Actually, before I begin, I have to make a plug: our pals at CollegeStories.com have just published Class Dismissed: 75 Outrageous, Mind-Expanding College Exploits (and Lessons That Won't Be on the Final). It's a collection of funny stories submitted by their readers -- just like the kinds of stories you enjoy here, except they're about the aspects of college beyond the dorm bathrooms. And if you open the front cover, you'll see a bunch of blurbs right there on the first page -- including one written by a certain "Dave" from a certain website you know and love.
Now, on to Le Petomane. If you've seen Moulin Rouge, you know that there was quite a live-entertainment scene in Paris of the 1890s. One entertainer you may not know is Joseph Pujol, aka Le Petomane -- "The Fart Maniac." According to Wikipedia, "some of the highlights of his stage act involved playing a flute through a rubber tube in his anus and farting sound effects of cannon fire and thunderstorms. He could also blow out a candle from several yards away." Le Petomane was, as you might imagine, a huge star. He's since disappeared into the annals of history—but he may be making a comeback. Because a film about Le Petomane is making the rounds of the festivals. Steven Ochs, the filmmaker, has uploaded a clip specifically for us PoopReporters to enjoy. He writes:
"First, I would like to thank Dave for bending the rules a bit to include Le Petomane on PoopReport. The site is, by definition, dedicated to all things poopified, but this film has no actual substance to its tonal shittiness. Indeed, the character for which the project is named not only avoids bearing fruit during his windy egresses, but his gas is, in fact, in no way created by the starch fermentation that might fill the bowels of a normal fartiste. Joseph Pujol's unique backside took in and released air in measured increments -- thus producing amazing and humorous noises.
"The clip posted for your pleasure is a peek at my thirty-minute short film that follows the lives of two men: Joseph Pujol and Dr. Marcel Baudouin.
"Dr. Baudouin was scientifically obsessed with Joseph's "instrument" and pursued him doggedly for many years, ultimately resulting in his undoing. Meanwhile, Joseph's lady love, Elizabeth, finds his magnificent gift unthinkably nasty, and must overcome her distain to accept his heart. Love versus bodily functions: a constant theme on PoopReport, if I'm not mistaken.
"By the time "fin" is projected on the screen, Pujol has narrowly escaped death, secured the love of his life and has found his place in history headlining at the legendary Moulin Rouge. With its full-blown historical staging and stubbornly deadpan comedic approach, Le Petomane is a very different kind of film. To see it in its entirety, join us at MySpace.com/lepetomanefilm and subscribe to our blog, which will list all upcoming screening events.
"Also, a visit to LePetomaneFilm.com will offer you more insights and a couple of touching scenes from the film."
Quite a few independent filmmakers have forwarded their films to us over the years, but I have yet to see one with the production quality that this clip promises. It seems not sophomoric but rather genuinely entertaining. I can't wait to see the whole thing.
