Photos from the Beat
Tales of the Rat Fink and Hot Buttered Popcorn
Outside in the rear of the art gallery, a literal backyard party is going on. There’s a small fire to keep a steady stream of visitors warm, and a large screen portrays scenes from the film set to music. To the right of the screen, a makeshift stage has been erected in a tree, so one of the evening’s hosts, an artist who goes only by the name Kentucky Jelly, gross, has to clamor up to announce the free beer, Caucasians, and munchies that are available.
Later in the evening, an independent film is screened - Tales of the Rat Fink, narrated by John Goodman and featuring the music of The Sadies, who will perform at Lebowskifest on Saturday. Rat Fink tells the tale of Ed Roth, famed hot-rod racer, designer, and, according to the film, the father of a number of pop culture phenomena such as T-shirts with original designs, pin striping, and multi-colored Macs.
Shuffitt explained that the film was chosen to be part of Lebowskifest due to Goodman’s and The Sadies’ involvement Goodman is a star of The Big Lebowski and The Sadies are headlining on Saturday at L-fest. But also, because there is some cultural crossover in its content -- Lebowski fans are also often connoisseurs of the American pop culture experience. Indeed, as the films credits begin to roll, the once boisterous tone of the backyard party begins to quiet, and all eyes are on the screen as complimentary bags of homemade, buttered popcorn are passed around.
