BRUCE CHARLESWORTH
THE HAPPINESS EFFECT
FILM AND VIDEO
Video still from The Happiness Effect, 2001/2004
THE HAPPINESS EFFECT centers on a politician's visit to a grade school classroom. He gives a lesson in spin control using a parable about a shunned puppy who triumphs through willpower and self-deceit.
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In May 2001, Charlesworth filmed Despot, a near-identical trial version of his monologue in The Happiness Effect. The live action portion of The Happiness Effect was shot on a classroom set in the artist's studio six months later, shortly after the events of 9/11. Although some of the monologue relates to the pervasive jingoism of that period, the central themes of personal imperialism and responsibility reflect an array of international political machinations from the Nixon/Kissinger era forward.
Charlesworth added his illustrations for the "sad puppy" sequence in early 2004.
The complete video:
The Happiness Effect, 2001/2004, digital video, 9:56
Script, Direction: Bruce Charlesworth
Camera: Peter Rudrud
Audio: Colleen Ludwig
Production Assistant: Mickey Johnson
CAST: Bruce Charlesworth