Mock Up on Mu

Mock Up on Mu is an intriguing avant-garde film by American filmmaker Craig Baldwin released in the year 2008. The film, which gains attention for its unique blend of science fiction and real historical figures and events, features a commendable work of actors like Stoney Burke, Jeri Lynn Cohen, and David Cox.

Mock Up on Mu is a compelling feature film that does an exceptional job of blurring the lines between fact and fiction, history, and future, redefining the normal cinematic constructs. In Baldwin's universe, the historical and fictitious characters from the mid-20th century find themselves intertwined in a subversive narrative that challenges the boundaries of traditional film genres.

Stoney Burke plays the role of Jack Parsons who was a real-life charismatic rocket scientist and occultist. Jack is known in history as one of the founders of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is credited with inventing solid rocket fuel, a crucial aspect in space exploration. But besides his scientific achievements, Jack’s interest in the occult leads to a complex and intriguing fictional narrative in the film.

Jeri Lynn Cohen, performing as Marjorie Cameron who was an actual figure, is seen as a compelling femme fatale. Cameron was an artist, poet, and occultist, frequently linked with Parsons in the annals of history for their supposed magical rituals. In the film, she is portrayed as an agent on a ceaseless quest under Parsons' guidance.

David Cox dons the character of L. Ron Hubbard, the famed and controversial founder of Scientology. Cox's portrayal brings an element of dark humor and eccentricity to the character, intertwining it with the narrative of Parsons and Cameron. Hubbard's role is placed into an interconnected web of storylines, contributing to a larger exploration of power, belief, and manipulation in the film.

The plot of Mock Up on Mu is more a surreal, fantastical interpretation of history rather than an accurate retelling. Yet, Baldwin ensures each character's real-world counterpart is given rightful consideration, thus ensuring historical integrity in his narrative. The extravaganza of characters and entwining threads promise viewers a fascinating ride through espionage, cultural critics, covert operations, and exotic spacescapes.

A notable aspect of this cinematic gem lies in its innovative production style. The film is constructed from a collage of stock footage, creating an assemblage of narrative, historical, industrial, and old movie clips. This allows Baldwin to weave a rich tapestry of enigmatic imagery and establish a unique narrative style that becomes a hallmark of the film.

The film's title, "Mu," according to theosophists, refers to a lost continent that supposedly existed in the Pacific Ocean, a place of ancient and advanced civilization. This concept unknowingly embodies the film's basic ethos - an eternal search for a forgotten or hidden truth. The film employs numerous thematic twists like magical occult, corporate power, science advancements, and regime control, making it an onslaught of political and social commentary.

Visually, Mock Up on Mu embraces a raw, almost punk aesthetic. Its visual design is appealing in its chaos, starkly contrasting with slick, polished mainstream cinema. In this manner, the film might feel somewhat disorienting or chaotic to first-time viewers, but its compelling narrative and Baldwin's ingenious storytelling command viewer's attention, making it worth the ride.

In Mock Up on Mu, Baldwin takes some of the most fascinating, albeit controversial, figures from American history, transplants them into a world of science fiction, and invites the audience to reconsider the tales they think they know. The film envelops its audience into an unconventional, weirdly humorous, and utterly absorbing journey where fiction and reality intertwine in the most mesmerizing way.

This movie is a marked chapter in experimental filmmaking, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how narratives can be spun into a web of reality, and vice versa. The result is a cinematic experience that, for all its presumed chaos, offers a witty, sharp commentary on various facets of culture and history.

Mock Up on Mu may be a substantial departure from your typical film experience, but therein lies its charm. It's cryptic, chaotic, and incredibly thought-provoking, making it a must-see for those with an affinity for the eclectic and non-linear narrative.