Ma Bell
Paul McCarthy’s Ma Bell (1971/1972) is an early, visceral performance video featuring the artist in a room filled with black motor oil and telephone books. It is a "Black & White Tape" where McCarthy uses the oil as paint to cover a telephone book, involving a shift from controlled, conceptual action to a chaotic, "insane" persona. The piece represents his early exploration of using his body, food, and industrial liquids to create transgressive, psychological performances.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1971 |
| Director | Paul McCarthy |
| Runtime | 7 min. |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
Ma Bell is an acquired taste at 0.0/10. We recommend checking the trailer and synopsis before diving in.
Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.
A classic from 1971. They don't make them like this anymore — which is exactly why you should watch it. Best for: genre fans and those open to something unconventional.
— MovieFinder Editorial
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