M a r t i n X S. X G o t f r i t XXXXXXXX[works]
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a feature film directed by Patricia Gruben
Released in 1984, low visibility is a 16mm, feature length experimental drama starring the late Larry Lillo. Found wandering in a daze on a remote highway, he appears to be a brain-damaged survivor from the crash of a small plane. Much of the film takes place in the hospital where various care-givers (notably Brenda Robins and Penelope Stella - seen below) try to reach through his aphasia to discover the truth.
Much of the sound design was created using a Serge analog synthesizer as well as classical tape music techniques. The music was created with the Serge as well as a DX7 frequency modulation synthesizer, electric guitar and violin. It was produced at the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Centre for the Arts Electronic Music Studio with 4 track reel-reel machines and mastered to 35 mm magnetic film. One of the great challenges of the project was the need to keep the main character (nicknamed Dr. Bones by the nurses) a cipher while creating a meaningful music score. For example in the scene pictured below, Dr. Bones/Larry walks along a corridor to music that must not reveal whether his inner thoughts.
This first cue (violin, DX7, Serge) appears under the scene of Larry sitting on the bed with his back to the camera.
This cue, titled "bird corridor" supports the scene shown above. DX7 and Serge
"The blue lights fade, and it's all only blue" is the music under the final scenes of the film and the end titles. In addition to the DX7 and the Serge, the sound of the airplane is actually an electric guitar.