment of Voltaire’s Chimerascope series of shorts premiered on Small and Creepy Films. Written, animated, and directed by Voltaire himself, DemiUrge Emesis features a mummy cat “tormented by the skeletons of past meals.” (Take this to heart, meat eaters! And yes, I admit that sometimes I am among you–mmmm cheeseburgers–but never without the guilt.)

The opening scene questions the existence of a demigod, the patron saint of artists. While the animation throughout the stop-motion film is amazing, the opener features one of my favorite parts in the whole movie: the gargoyle gesturing. Every time I see it, it completely cracks me up.

The film also gives us a glimpse into the mind of an artist and the artistic process. While at times the creative drive is fulfilling and at others torturous, it is beautifully and creepily portrayed in every scene of DemiUrge Emesis.

The music in the movie is performed by the chamber-rock trio Rasputina, and if you don’t know them already, I highly suggest you look them up. From the band’s official Web site:

Rasputina works as an anomaly in popular music. By ignoring fashion trends and maintaining artistic integrity coupled with musical enthusiasm, the group has thrived as time has passed. They expose passionate fans to historical tales, and inspire young string players to seek alternatives to the classical world.

You may also hear a familiar voice in the narration of the film. When in a recent Facebook post, Voltaire says, “And you will never believe who narrated it,” I never would have ever guessed it was no other than Danny Elfman. The minute you hear it, you wonder if the part was written specifically for Danny—it’s so eerily perfect.

In the Voltaire and Deady newsletter, Voltaire tells us that he will be talking more about this and his other Chimerascope films in his blog. To see the shorts, visit Voltaire’s YouTube page.

You can catch DemiUrge Emesis exclusively during the month of April at the Small and Creepy Films Theater. While you’re there, definitely check out the other films. If you like what you see, and I have no doubt you will, you can fan Small and Creepy Films on Facebook and on Twitter.

And while you are there if you like what you read here, please fan Hartford Goth Culture Examiner on Facebook and Twitter. Writing this column is amazing and definitely one of my favorite things to do, but I couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!”