This review is being written by someone who may very well be the only person on planet Earth that genuinely loves this movie. But, why, though? I can tell the difference between quality acting and storytelling, and, well, this movie. Aw, who the hell knows? I guess I just got a thing for the obscure. But Electric Shades Of Grey is more than just an inept Exploitation obscurity, with really, really lousy acting... Alright, fine!! That pretty much the size of it, but then again, I never claimed to have good taste in bad cinema. Whether this is really that bad of a movie, or not, is a matter of opinion, but really, what good did it do to wait 30 years before releasing it?
Electric Shades of Grey begins in a way that a movie of this type should, with an accidental acid trip. A polite but rather self-righteous priest, with questionable hair named John drinks some cola spiked by some fun-lovin' hippie kids. After an extremely mind-bending day, bewildered and discouraged with religion, and life in general John quits the church and embarks on a road trip of self-discovery. After a while, John comes across a hitchhiker, a gorgeous hippie chick named Sunny. Of course he gives her a ride, the two hit it off just fine, deciding to hang together, camping out at night, getting high, really enjoying life. After an intense day involving birth, death and racism, Sunny professes her love for John. To her, John represents what love is all about. Unfortunately our ex-priest is seemingly still a bit cranky over his mind being shattered by LSD and whatnot, so not only does he turn the poor girl down, but he's rather cruel about it. Heartbroken, Sunny cuts out early the next morning, before John is awake, and naturally, after it's too late, our bewildered priest has a change of heart and from then on dedicates the remainder of his road trip to reuniting with Sunny, a potential soul mate. Does he find her? Does he just get high and give up? Or does everything just go straight to hell? To find out, pick up this under-appreciated obscurity from the good people at Something Weird Video.
Electric Shades of Grey aka The Psychedelic Priest is a masterpiece. no offense to the late, great Dennis Hopper but Forget about Easy Rider. Electric Shades of Grey represents that era in a much deeper, more realistic way. It's also more amateur, and raw, and less tampered with (no script), so naturally it seems more real. A very worthwhile DVD, part of a double feature, along with The Hooked Generation. Even a commentary track is provided by Frank Henenlotter, and director William Grefe', which was lovely, although, they did spend 90% of the duration talking about other stuff, which is a shame, considering how unknown this film is. Nonetheless, Electric Shades Of Grey is a pleasant, little gem for those who don't take life (or movies) too seriously, but also for those with a sentimental side, and maybe a soft spot for drug/hippie movies with heart. 7/10
Electric Shades of Grey begins in a way that a movie of this type should, with an accidental acid trip. A polite but rather self-righteous priest, with questionable hair named John drinks some cola spiked by some fun-lovin' hippie kids. After an extremely mind-bending day, bewildered and discouraged with religion, and life in general John quits the church and embarks on a road trip of self-discovery. After a while, John comes across a hitchhiker, a gorgeous hippie chick named Sunny. Of course he gives her a ride, the two hit it off just fine, deciding to hang together, camping out at night, getting high, really enjoying life. After an intense day involving birth, death and racism, Sunny professes her love for John. To her, John represents what love is all about. Unfortunately our ex-priest is seemingly still a bit cranky over his mind being shattered by LSD and whatnot, so not only does he turn the poor girl down, but he's rather cruel about it. Heartbroken, Sunny cuts out early the next morning, before John is awake, and naturally, after it's too late, our bewildered priest has a change of heart and from then on dedicates the remainder of his road trip to reuniting with Sunny, a potential soul mate. Does he find her? Does he just get high and give up? Or does everything just go straight to hell? To find out, pick up this under-appreciated obscurity from the good people at Something Weird Video.
Electric Shades of Grey aka The Psychedelic Priest is a masterpiece. no offense to the late, great Dennis Hopper but Forget about Easy Rider. Electric Shades of Grey represents that era in a much deeper, more realistic way. It's also more amateur, and raw, and less tampered with (no script), so naturally it seems more real. A very worthwhile DVD, part of a double feature, along with The Hooked Generation. Even a commentary track is provided by Frank Henenlotter, and director William Grefe', which was lovely, although, they did spend 90% of the duration talking about other stuff, which is a shame, considering how unknown this film is. Nonetheless, Electric Shades Of Grey is a pleasant, little gem for those who don't take life (or movies) too seriously, but also for those with a sentimental side, and maybe a soft spot for drug/hippie movies with heart. 7/10