As Might Be Expected in a Film About an Avant-Garde Musician, ‘Eno’ Comes With a Twist

To help convince Brian Eno to participate, director Gary Hustwit and a colleague, Brendan Dawes, invented a software system that allowed for ‘a film [that] can continue to change and evolve over the coming months and years.’

Via Film First, Tiger Lily
Brian Eno in 'Eno.' Via Film First, Tiger Lily

In the tradition of “Percepto” and “Odorama,” director Gary Hustwit’s “Eno” comes with a gimmick. Granted, it’s unlike that used for William Castle’s “The Tingler” (1959), wherein buzzers were applied to selected seats in movie theaters in order to simulate the sensation caused by the title monster. Nor is it like the scratch-and-sniff card that accompanied John Waters’s “Polyester” (1981), a cinematic aid meant to embellish the film’s mise en scène. Mr. Hustwit’s gimmick is less kitschy but just as conducive to the film’s subject. 

Brian Eno is a musician whose contributions to the broader culture will be familiar even if you’re not sure how to place the name. He was a founding member of the glam rock outfit Roxy Music, and a collaborative producer who’s worked with musicians like John Cale, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Devo, Paul Simon, and U2. Mr. Eno’s backlog of solo albums is impressive. So, too, is his ability to synthesize a daunting array of prescribed adjectives into a three-second sound — that is to say, the opening chime of Windows 95.

Enter your email to read this article.

Get 2 free articles when you subscribe.

or
Have an account? This is also a sign-in form.
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use