Educational Media Reviews Online

According to Greek creation myth, a Titan named Prometheus formed the first mortal human beings from earthen clay. It is a logical tale, then, for the celebrated underground artist Bruce Bickford to tackle in this complex, hallucinogenic claymation piece. The film's protagonist traverses a fantastical, often nightmarish landscape constantly in flux. His struggle for survival in a world teeming with thousands of Bickford's creations (mutating werewolves, brutal Vikings, Aztec gods, macho commandos, and innocent neophytes) will enthrall and amaze art students and aficionados. Unfolding in a stream of consciousness, the viewer is constantly surprised by the imaginative force that first inhabits, then promptly mutates its subjects. In one sequence, an artist's palette transforms mercenary soldiers into a pizza, which then spawns an octopus. Fluid and surreal throughout, creation and rebirth trump the grotesque violence and brutality which afflict our unassuming hero.

Bickford's skill and creative stamina are awe-inspiring; an accompanying featurette (Luck of a Foghorn) by Brett Ingram shows him at work amidst hundreds -- if not thousands -- of his figurines. A commentary track also allows the viewer to experience Bickford's work through his eyes. Those interested in learning more about his influences and process would be well-served by Ingram's feature-length documentary, Monster Road , which elaborates on the footage and ideas set forth in this short. Prometheus' Garden is recommended for collections featuring art and animation.