Archival Videos
Since 1971, Charles Johannsen has produced a few dozen personal projects - short 16mm films and videos, usually made with the Dada-loco Film Crew. The principal collaborator is the artist Dal Lazlo - www.dallazlo.com. Six of these videos are available on DVD.
Art/Video Therapy: the Sweeney Video Project
Bill Sweeney, a friend since childhood of Charles Johannsen and Dal Lazlo, was paralyzed in an auto accident. Chuck and Dal made two videos with Bill:
Bill on Art (12 min. 2003), in which Bill Sweeney discusses his art collecting, works as an actor in a video and takes up painting, as well as discussing his life as a quadriplegic.
The Hands of Fantomas (13 min. 2002). Based upon a character from French fiction who inspired the surrealists, Bill Sweeney is the master criminal, debilitated by the plague he set loose, yet seeking to gather his minions for another assault on society.
The two Bill Sweeney videos on one DVD are $20.
Two documentaries about a couple with Developmental Disabilities
Merle's Marriage (23 min. 1994) A documentary about two people with mental retardation who get married, the issues surrounding their union, and the effect of the marriage upon the groom's twin brother, Marvin.
Merry Christmas from Merle and Charlene (5 min. 1995) A Christmas card from Merle and Charlene Mitchell. Played on "Image Union", WTTW Chicago.
Both videos on one DVD are $20.
The Talk Shows of Gutsy Schultz.
The late Wayne "Gutsy" Schultz hosted two very odd talk shows:
Wayne's Art Shorts (12 min. 1989) Gutsy investigates the "crime art" of Dal Lazlo and interviews Mr. Lazlo with the help of his sidekick, Bob.
Poetry in Watertown (14 min. 1991) Gutsy and Bob interview the deaf poet, Mark Uttech, who reads from his work.
Both talk shows on one DVD are $20.