The Cosmic Dope - A Plant Experience

overview

Two scientists test an unknown orchid species for psychedelic properties. Presented as an episode of an educational series about tripping, this short film by Brazilian director, Clemente, is a visual feast of production design, costuming, and composition. A narrator walks us through as a test subject — a young woman named Nancy Clark (played by Karen Tribess) — prepares herself for the mind-altering experiment to “transcend the edges of the known world” with strict monitoring of diet and exercise. Once injected with the cosmic dope, the effects kick in — she floats through the sky and bikes on clouds. But back at the lab, something appears haywire. Oops! “The Cosmic Dope” is a stylish send-up / delightful re-imagination of TV productions of the 1960's.