Cinecity: The Man Whose Mind Exploded

Drako Oho Zarhazar was a real outsider living in Kemp Town, not merely dressing daftly to grab attention but truly not caring what people thought and living life however he wanted to. Although this determined individualism makes for an entertaining character (who used shoe polish to shine his moustache and regularly twisted his nipples for pleasure while in company), the film doesn’t shy away from examining how his amnesia affected his relationships with family and friends. More director Toby Amies’ artistic portrait of Drako and the relationship between them than a straight documentary, the film focuses on his final years and mostly leaves his colourful, hedonistic past to the audience’s imagination. Amies’ personal approach ensures that the audience feels like they get to know Zarhazar in a more meaningful way, as opposed to feeling like a remote celebrity or a quirky character. We can only hope that future attempts to recreate Drako’s superb, cluttered, phallous-filled apartment are successful so more people can attempt to step inside the mind of a truly unique, funny man.

Duke’s At Komedia, 28 November 2013

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