What You Mean We? (1986)

Overview
"What You Mean We?" is a 1986 movie inspired by the work of renowned American artist and musician, Frank Zappa. Directed by Frank Zappa himself, the movie centers on David Harrington, an average man living an ordinary life who unexpectedly finds himself caught in a remarkable and chaotic world developed by Zappa.

Plot
In this satirical production, Harrington, represented by Californian star and design, Michael Mesmer, is selected as a guinea pig for an unusual experiment conducted by Zappa (looking like himself). Unbeknownst to him, this experiment changes Harrington's life considerably when Zappa's chaotic world becomes his brand-new living truth. Throughout the film, Harrington regularly asks the question, "What you suggest we?" or "Why me?" which lays the foundation for the movie's title.

Styles
The film's main facility underlines Zappa's trademark styles of cultural criticism, absurdism, and unique humor. There are recommendations to Zappa's view on government, the insanity of tv, business manipulation, cultural decrease, and especially his unique point of view towards arranged faith. The obscure reality portrayed in "What You Mean We?" rather uniquely mirrors Zappa's intriguing lyrics and structures, leaving viewers to deeply contemplate the often-ridiculous nature of society.

Presentational Style
Zappa employs a mix of animation and live-action sequences, with visuals that resemble psychedelic impacts, challenging audiences to question their own view of reality. Especially, the film is peppered with instances of Zappa's music, fusing his eccentric narratives with his non-traditional music design.

The movie creatively blurs the line in between absurdity and reality, utilizing Zappa's distinct form of satire that reflected his style both as an artist and cultural critic. Despite following a linear story, the film typically strays into surreal sequences that mirror Zappa's notorious unpredictability and nonconformist brand name.

Commentary and Reception
"What You Mean We?" acted as an animated critique on the progressively materialistic and shallow nature of American culture during the 1980s. For fans of Zappa's music and art, the film provided an appealing and perhaps more vibrant variation of his typically macabre and satirical commentaries.

Though the film's content may have been too eccentric for a mainstream audience, its expedition of social standards through an absurdist lens has been appreciated by Zappa's fans, fans of counter-culture movements, and individuals with an interest in experimental movie theater.

To conclude, "What You Mean We?" is a presentation of Zappa's world - eccentric, unpredictable, and filled with unexpected humor and absurdity. It is a tough yet intriguing expedition of Zappa's distinct perception of the world around us.

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